Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning
Learning for Life
At The Hamilton and Alexandra College we work hard to support your child to learn and make progress in all areas of the curriculum. Last week the NAPLAN Results for students in years 3,5,7 and 9 were published. The NAPLAN results offer a snapshot of student achievement and complement the work we do with our student community at the College. We are pleased to report that students have demonstrated progress across all areas of testing. Our continuous remote learning program has evolved to support the needs of our students. And as a staff we look forward to working closely with the data to inform our teaching.
Next week the Term 3 reports will be released. I would urge parents to take this opportunity to review the report with their child. On the report you will see:
- Course Descriptions
- Assessment Grades
- Learning Behaviour Dots
- Student Parent Teacher Interview Request
Ask your son or daughter to discuss with you the learning behaviours and how they experience this in the classroom. Do they use class time effectively and contribute meaningfully to classroom discussion? Are they able to demonstrate organisational skills to complete all set work? Do they respond positively to feedback, use digital devices respectfully and generally offer a positive attitude to learning?
As you meet with your child and initiate a conversation about learning, what you are doing is teaching your child important life skills. The importance of being able to reflect and review, to connect their inner and outer world and develop skills that will guide them at school and beyond. Do they know that they can say, "I need help"? Are they aware that it is okay to fail, to fall and get up again? Do they know that you are proud of them?
Ariane de Bonvoisin's TED talk "The skills we need to teach our kids" affirms these ideas. As she considers her own child, she says that life will be the biggest exam her son will sit. And indeed, our work at college is about partnering with you, the parents of our students, to engage, encourage and extend each young person so that they have the skills to live and learn well. Next time you sit down for a coffee, listen to Bonvoisin and her message for creating a culture around learning that is meaningful.
Ariane de Bonvoisin: The skills we need to teach our kids
Susan Bradbeer
Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning