Brookhill

                    Mr David Murphy

As we approach the end of first term, it is time for Brookhill students to look back on the year so far, take stock of what they have achieved and set themselves goals for the term ahead.

House Swimming Carnival

In first term, the Senior School represented itself with distinction at the House Swimming carnival. Staff were very impressed with the cooperative and friendly atmosphere and positive interaction between staff and students.

Study Skills Seminars

On the academic side, all Brookhill students have participated in Study Skills seminars provided by Elevate Education. This program is now well established at Aitken College; staff and students are in agreement that the work done by the presenters from Elevate has been of great benefit to all participants. Ideas raised in these seminars will be followed up at school through the Lifeskills and study class program as a part of the College’s commitment to improving all aspects of academic performance. Now is an important time for goal setting, as students still have plenty of time to take steps towards achieving their goals. I would like to take this opportunity to remind Year 11 and Year 12 students of the following advice contained in the Student Elevation seminar:

• To exist, a goal must be written down. You do not have to show anyone, but you must write it down.
• You are not likely to exceed your goals; whilst setting goals is the first step in achievement, setting them too low can limit your progress. Make sure your goals are realistic, but be ambitious: if you need an ATAR of 80 to get into your course, set your goal at 85 or 86 and work towards this.
• Once you set a goal, break it down by identifying the things you must achieve along the way. An overall goal should be broken down into sub-goals; each of these can be achieved through practical tasks and activities. An overall academic goal should be de-constructed to identify marks needed on each task; this, in turn, can become completion of specific homework tasks, meetings with teachers, identification and rectification of weak areas.