PBC Newsletter
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Senior Secondary School

As we welcome students and families to the final term of the school year, we look forward to a term filled with celebration, achievement, and important milestones. Term 4 represents the culmination of months of hard work and dedication, particularly for our Year 12 students as they prepare to conclude their secondary schooling journey. Over the coming weeks, our community will come together to acknowledge several significant events including the Year 12 Walkout, Senior School Academic and Honour Awards Evening and the highly anticipated Year 12 Graduation and Formal. We wish all students every success as they embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Culture and Student Life

 

Year 11 students who nominated for leadership positions for 2027 have now completed their 8-week leadership program. Next steps include panel interviews in week 3, a speech to their year level in week 5 and in week 7, the announcement of next year's School Captains, Vice Captains and at the Academic and Honour Awards Evening, where we will celebrate the students selected to lead our school into the future.

 

For our Year 12 students, this term marks the final chapter of their PBC journey. Upcoming milestone events including the traditional Year 12 Walkout, the QCAA external exams and the Graduation Ceremony and Formal which provides opportunities for students, families, and staff to reflect on years of growth, achievement, and lifelong friendships formed throughout their time at PBC. We encourage students to embrace these special moments while remaining focused on their final assessment commitments. Parents and carers please keep an eye on your inbox for regular updates from Mr Kennedy.

Academic Progress and Student Success

 

As we enter the final term, Senior School Administration is reviewing the academic progress of students in Years 10 and 11. A reminder that students are expected to be passing at least five of their six subjects. Students who continue to experience difficulties across multiple subjects may have their enrolment reviewed as part of our commitment to ensuring all students are engaged in a pathway that supports success.

 

Our priority is to identify and support students requiring additional assistance as early as possible. Families are encouraged to discuss academic progress at home and contact the Senior School team if support is required.

Curriculum and Assessment

 

Assessment remains a major focus throughout Term 4. Students and families are encouraged to regularly review assessment calendars, examination schedules, and key dates published on the school's Testing and Assessment webpage.

 

All students are reminded that:

  • Drafts and assignments must be submitted before 9:00am on the published due date.
  • Examinations cannot be completed early due to holidays, sporting commitments, work obligations, or other personal arrangements.
  • Students should familiarise themselves with all published assessment requirements and deadlines well in advance.

 

Careful planning and organisation remain critical throughout this busy period, particularly as shutdown examination blocks and external assessments approach.

YEAR 12 UPDATE

 

The final weeks of schooling are now underway for our Year 12 cohort, with several key phases occurring throughout the term.

 

Final Classes and Assessment Preparation

During the first two weeks of Term 4, Year 12 students will continue attending their normal timetabled classes.

 

During this time:

· Applied and VET students will complete final assessment requirements.

· General subject students will focus on preparation for QCAA External Assessments.

· The final Essential English examination will occur on Thursday 8 October.

 

Final Revision Week

 

From 19–23 October, General subject students will participate in a dedicated revision week designed to consolidate learning and maximise preparation for upcoming external examinations.

Applied and VET classes will not operate during this period.

QCAA External Assessments

QCAA External Assessments commence on 26 October and continue through until 17 November.

 

Students are reminded that they are responsible for being familiar with:

· Their examination timetable

· Examination directions and procedures

· Permitted equipment requirements

· Calculator specifications

· Examination rules and expectations

 

Parents are encouraged to discuss these requirements with their students to ensure they are fully prepared for the examination period.

 

ATAR Registration and Results

 

Students seeking an ATAR must ensure they have registered with QTAC using a personal email address. Students should also confirm they have accessed their myQCE student account using their allocated LUI number.

 

It is important that students use a personal email account, as access to school email accounts will cease after the completion of Year 12.

 

Important release dates include:

· 16 December – QCAA student results released

· 18 December – QTAC ATAR release

 

As a school community, we extend our very best wishes to the Class of 2026. We are incredibly proud of your commitment and perseverance and look forward to celebrating your achievements throughout the remainder of the term.

Year 10 and 11 Shutdown Exams

 

Year 10 and Year 11 shutdown examinations will take place from 23–27 November.

Students may have examinations scheduled up to and including Friday 27 November, which is the final day of the school year for both year levels. Families are asked to be mindful of these examination obligations when making end-of-year plans.

 

These examinations provide valuable opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning and develop important examination skills in preparation for future senior studies.

Key Dates at a Glance

  • 8 October – Year 12 Essential English Examination
  • 19–23 October – Year 12 General Subject Revision Week
  • 23 October – Year 11 Final Date for Subject Changes
  • 26 October – QCAA External Assessments Commence
  • 17 November – QCAA External Assessments Conclude
  • Year 12 Walkout – Term 4
  • Academic and Honour Awards Evening – Term 4
  • Year 12 Graduation and Formal – Term 4
  • 23–27 November – Years 10 & 11 Shutdown Examination Period
  • 27 November – Final Day for Years 10 & 11 (Examinations May Be Scheduled)
  • 16 December – QCAA Results Released
  • 18 December – QTAC ATAR Release

Study Skills for Success

 

With major assessment periods approaching, students are encouraged to take advantage of the study skills resources available through the PBC Testing and Assessment webpage. Effective study habits can significantly improve confidence, organisation, and academic performance.

 

Study Strategy Spotlight: Chunk & Chew

One of the most effective study techniques students can use is Chunk & Chew. This strategy involves breaking large amounts of information into smaller, manageable sections and taking time to actively process each section before moving on.