Dean of Studies

Looking To The Future - Part 2

As previously discussed, The Education Council of Australia report (“Looking To the Future. A Report Of The Review Of Senior Secondary Pathways Into Work, Further Education and Training.”) has identified eight key outcomes that are the foundation for success beyond school. These outcomes are evident in much that the College currently provides as part of a broader, holistic education journey.

All students will leave with essential skills.

“Secondary schooling will prepare young people for their future roles in the workforce and as active and engaged members of civil society.” School provides the foundation for students to develop the capabilities and enthusiasm to keep on learning throughout their lives. The report highlights four key areas of focus that includes: 

1. Learning areas (selected by students on the basis of their interests and passions)
2. Foundational skills development (literacy, numeracy, digital literacy)
3. Capability development, personal growth and ethical responsibilities
4. Career education and work exploration activities.

All students will leave with a Learner Profile.

The report suggests that the ATAR will continue to play a role in university selection processes, and acknowledges that education institutions and providers are moving towards assessing student performance in a range of subject disciplines. Participation and involvement in Student Ministry, service and other co-curricular offerings at the College enhances a broader set of skills, capabilities and experience that students gained by the time they leave school. 

All pathways will be equally respected. All students will benefit from informed decision-making.

“The workforce of the future will require a range of skills and people with different types of qualifications. All students will be encouraged to pursue excellence and follow their passions and interests when selecting their subjects for Years 11 and 12 and considering post-school pathways.” 

The College’s career guidance and subject selection structures aim to provide reliable and targeted information and resources for students, parents, careers advisers, educators and employers. The ongoing tracking and updating of student progress provides reliable data for informed decision-making with regards to the pursuit of academic and educational areas of interest.

All schools will have strong partnerships with industry.

“Meaningful, productive and mutually agreed engagement between industry and schools will be central to the education of senior secondary students.” The scope for students to undertake work experience, and attend work placements reinforces and sustains partnerships with local employers. For many young people, being prepared for future success may mean greater flexibility to move between higher education and vocational training providers, and greater appreciation of the value of work-based learning. 

All students will be provided with equal opportunities for success.

The opportunity for students to determine the best pathway and choice of courses, combined with a robust co-curricular program assist students to be responsive to their educational and formation needs. Targeted interventions that support students at risk of disengagement, at all points in their learning, supports a culture at St Norbert College where all members of the school community work towards achieving personal excellence.

Government policies will be informed by evidence.

The allocation of government funding on education should aim to ‘get the biggest bang for its buck’. As a College, the way we prepare students for their futures is guided by the mandates and legislation that are informed by educational authorities. 

In summary, a student’s learner profile at St Norbert College should continue to value the achievement of personal excellence, tracking and monitoring of student progress, identifying and developing areas of strength and interest, appreciate the broad offerings provided, and value making and contributing to the school community to build relationships and networks for future success in life beyond school. 

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Parent Event – Guest speaker Paul Litherland

The College is hosting a free seminar, “Surf Online Safe” on Tuesday, 8 September, organised on behalf of the Parent Committee. The purpose of the seminar is to promote awareness of cyber-safety and provide information and strategies for keeping children and young people safe, in order to be well-prepared to navigate the online world.

The St Norbert College Parent Committee Chairperson, Dr Paul Costantino, encourages all parents and carers to attend as, “This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for St Norbert College parents.” Mr Litherland is a former police officer and expert in online fraud who delivers Surf Online Safe to schools in Western Australia. One of his strengths as a presenter is his ability to deliver honest and direct insights with regards to becoming more cyber-aware.

The Surf Online Safe (SOS) seminar will take place on Tuesday, 8 September from 7:00pm to 8.30pm and reservations are essential. To complete your registration, please use the following link: www.trybooking.com/BKUSI

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Elevate Education – Free Webinar

Elevate Education are offering a free webinar with an emphasis on the importance of independent learning and studying smarter, not just harder. The details are as follows: Elevate Education – Smart Work. Tuesday,  

1 September 6:00pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time]

Click here to reserve your seat

WACE Checker – Year 12

The time is fast approaching for Year 12 students to complete all course requirements and commence the final preparations for course completion and Graduation. The WACE Checker https://wacechecker.scsa.wa.edu.au is an important online tool that students can use to track and update their WACE Graduation status. For students in other years, this resource may be used to set goals for academic achievement in preparation for the senior years.

How do I achieve the WACE Graduation?

OLNA (Round 2, 2020)

For students required to attend the OLNA, please note the days and times as follows:

Examination Timetable – Year 12 

The Year 12 (Semester Two) Examinations will take place in Cappenburg (C1 – C3) unless otherwise specified. Students are expected to be wearing their Academic (Summer) Uniform, and arrive at least twenty minutes prior to the commencement time of the examination.

Mr R Dowling (Dean of Studies)