Pedagogy and Academics

Exam season - a little pressure, a lot of learning

As our Year 12 students approach the halfway mark of their examination period, it is a timely reminder of the value of examinations and, importantly, the learning that takes place in preparing for them.

It has been uplifting to see our girls’ preparation for these exams – from detailed learning notes to memory cards and even a revision wall in the student common room.

These exams are important, and we value the outcome, of course. However, beyond the final grade there is so much more to appreciate from the process of exam preparation. Exams require students to organise their thinking, consolidate knowledge, identify gaps in their understanding and perhaps, most importantly, they authentically ask our students to be conscious of their own learning – to learn how to learn. 

In the examination room, students draw on these skills to think critically, manage their time, respond to unfamiliar questions and articulate their understanding under pressure. Beyond the examination room, they have learnt discipline, perseverance, independence and self-trust. 

Our SACE examinations also signal the beginning of our end-of-year examination season, which is fast approaching in Week 6. We encourage parents to support and value the preparation as much as the outcome, and to encourage their daughters to sit with the discomfort of not knowing, tackle unfamiliar concepts and trust in the process of practice, revision and consolidation.

It is through this process that students develop the knowledge, independence and confidence that extend well beyond the examination room. And when the final paper is finished, the sense of accomplishment that comes from having worked hard, persevered and seen that effort through is all the more worthwhile.

Mel Pedavoli

Assistant Principal: Pedagogy and Academic Leadership