Learning & Teaching News
Student Learning Conferences
Over the past week, many parents and students either attended the school in person or participated online in Student Learning Conferences (SLCs). It was pleasing to see the number of people who engaged in this very important opportunity to support your child in their learning. After the disruption of the last three years, it is clear that the pre-COVID numbers are returning which is pleasing to see. A survey of staff and parents in late 2021 indicated that a significant number of people wanted to maintain the option of online SLCs and we will continue to maintain this while sufficient people are utilising this mode of communication. If staff were absent or you were unable to make an appointment with a teacher, please contact the College. Our professional teachers consider it an important part of their role to communicate with parents on the progress of all their students and welcome your involvement.
Maths Pathways Program
This week, all parents will receive a Google Survey about the Maths Pathways program. This program is run in all our Years 7 & 8 Mathematics classes at both campuses and as primarily a homework program for Year 9 XSPAND students at Clyde North Campus. As part of our review of this program, it is important to listen to the experience of parents and guardians as they have watched their child engage with Maths Pathways. Please feel free to complete this survey at your earliest convenience. It will close on Friday 12 May.
GAT
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the upcoming General Achievement Test (GAT) for all Victorian students undertaking VCE and VCE VM studies. The 2023 GAT will be held on Thursday, June 15th, and all students undertaking Unit 3 & 4 VCE, Senior VCAL and those studying a Unit 3 & 4 VET must attend. It is essential that students arrive on time and bring the necessary equipment, including pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, and a calculator. Please note that mobile phones and other electronic devices are not permitted in the examination room. We encourage all students to take the GAT seriously and to prepare thoroughly for the assessment. The GAT is an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, and to show how they have developed throughout their VCE studies. Completing the GAT can have several benefits, including:
1. Preparation for other standardized tests: The skills required to do well on the GAT, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis, are transferable to other standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.
2. Improved academic performance: By taking the GAT, students can gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses in various subjects. This can help them to focus their efforts on areas where they need more support, leading to improved academic performance.
3. Better university prospects: Some universities in Australia use the GAT as a selection criterion for their courses, particularly those that are in high demand. Doing well on the GAT can therefore increase a student's chances of being accepted into their desired course.
4. Enhanced employability: From 2022, VCE and VCAL students will receive a statement of their GAT results, which will indicate whether they have ‘not demonstrated’, ‘demonstrated’ or ‘demonstrated at a high level’ literacy and numeracy standards. Employers in some industries may ask for GAT scores as an indicator of a candidate's aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving. Having a strong GAT score can therefore improve a student's employability in these industries.
5. Personal development: The GAT is designed to challenge students and push them to think critically about a range of complex issues. Completing the test can therefore help students to develop important skills such as resilience, perseverance, and self-motivation.
At St. Peter's College, we are committed to supporting our students as they prepare for the GAT and for their future studies and careers. We offer a range of resources and programs, including study skills workshops, individual tutoring, and online resources, to help students achieve their best results. We wish all students the best of luck in the upcoming GAT, and we look forward to seeing the great results that our students will achieve.
STUDY TIPS
As we move into Term 2, we hope you are feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges of the new semester. At St. Peter's College, we are committed to supporting you throughout your academic journey, and we encourage you to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you. One of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success is to stay organised and manage your time effectively.
Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Create a weekly schedule: Use a planner or digital tool to map out your schedule for the week, including classes, homework, and any other commitments.
Prioritise your assignments: Identify the most important or time-sensitive assignments and make sure you allocate enough time to complete them.
Break down large assignments: If you have a big project or essay, break it down into smaller tasks and set deadlines for each part.
Take regular breaks: It's important to take breaks to recharge and avoid burnout. Try to take a 10-15 minute break every hour or so to stretch, move around, or grab a snack.
Stay connected with your peers: Building a strong support network is key to academic success. Connect with your classmates, join study groups, and reach out to your teachers for extra help if needed.
Remember, staying organised and managing your time effectively is a key component of academic success. We wish you all the best in your studies and encourage you to reach out to your teachers and support staff if you need any assistance.
REVISION LECTURES
As we enter the final stages of Semester 1, it's essential to stay on top of your exam preparation. One way to help you stay focused and prepare for exams is by attending revision lectures. These lectures can be a valuable tool in your exam preparation, and we encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities available to you.
Mr David Hansen
Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching