Curriculum and Learning
Term 1 Interim Reports for Years 5 to 11
By the end of this week, Term 1 Interim Reports for students in Years 5 to 11 will be available to parents via the TASS Parent Lounge/Parent Orbit.
Each student will receive an Interim Report designed to provide parents/carers with early feedback on how their sons have commenced their learning in the new academic year and how they have settled into the routines of school life. While informative, these reports are not intended to be comprehensive at this stage of the term.
Parents/carers should note that each subject report reflects the teacher’s professional judgement and early observations of student learning habits. As the reports are prepared early in the term, substantial formal assessment in many courses has not yet taken place.
The Interim Report includes several key features:
Attendance, recorded up to and including Friday 13 March.
The Homeroom Teacher’s Pastoral Profile, which outlines the student’s general approach to school and homeroom expectations, including grooming and uniform, cooperation, manners, punctuality, responsibility and initiative. These elements are described using the indicators: Consistently, Usually, Sometimes or Rarely.
Student Attributes reported by Class Teachers, reflecting the student’s approach to learning through application, commitment, conduct, engagement and responsibility in relation to classwork and study. These attributes are described as: Consistently, Usually, Satisfactorily, Occasionally or Rarely. Each descriptor is assigned a numerical value and reported on the Pastoral Page as the Student Attribute Average (SAA), with the maximum possible score being 5.00.
An indication at the conclusion of the Homeroom Teacher’s report if parents or carers are requested to contact the Homeroom Teacher or Year Coordinator.
An indication at the conclusion of the course report if parents or carers are requested to contact the Class Teacher or relevant Head of Department.
As always, parents and carers are encouraged to contact teachers should they wish to discuss their son’s progress.
Year 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews
The Year 12 Parent/Teacher interviews will be scheduled for the evening of Wednesday 1 April from 3:40 PM to 9:00 PM. Parents/carers may book interview time slots themselves via the Parent Orbit App using the interview tab from 11:00 AM, Thursday 19 March. The College will not be allocating interview times. Parents/carers need to ensure interviews are booked by no later than 12:00 PM, Tuesday 31 March.
All interviews will be conducted on site. Interviews are for 5 minutes only. There is a 2-minute break between each interview to allow the interviews to run smoothly. Please note that parents/carers cannot double book a teacher for a longer interview. Should more interview time be required, parents/carers may arrange with the teacher another mutually suitable time.
There is an expectation that parents/carers will book interviews with all of their sons’ teachers. There is also an expectation that students are present for the interviews in full College summer uniform.
For parents/carers encountering difficulties logging on to the TASS Parent Lounge, please contact the College’s IT Department via College Reception on 02 9763 1000.
If for any reason a parent/carer needs to cancel or change a booked interview time after 12:00 PM Tuesday 31 March, please contact the relevant teacher.
The Semester 1 Report is an opportunity for parents/carers to discuss their sons’ progress but more importantly to discuss strategies and recommendations in preparing for HSC assessments and examinations over the next two school terms.
James Martin
Director of Curriculum
Year 8 Heart Dissection
On Monday, students during science had the opportunity to dissect a sheep's heart. Students learnt how to dissect the heart while preserving parts of the heart. During the practical students saw different parts of the heart such as veins, valves and muscular wall surrounding the heart. Students were able to insert a rod through different arteries such as the aorta and vena cava. Students also were able to cut the heart unfolding it, revealing veins, valves in the vein and blood vessels. Through this practical, students were able to learn about a hearts structure and its functions. This was a practical the students surely will remember!
Blake Tran | Year 8 Student