Teaching and Learning
Positive Learning Environments
At St Joseph’s College, we believe that creating a positive learning environment is crucial to helping your child succeed in their education. As we approach the midpoint of Term 2, we want to remind our families of our classroom expectations to ensure that all students can learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment.
Firstly, we expect all students to arrive at class on time, prepared and ready to learn. This includes bringing all necessary materials and completing any homework assigned. We also expect students to actively participate in class discussions, asking questions, and contributing to a positive and collaborative learning environment.
Additionally, we prioritise mutual respect and kindness in our classrooms. We encourage students to treat each other and those they work with in our school in a polite and respectful manner.
We also expect students to take responsibility for their actions and understand the consequences of their behaviour. We encourage open communication between students and teachers and welcome feedback.
By working together to create a positive learning environment, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive in their academic pursuits. We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations at home and will continue to make contact with you if we have concerns regarding your child, so that we can work together to resolve these.
Assessment at St Joseph’s
This year, we have introduced Overall Grades in our semester reports for students in Years 7 to 10. These grades provide a comprehensive assessment of your child's performance in each subject, taking into account the marks they have earned throughout the semester.
To ensure transparency, we have assigned weightings to each assessment task, which have been shared with students in class and on Compass. These weightings help calculate the Overall Grade by considering the relative importance of each task in determining your child's overall performance.
The introduction of Overall Grades brings several advantages for you and your child. Firstly, it allows you to track your child's progress and identify any patterns or trends in their academic performance over time. By comparing grades across different semesters or years, you can gain insights into their improvement and identify areas where they may need additional support.
Moreover, the Overall Grade serves as a useful tool for goal setting. It provides a clear benchmark for academic achievement and can motivate your child to strive for better grades. Witnessing their efforts translate into higher grades gives them a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to continue working hard.
However, it is important to note that while Overall Grades are informative, they should not be the sole measure of your child's abilities or potential. We recognise that a well-rounded education encompasses more than just academic performance. Your child's involvement in extracurricular activities, personal growth, and unique talents also contribute to their overall development.
We hope you find the Overall Grades a valuable addition. They provide a holistic view of your child's academic progress and can guide conversations about their goals and areas of improvement. We encourage you to have discussions with your child, celebrate their achievements, and support their continued growth throughout their educational journey.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your partnership in your child's education and look forward to sharing their Semester 1 reports with you.
Lisa Saillard
Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning
Year 10 and 11 Exams
The Year 10 and 11 examination period is fast approaching. Exams will take place from Monday 5 June to Friday 9 June in the College Oak Centre.
The exam process is highly valuable in developing skills to prepare students for major assessment components in Year 12 and the exam results act as a guide for determining subject suitability for 2024. Year 10 students' exam score will count towards 30% of their global grade for Semester 1. Students who received a Not Satisfactory result for their global grade will have more limited subject choices in future years.
Information about AEL
AEL students will sit exams for mainstream English and Maths classes during the exam period. For the rest of the exam week, AEL students will be involved in a Work Skills program.
Useful Links
For your information a link to the overall exam timetable is below, along with:
· An outline of the expectations of students before and during an exam
· A form to reschedule an exam should students be at a scheduled medical appointment or at VET/TAFE
· Tips on how to prepare effectively. (This link is also available to students on the COMPASS daily messages.)
Year 10 and 11 Exam Expectations
Expectations:
It is imperative that students know when each of their exams are scheduled and thatthey meet under the oak tree at least 10 minutes prior to the start of each exam.
Year 10 students are required to attend school for the entire examination period and will attend their regular classes for private study when not in an exam.
Year 11 students may study offsite when not attending exams, provided parents have filled in the form on Compass.
All students must be in full school uniform during the examination period.
Students are required to have their exam materials and stationary in a plastic pocket and use a clear plastic water bottle, if required. Students will not be able to leave the exam room early, and therefore it is imperative they use the time allocated effectively to complete each exam to the best of their ability. If you have any queries in regards to the examination period, or Year 10 & 11 in general, please don’t hesitate to contact your Learning Mentor, House Leader or Miss Ryan and Mr Leslie.
GAT (General Achievement Test)
The General Achievement Test (GAT) assesses students skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities. It also assesses their skills against new literacy and numeracy standards, which were introduced last year.
Sitting the GAT is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their literacy and numeracy skills – essential skills that show they are ready to move on to further study, training or employment. It will give them confidence that their skills are at the right level to support them, whatever they choose to do after school. GAT results are also important for checking that VCE external assessments and school-based assessments have been accurately and fairly assessed, and can be used if they have a Derived Examination Score (DES) approved. This was particularly important for our St Joseph’s community last year due to the floods. We are hoping to ensure that all students take the GAT seriously and do their best.
Key dates and information
The GAT will take place on Thursday 15 June. All Year 12 students and any Year 11s studying a Year 12 subject will complete Part A of the GAT. Students studying VCE subjects will sit both sections of the GAT. Students enrolled in VCE-VM will only sit Part A of the GAT.
Part A – 9am – 11:15am
Break – 11:15am - 1:15pm
(Students to remain onsite for lunch. The school canteen will be open for lunch)
Part B – 1:15pm – 3pm
Information and practice for students
An assembly was run for students to provide information about the GAT and practice materials.
All Year 11 students will sit a practice GAT in their RE class on Friday 19 May. Year 12 students will be offered the opportunity to sit Part A of the GAT on Monday 22 May from 3:30pm - 5:30pm in T51. Students wishing to take up this opportunity should fill in this google form.
Expectations:
- Students should attend in full school uniform
- Arrive at school by 8:40am
- The only electronic device allowed is a scientific calculator (no phones, smart watches, air pods etc)
What to bring:
- English or bilingual dictionary
- Pens, pencils and eraser
- Scientific calculator
A more comprehensive GAT information brochure is available here.
If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Nathan Beck (Senior School Coordinator).
Rhys Leslie
Director of Data and Improvement