Acting Head of Senior Years

Exams, assessments and learning – an end of Semester reflection 

This week the Years 10 and 11 students have completed Semester 1 exams for their subjects. While the words ‘exams’ or ‘examinations’ seems to bring up feelings of nervousness or anxiety, in truth, an exam is simply one way of assessing someone’s learning. 

Teachers attach the words ‘summative assessment’ to tasks like exams and that simply means that they are attempting to assess all or most of the things taught during a specific time. For some, it seems being held accountable for all that has been taught and learned overwhelming, when it is really an opportunity for one to demonstrate his or her understanding and learning. It is important that we do not fear assessment because that allows us to see how well we are doing with something and then we can adjust to improve in the future. 

As students get their exam results and feedback from them, it is another opportunity – one for reflection. Looking back at how they prepared for the assessment, how they practiced for the assessment, and how they went. While the percentage result is one aspect of the outcome, the learning process is another.  

 End of Semester – rest and reset 

The end of the Semester provides the opportunity for a rest and a reset. This has been the first ‘normal’ Semester in 2 years and as we near the end, everyone is tired because they have worked hard. Thankfully, the term break provides time for a rest. May you be refreshed and renewed for the next Semester. 

This is also a good time to reflect on how work was done in this past Semester – what was good, what was bad, and how could improvements be made. And that provides an opportunity to reset and be ready for this upcoming Semester. May you reflect and reset for the new challenges of Semester 2, 2022.  

May you feel the rest that God provides and the opportunity to reset for what is next! 

Esports expert panel discussion with his Year 10 Digital Technologies class

On Friday in Week 7 (June 10), the Year 10 Digital Technologies students were paid a virtual visit by Esports tournament organisers Zac Latham and Trent McCrow from McCrow Media, as the students prepare to host a tournament of their own.

Zac, from Yonder Esports, was able to highlight the importance of working with partners, drawing from their experience working with Wyndham Youth Services and CSEN (Christian Schools Events Network) running tournaments funded by players or from external support.

Trent provided insightful advice on engaging viewers, offering true value-add propositions to sponsors, and funnelling users to a central, strong information platform. 

Students ended the call feeling validated with many of the decisions already made, as well as inspired with what steps they could take next to ensure a rich tournament experience for GNLC students.

Rhys Gannell