Teaching and Learning
The Value Of Learning Beyond The Classroom
The return for Term 2 has been a very busy yet smooth time. Pretty quickly, students and teachers have settled back into the rhythm of classes, finding routine and consistency to our days that can be lost whilst on a break.
Interspersed with the regularity of classes has already been a huge range of activities that students have had as opportunities beyond the classroom. All of these are highly worthwhile experiences for our students. Not only are they excellent opportunities to broaden our educational horizon, but they also provide a chance to build skills for our students that can be utilised beyond their time at the College.
These skills include time management, organisation, commitment and prioritisation.
The role of parents in this is crucial, supporting students to balance both learning experiences beyond the classroom and giving one’s personal best to their academic pursuits. Holistic education is the goal at St Bede’s College and the range of activities available beyond the classroom certainly supports this.
These include (but are not limited to):
- TEDx at John Paul College
- Year 8 and Senior Debating
- Year 10 Careers Expo and Morrisby Interviews
- House Swimming Carnivals
- Year 7 Camp
- ACC Sport
- College Production rehearsals 'Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'
- ANZAC Day Ceremonies
- Geography and Science Competitions
- High Achievers Program workshops
- Da Vinci Decathlon training
We encourage all our students to engage in as many of these activities as they can, as they yield great personal benefit and growth well beyond their time at the College.
Examination Periods
Towards the end of the term, Years 9 to 11 engage in mid-year Examinations. These examinations endeavour to both assess learning across the semester and develop exam technique over these school years in preparation for the VCE exams at the end of Year 12. Whilst challenging for many students, the challenge is appropriate and necessary as examinations are the most important element of Unit 3 and 4 VCE subjects.
The dates for the examination periods are as follows:
Unit 1 (Year 11) Examination Period: Monday 1 June to Friday 5 June
- Year 11 classes do not run during this time.
- Timetables for students will be distributed shortly with clear stipulations regarding when students are expected to attend. This is largely when a student has a timetabled exam.
- Students are welcome to study at school during this time, with locations supplied should students choose to do so.
- More information will be sent to parents/carers in the coming weeks.
Year 9 & 10 Exam Period: Tuesday 9 June to Friday 12 June
Year 10 Students- Year 10 classes will not run in this week, so Year 10 students only attend school when they have an Examination on. These exams will take place in periods 1 and 2 of this week, with Year 10 Elective Exams taking place in classes the week prior.
Year 9 Students- Will attend school as normal for the week, with Exams taking place in periods 3 and 4. Class time will be utilised to finish class work, prepare for exams or to undertake guided study. Year 9 students are expected to attend all classes during this week.
We recognise that the pressure of exams can have an impact on students and families. If your child is finding the exam period particularly difficult, we encourage you to reach out to the College as we can provide further support and offer strategies to manage the stress. Scott Cadby, our Student Wellbeing Coordinator has some helpful information on thishere.
Further communication about the examination periods at all relevant year levels will be sent to both parents/carers and students. We look forward to seeing students rise to the challenge that this time presents.
Brenden Mair
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning