Teaching & Learning at Norwood — Welcome to This Edition

Welcome to the Teaching & Learning section of our newsletter. Each edition is designed to give families a clear and meaningful window into what students are learning, how we are supporting their growth, and the many opportunities available to them both inside and beyond the classroom.

In this space, you’ll find:

Key Teaching & Learning priorities for the term
Snapshots from classrooms, showcasing engaging learning moments across year levels
Updates on whole‑school initiatives, instructional practices, and innovations
Highlights from co‑curricular programs that enrich learning beyond the timetable
Practical tips to help families support study habits, wellbeing, and engagement at home
Celebrations of effort, progress, and achievement across our student community

By sharing these insights, we aim to strengthen the partnership between school and home—something consistently shown to improve student connection and outcomes. Effective school newsletters help families feel informed, included, and confident about their child’s learning journey, and that is exactly what we strive for here.

Building Strong Study Habits from the Start

One of the most important ways families can support learning at home is by helping students develop sustainable study habits. Effective newsletters often share simple, action-oriented tips that make it easier for families to reinforce learning.

Here are some key habits we’re encouraging across the school this year:

1. Establish a Consistent Study Routine

Setting the same time each evening for homework or review helps students build discipline and reduces stress. Even 20–30 minutes of focused study can make a significant difference.

2. Create a Calm, Organised Workspace

A dedicated place for study helps minimise distractions. A clean desk, good lighting, and easy access to learning materials can dramatically improve focus.

3. Use a Weekly Planner

Encourage students to map out assessments, homework, and commitments. This helps them learn time management, reduces last-minute rushes, and increases ownership of their learning.

4. Break Tasks into Smaller Goals

Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Helping students break tasks into smaller steps builds confidence and keeps momentum going.

5. Review, Don’t Just Complete

Homework shouldn’t just be about finishing tasks—students should also revise notes, practise key skills, or re-read instructions. This supports deeper learning and long-term retention.

6. Reach Out When Help Is Needed

Our Homework Club and subject-specific support sessions are there to help. We encourage students to ask questions, seek clarification, and use the resources on offer.

Strong study habits don’t develop overnight, but with structure, encouragement, and support from both home and school, students can build skills that will serve them for years to come.

Homework Club

Norwood Secondary College understands that students have different learning strengths, preferences and interests and may approach learning activities and homework differently. If parents/carers are concerned their child may not understand the homework tasks that have been set, or if their child is spending a long period of time completing their homework, we encourage parents/carers to speak to their child’s teacher.

Students who may benefit from support completing their homework tasks are encouraged to attend Homework Club held in the college library on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons between 3.15 and 4.15pm. Homework Club resumed this week and parent/carer permission is required to attend. Please complete the form below and return it to the General Office.

*For information on the school's Homework Policy, visit the Junior and Senior School Handbooks.

Celebrating Learning – What’s Happening in Classrooms

One of the most rewarding parts of school life is seeing the energy, curiosity, and creativity that unfold in our classrooms each day. In this section of the newsletter, we’re excited to highlight the learning moments—big and small—that are shaping our students’ growth across Norwood Secondary College.

Creating Spaces That Support Success – Learning in Ms Day’s Classroom

This week, our Year 7 students have been thriving in Ms  Day’s thoughtfully designed learning environment. Her classroom setup promotes independence, collaboration, and a sense of safety—allowing students to engage deeply in their work. Whether they are sharing ideas in small groups or working quietly on individual tasks, the space continues to nurture focus and curiosity for all learners.

Building Connections – Peer Support with Mr Za Thang

7H took part in a valuable mentoring session led by Mr  Za Thang and our dedicated Peer Support leaders. Students explored relationship-building, teamwork, and strategies for navigating their first year of secondary school. The room buzzed with conversation, support, and genuine peer-to-peer connection—an important reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom content.

Engaged and Inspired – English with Mr Macafee

7A students have been diving into rich discussions and creative tasks under the guidance of Mr  Macafee. The lesson captured in this week’s photo shows students fully absorbed in an activity centered around The Princess Bride, building their confidence as young writers and thinkers. Their enthusiasm reflects the engaging and dynamic learning experiences happening across Year 7 English.

Learning Enviroment update

We are pleased to share that one of our Year 7 mentor classrooms has undergone a significant improvement as part of our continued focus on enhancing learning environments across the College.

Over recent weeks, this space has received a series of upgrades designed to improve comfort, safety, and the overall feel of the room:

Re‑stumping of the classroom, ensuring the building is stable, level, and structurally sound for many years ahead.
Brand‑new carpeting, which not only modernises the room but also improves acoustics and supports a calmer, quieter learning environment.
A full repaint, giving the room a bright, clean and welcoming appearance that students have already commented positively on.

These improvements reflect our commitment to creating classrooms that support student wellbeing, attention and engagement. A positive physical environment underpins effective learning, and this upgrade is another step in providing our students with spaces that reflect the high expectations we hold for teaching and learning at Norwood.

We extend our thanks to our facilities team and contractors for completing the work efficiently and with minimal disruption to students.

The refreshed space is already making a difference — and we look forward to seeing the continued impact on our Year 7 learners throughout the year.

Science

Emma Day - Head of Science