Curriculum and Learning

2025 NESA Confirmation of Entry Forms

Over the next fortnight, students of Years 10, 11 and 12 will confirm their respective enrolment entries with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) for the purpose of credentialing, ultimately leading to the award of the Higher School Certificate.

The students are required to check their personal details, all subjects currently undertaken, as well as other details such as indigenous status and Australian citizenship. In addition, each Year 12 student will confirm his eligibility for an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). A few students from Year 12 will choose not to receive an ATAR.

It should also be noted that in signing the Confirmation of Entry form for the HSC, each Year 12 student is confirming he has read and understood the NESA booklet, Rules and Procedures for 2024 Higher School Certificate Candidates. To ensure compliance, Year 12 will be “walked through” the signing process and the rules and procedures booklet with Mrs Doonan. The booklet is available on the NESA website at Rules and processes | NSW Education Standards. Also, each Year 12 student is confirming he has completed the NESA All My Own Work program about good scholarship practices.

Years 10 and 11 Confirmation of Entry forms are signed, dated and returned during Homeroom. The forms do not leave the College. All forms are then cross-checked for accuracy with both College and NESA records.

It is very important that student information maintained by the College is true and accurate and matches records held by NESA for the purposes of credentialing the awards for the Record of School Achievement and the Higher School Certificate. Changes in contact details, medical information or other family details for a student and/or family need to be communicated to the College in writing by either updating the information via the TASS Parent Lounge or by emailing the Enrolments Officer, Emily Saoud, on enrolments@spc.nsw.edu.au.

Should parents/carers or their sons have any questions or concerns regarding any of the details mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College.

Michael Cutrupi 

Director of Curriculum

Year 7 Study Skills Evening – Building Foundations for High School Success

On Thursday 27 February we welcomed Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) as our guest speaker for Year 7 parents/carers and students. The event proved to be a valuable opportunity for families to explore practical strategies for optimising study habits and maximising academic potential.

Throughout the evening, families engaged in discussions that encouraged a thoughtful assessment of the changes that could be implemented to help students move confidently and efficiently toward achieving their personal best. Dr Salter's expertise provided valuable insights into key areas, including the home study environment, systematic organisation and management of resources, techniques for successful home-based learning, handling distractions, and managing the high school workload. 

The session emphasised the importance of creating structure and routine in a student’s daily life. Families examined how effective time management and thoughtful planning can reduce stress and allow students to approach their workload with confidence. Practical tips on breaking assignments into manageable tasks highlighted how students can take control of their responsibilities, ensuring they meet expectations without feeling overwhelmed.

One of the key benefits of the evening was the meaningful discussions between parents/carers and students about how to move forward in their high school journey with a shared understanding. By identifying areas for improvement and creating action plans together, families can support their students' journey toward independence and self-regulation. We encourage parents/carers to review the session's slides and handouts with their students, focusing on the identified areas that may benefit from positive changes. 

Families have also gained access to a video to watch together at home, outlining essential steps for studying for tests in high school, covering topics such as making study notes, self-testing to reinforce learning, and practicing effectively. 

All families at our school also have access to a comprehensive study skills website aimed at further developing students’ academic skills. 

Simply visit: www.studyskillshandbook.com.au, enter the username: forspconly, and use the password: 138results to unlock a wealth of resources that can contribute to improving academic results.

Thank you to Dr Prue Salter for an informative and inspiring session equipping families with tools to help students thrive in high school and beyond.

Feedback on the night:

“It was a very useful and informative evening. So wonderful that the boys - and parents - have this opportunity early on in the high school careers!”Tina Carnovale (Year 7 Parent)

Reminder: NAPLAN is Next Week!

Attention parents/carers and students! NAPLAN testing is just around the corner, starting next week.

Year 5 will complete their tests from Wednesday 12 March to Friday 14 March in their classroom as instructed by their teacher.

It’s important to be prepared to ensure a smooth experience on test days.

Key Reminders:

• Check Your Technology – Make sure you have downloaded the required browser from your CANVAS pages. This is essential for accessing the online tests.

   

• Practice Makes Perfect – If you haven’t already, complete the practice tests to familiarise yourself with the format and question types. This will help you feel more confident and ready to do your best. NAP - Public demonstration site.

   

• Stay Organised – Ensure you have your headphones, a charged laptop, a pen and pencil for working out, a good book in case you finish early, and your smart watches and phones left either at home or in your locker on the day of the task.

   

• Rest and Refuel – A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast can make a big difference in focus and performance.

Parents/carers, please support your child by encouraging a positive mindset and helping them stay calm. NAPLAN is a great opportunity to demonstrate progress, so let's be prepared and give it our best effort!

Good luck to all students!

Gillian Carpenter

Director of Innovation and Learning

Unlocking the Power of Reading: Insights for Parents and Students

Reading is an important skill that helps children learn and grow. But many students find it hard to make reading a daily habit. The Understanding Australian readers: Behavioural insights into recreational reading report, created by Australia Reads and Monash University, explores why young people read—or don’t—and how to encourage regular reading.

Key Insights from the Report

• Many students want to read more but struggle to find the time or the right books.

• Choosing a book can be difficult for less frequent readers. They often need recommendations to help them get started.

• Reading should feel enjoyable and relaxing, but students are often drawn to other entertainment options instead.

• Different formats help — audiobooks and e-books make reading more accessible.

• Seeing others read makes a difference — when parents, teachers, and friends value reading, students are more likely to read too.

How We Support Reading at SPC

To encourage regular reading, we run programs, book clubs, and challenges to make reading fun.

Finding the right book is easier with our well-stocked libraries and helpful library staff. We provide booklists through Library Guides on Canvas and showcase recommended books in displays, online and in library class time.

We create welcoming reading spaces, invite authors to speak, and run special events like the Premier’s Reading Challenge for Years 5-10 and the 4x4 Reading Challenge in the Senior School.

Students can also access audiobooks and e-books to read in the format that suits them best.

Finally, we encourage book discussions, peer recommendations, and family involvement to build a strong reading culture.

The at Homes Supports that can Help Establish Reading Habits

Your encouragement plays a key role in your son’s reading habits. Helping him set aside a consistent daily reading time, whether before bed or after school, helps make reading a natural part of his routine.

By making reading regular and enjoyable, you’re nurturing his curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning. Just a few minutes a day can make all the difference! 

Please also encourage him to visit the SPC Libraries, where our wonderful collection and staff are ready to help him discover the genres he loves and support him at every stage of his reading journey. 

Jessica Lonard

Head of Library and Information Services

Year 10 Geography Excursion

On Thursday 27 January, Year 10 Geography went on a Fieldwork Excursion at Cronulla Beach as their coastal environments case study, part of their current topic study of Environmental Change and Management. 

The students conducted fieldwork on the front and primary dunes and along Elouera Beach to investigate the natural and human induced impacts on coastal environments. As students investigated the scale of change over time at Cronulla Beach, they also completed a fieldwork booklet of activities on the role and importance of coastal environments and management strategies being undertaken at Cronulla Beach.

The boys will be utilising the knowledge they gained on the excursion day in their first assessment task of the course. 

Constance Lukas

HSIE B (Geography) Teacher