Learning and Teaching News

NAPLAN – Years 7 and 9

In Weeks 8 and 9, students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will sit the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests. These assessments play a crucial role in evaluating your child's academic progress and identifying areas for improvement. 

Please see the timetable for NAPLAN outlined below.

If you have any NAPLAN specific questions, please reach out to Mrs Jess Turschwell, Middle School Academic Care, via email - turschwellj@marash.qld.edu.au or Mrs Roxanne Rosenberg (Acting Deputy Head of College), via email – rosenbergr@marash.qld.edu.au

Maths Escape Room and Amazing Race

On Tuesday 20 February 2024, Year 8 and Year 9 Extension Maths students took part in a Maths Enrichment Incursion. Teams of four boys engaged in two activities, starting with The Amazing Maths Race. They tackled Mathematical puzzles specific to countries they 'visited,' including Egypt, China, Arabia, Greece, India, France, Brazil, and the Americas. The race challenged their persistence in solving puzzles and deciphering clues, with incorrect answers leading to roadblocks or time penalties.

Lions Youth of the Year

This week Remy Versace (Year 12) will represent the College in the Lions Youth of the Year Competition in Ashgrove. The Lions Youth of the Year is an annual program conducted by Lions Clubs International in Australia. It is designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements and leadership qualities of young people in the community. We wish Remy all the best of luck during the speech evening on Tuesday Night. 

Year 7 Tutoring 

Just a reminder that our Year 12 Academic Captains are running tutoring for the Year 7 boys on Wednesday afternoons (3:15pm-4:15pm) in Room 105. We encourage students to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, as our Year 12 leaders share their wisdom and support for our Year 7 students. 

Term 1 Assessment

As we move towards the end of the term many assessment tasks are due across all year levels. Assessment Schedules have been published and Exam Block Schedules will be released this week on Student Café and the Parent Portal.  

In addition to these schedules, the end of Term 1 Exam Block is being held for Years 8, 9, 10 and 12 students. Below is an outline of these important assessment blocks:

• Years 5, 6 and 7 – Formative and summative assessments will take place in normal timetabled classes.
• Years 8 and 9 – Summative exam block will run from Monday 18 – Friday 22 March.
• Years 10 and 12 – Summative exam block will run from Friday 16 – Friday 22 March.
• Year 10 will remain at school during the exam block and are not on exam block privileges. 
• Year 11 students will remain in normal classes as they continue to work on Unit 1. The end-of-unit exam block will be held in Week 5, Term 2.

Students in Years 5-10 will all remain at school throughout the assessment period. The only cohort who are granted study leave (to study at home and only come to campus for scheduled assessments) is Year 12. Any Year 12 student not up to date with all required assessment items will not be granted study leave and will be required to remain at school. This includes modules for certificate and Diploma courses.

The Term One Exam Block Schedule for each year level will be released to students this week. Make-up exams will be scheduled for Monday 25th March and throughout Week Ten. A reminder that if students are absent for an exam, a medical certificate is to be submitted for all year levels. Year 11 and 12 medical certificates must list the specific illness and not just state “medical condition”.

We encourage our boys to best prepare for these examinations by studying each day. The College Diary outlines the minimum expectations for homework, revision, and study across Years 5-12: 

• Year 5: 40 minutes inclusive of reading 
• Year 6: 40-60 minutes inclusive of reading 
• Year 7: 60 – 80 minutes 
• Year 8: 60 – 90 minutes 
• Year 9: 90 – 120 minutes 
• Year 10: 120 – 150 minutes 
• Year 11 and 12: 180 – 240 minutes. 

This study is pertinent given the time of term. Students are encouraged to create a study and homework schedule each week, so this time is managed effectively. 

Accessing Student Results and Task-Specific Feedback

After each assessment task (assignment and exam), students' results will be released to Student Café. Boys are encouraged to ensure they are checking Student Café for their results with task-specific feedback. These results and feedback can also be located on the Parent Lounge. Please follow the steps below which highlight how to access your son’s results and feedback. 

1 - Open the Parent Portal and click on “Parent Lounge”

2 - On the left-hand tab select “Curricular Activities Due” and select “view all activities” on the top right-hand side of page. 

This will take you to a screen that lists of your son/s assessment to complete or has been completed.

3 - Click on a subject to view feedback. 

4 - Once you click on the subject you will be able to find the following information:

• Task sheet for assessment – this will outline what your son needs to do to complete the task successfully
• Draft due dates and due dates
• Criteria sheet
• Feedback
• Result

Evaluation of the Queensland Certificate of Education System

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has engaged the University of Melbourne’s Assessment and Evaluation Research Centre to conduct an independent evaluation of the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system and its processes. You have the opportunity to have your say through this. The general survey is open to school staff, past QCE students, parents/carers, employers and community members. Catholic School Authorities (CSAs) have encouraged us all to engage with the general survey which is accessible via this link until Thursday 29 February 2024.

Year 12 Tutoring for Year 7 Boys

Commencing this week, we are starting Year 12 tutoring sessions for our Year 7 students. These sessions are run by Academic Leaders in Room 105 every Wednesday afternoon from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm, running up until Week 8. This initiative aims to foster a supportive learning environment where senior students can share their knowledge and experiences to assist our Year 7s in their studies.

Quiet Study

Wach morning the Resource Centre (senior library) is open from 7:45am to 8:30am for quiet individual study.  All boys are encouraged to use this space to get themselves organised and ready for the day.

Year 12 Study Night

The library will be available for Year 12 students on Wednesday nights from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Collaborative work is encouraged. All normal library and school rules apply. Free dress is permitted. Please sign in and out at the library front desk. This is a wonderful initiative from the senior academic leaders – please use this privilege accordingly.

Old Boys Maths Tutoring

It is wonderful that we are able to continue to offer Maths tutoring every morning in Room 402 from 7:40am-8:30am.  We have a wonderful group of Old Boys who return each morning to support our boys with their Maths.  Any boy from Years 7-12 is welcome to attend.

Old Boys Tutoring List

Please find here a list of old boys who are available to tutor your son outside of school hours.  This list can also be located on the parent portal or via this link.  Please note it is the parent’s responsibility to organize and liaise tutoring times with the Old Boys. 

Study Tip

Meet our Academic Captains

Name: Tristan Woods

House: Ignatius

What do you want to do when you leave school?

Hopefully study law and business at QUT next year, and then a lawyer further down the line.

Best study tip you use? 

Give yourself a break when you see fit, and study at your own pace however you like.

When do you most like to study? 

I prefer to study during the evening, usually between 7-12pm. I'm not a morning person at all, I don't understand how others manage to do anything early in the day.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Not stressing over assessments because Year 12, and school is general, is not that important in the long run.

What would you spend your last $20 on?

Probably a tub of mint choc ice-cream and a printed photo of my family.