Principal's Message

Examinations

The Semester One Examinations for Years 8 - 12 students have now been completed. Having prepared adequately, students have achieved results that truly reflect their abilities. Similarly, students in Year 7 will have sat significant class-based subject tests as part of their ongoing assessment schedules. At times students can often find this aspect of schooling quite stressful. However, gaining familiarisation with examination techniques, understanding the style and length of respective assessment papers and appreciating the need to adopt a systematic and consistent approach to study and revision all help to minimise the anxiety associated with future assessments. 

It is a timely reminder for all students to return their focus on the three components of Home Learning presented at the College. Home Learning (Studies) must comprise Consolidation Tasks, Study and Revision. All three elements are required at various times and in different contexts. A brief outline of Home Learning can be found below, and further expanded on pages 41 and 42 of the Student Secondary Diary. This could be an excellent point of discussion for all parents to have with their son/s at home.  

At Trinity College, our philosophy is to give students many opportunities to sit examinations as they journey through school. With practice, students learn to better prepare for such formal assessments and reduce the anxieties that can sometimes be associated with them. I am very grateful to the teachers who work hard to ensure that all our examinations, particularly those more formal examinations prepared for Years 10 to 12, replicate a similar format and length as that of the WACE examinations (ATAR Courses) and the WACE Externally Set Tasks (General Courses) that students are likely to complete as they progress towards graduation in Year 12. While ‘practice’ (study and revision) may not necessarily ‘make perfect’, we acknowledge that practice certainly increases the likelihood of improved outcomes. The reward comes through hard work and commitment.

The results of this set of examinations are significant and will influence a student’s overall performance and grade in each respective Course. More importantly, students should use their examination results as a catalyst to improve their standing for Semester Two. Adding a consistently applied matrix for assessing Student Work Attributes and the associated calculation of a student’s Attribute Point Average (APA) will help set academic goals. 

The APA provides a general picture of how well a student engages in their schoolwork, behaves in class, contributes to the learning process, relates positively to peers and staff, manages their own learning, and strives for personal excellence. With the right attitude, a determined approach and consistent application to home studies, considerable improvement can be achieved in the coming semester. 

Live Jesus in our hearts.

Mr. Darren O'Neill 

Principal