Learning & Teaching News

As we move through the second half of Term 3, the colder weather and shorter days remind us to slow down and appreciate opportunities for learning, connection and reflection. The winter season provides a wonderful excuse to gather around the table with a warm meal or simply a warm drink and share stories about our days. These conversations help strengthen relationships and provide valuable insight into the experiences and achievements of our young people.

Learning at St Peter’s College

It has been a busy and rewarding term for students at St Peter's College. Over recent weeks, students have enthusiastically immersed themselves in a wide range of opportunities, including Book in a Day, Science Week activities, interschool sports, debating competitions, leadership days and Feast Day Mass celebrations. As a new member of the Science team this year, one personal highlight during Science Week was the lunchtime spectacular, where students eagerly compared eyeballs, hearts, brains, kidneys and lungs during a series of dissections. It was fascinating to watch students' reactions, ranging from curiosity and amazement to a little squeamishness, as they examined structures, wondered which animal they came from and what we learn from dissections versus reading textbooks and looking at diagrams. I have to admit, it was tricky to focus at times with the whoops coming from the chemical reactions, the sparks flying from the Van der Graaf Generator and tea bag rockets floating around! The excitement, discussion and questions generated during these sessions were a wonderful reminder that learning often happens best when students are actively exploring and experiencing the world around them. 

Alongside these experiences, students and teachers have remained focused on the core work of learning. Across all subject areas, classrooms have been vibrant places where students are developing their knowledge, skills and understanding, while embracing challenges and working towards their learning goals. Our teachers are using a consistent four-stage lesson structure: Introduction, Modelling, Guided Practice, and Reflection.

A key part of this process is Modelling, where teachers demonstrate and discuss their thinking to help students understand new concepts and skills. You can reinforce this learning at home by asking your child to explain their thinking in subjects such as Mathematics, Languages, The Arts, English, Humanities, Technology, Religion or Science. Talking about how they learn helps students develop confidence, understanding, and independence as learners.

It is hard to believe that our Year 12 students are already preparing for their practice examinations, which will commence in less than three weeks. As these important milestones draw closer, teachers are working closely with students, providing ongoing advice, study strategies and support to help them prepare with confidence. Classrooms are filled with revision activities, exam techniques and opportunities for students to apply their knowledge under exam conditions as they continue to refine their understanding. The commitment being shown by both students and teachers is a testament to the determination and dedication that characterises our senior years. Practice exams provide a valuable opportunity for students to identify strengths, address areas for improvement and continue building confidence ahead of their final examinations. If you were to walk past a Year 12 classroom at the moment, you would likely hear discussions about the final area of study, the last SAC date, example exam questions, study plans and effective revision strategies as students and teachers work together towards this important stage of the year. We encourage parents to continue these conversations at home, showing interest in what their child is learning, helping them establish healthy study routines and reminding them that consistent effort over time is the key to success.

Parents and carers can play an important role in helping young people navigate study and assessment periods. This Headspace resource provides practical advice on preparing for exams, creating healthy study routines, and managing stress.

🔗 Headspace Resource: How to Prepare for Exams & Reduce Stress

Year 12 students are also encouraged to access the VCAA Student Resources hub for past examination papers, study designs, assessment information, study score explanations and important VCE updates.

🔗 VCAA Student Resources: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/student-resources

Building connections

A key opportunity for families to engage in the learning journey is our upcoming Student Learning Conferences on Tuesday 1 September. These conferences provide students and parents with the opportunity to receive feedback on progress made throughout Term 3, discuss achievements and challenges, ask questions, and seek advice about the next steps required for successful growth and development through to the end of Term 4. The focus is on what students can do, what they need to develop, and how they can continue to grow. We encourage all families to make the most of this valuable opportunity to engage with their child's learning. 

Reflection opportunities

Regular engagement with SPACE continues to play an important role in supporting student success. When students are absent from school, it is essential that they check their class SPACE pages for visual schedules, lesson resources and learning activities so they can keep up to date with their coursework. 

All students and parents will benefit from accessing the Activity Feed on SPACE, as teachers are continually uploading feedback to provide ongoing insights into student progress and achievement. While exploring SPACE, keep an eye out for the growing number of Badges being awarded to students. These badges recognise and celebrate achievements across a variety of areas, including learning, extracurricular involvement, community engagement and personal development. They provide a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the many ways our students contribute to the life of St Peter's College.

As the cold winter days start to disappear and spring emerges, we are reminded that growth is often not immediately visible. Like the changing seasons, learning takes time, persistence and care. Every lesson, every challenge and every opportunity to receive and act on feedback contributes to the development of our students as learners and young people. We appreciate the important role our families play in supporting student learning. The conversations, encouragement and guidance that occur at home make a meaningful difference in helping students develop confidence, resilience and success as learners. We look forward to celebrating their continued growth and achievements throughout the remainder of the year.

Rosalie Harding

Pedagogical Coach