Middle Years 

Since our return to school, I have been impressed with how students have been getting on with each other and noted their positive interactions. Students have been playing brilliantly at lunchtime, and in a nutshell our students are delightful. Students have been polite and well-mannered, and I would like to congratulate them on their manners. 

Uniforms

Some of the girls’ dresses are too short, and jewellery needs removing. I would ask parents to address these issues with their daughters. Nail polish is not permitted. If boys wear their grey pants, they must wear a tie, as they can’t wear their open shirt.

Getting Organised 

Effective study habits -means studying smarter -- can be learned to improve your ability to better retain reading material. These habits include approaching study with the right attitude, choosing the right environment, minimizing distractions, setting a realistic schedule, and employing memory games, among others…..

Term 4 is always busy, and I would encourage students to get organised. The examinations are approaching, and I recommend that students start compiling their notes and revising from Week 6, this gives them a good amount of preparation time. I have been helping several classes with their organisation, and I reminded students of the need to spend time getting organised (we often refer to this as executive function). Being an organised student will save you time in the long run. 

Organisational Tips

• Use your Record Book properly.
• Make sure you keep informed - be aware of assessment dates.
• Have a simple filing system – Clean out your folders.  Use manila folders to store class notes, handouts. Use your OneNote to help with revision. Throw out unwanted sheets that are no longer relevant to your learning.    
• Back up your work - always back up important files to your own USB stick or the cloud.
• Make a term plan - Summary of your commitments.
• Write a weekly summary - allocate specific time for studying, sport, free time.
• Get enough sleep and have good bedtime routines. It important to be well rested and alert. Pack bags the night before. Turn off all devices at least one hour before bed. 

Notetaking tips

• Write the notes in specific revision notebooks. 
• Review notes within minutes of writing them. 
• Review the same notes 24 hours later. Review the same notes twice a week.
• These steps only take 5-10 minutes.

Note Taking is a skill…

• Notes are often too long. 
• Use your own words. 
• Use trigger headings. 
• Use colour to highlight notes.
• Make mind maps.

When memorising new material, students are encouraged to; 

• Turn phones off. 
• Work in a low noise. 
• Have no interruptions. 
• Sit at a desk. 
• Short sessions are better - 10 minutes on/10 minutes off. 
• Don’t multitask – you can’t have full attention on what you are doing.

Mrs Julia Winter Cooke

Head of Middle Years