Leader of Year 8 Wellbeing

Welcome to Term 4! This term is definitely going to be busy but it will also be very rewarding. 

Year 8 Assessment Block

Over the next few weeks, Year 8 will be preparing for their Assessment block in Week 5. Students will be revising the study techniques that were explained during Term 3 Pastoral lessons. Please see below for a list of the techniques that have been discussed and modeled in class.

As with anything, it is important to find a method and strategy that suits different learning styles. Please have a discussion with your son or daughter about the importance of study and starting healthy habits they can build on in the future. A good place to start would be to allocate dedicated time—separate from homework—to develop study notes, flashcards, summary notes, or practice questions. Breaking revision down into one or two subjects each afternoon makes workload far more manageable than trying to fit in five, while also allowing flexibility around sporting and extracurricular commitments.

Study Schedule

Effective Study Habits for Year 8

To assist our Year 8 cohort in achieving their best, establishing strong study habits involves active learning, breaking tasks into manageable segments, and maintaining a structured routine.

Active Retrieval and Practice

• Flashcards: Creating study cards with questions on the front and solutions on the back. Digital tools like Quizlet or handwritten cards allow students to review actively rather than simply re-reading textbook pages.
• Practice Questions: Completing textbook exercises, previous test papers, or self-made revision questions prior to checking class notes.
• Blurting Method: Spending 10 to 15 minutes reviewing content, closing books, and jotting down everything remembered on plain paper before comparing with original notes to identify knowledge gaps.

Time Management and Organisation

• Pomodoro Technique: Working in dedicated 25-minute intervals separated by short 5-minute rests, followed by a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes after four sessions to maintain focus.
• Study Schedule: Allocating dedicated subjects to specific afternoons across the week rather than attempting all subjects simultaneously.

Summarising and Visualising Content

• Mind Mapping: Constructing visual diagrams that link central concepts to supporting detail, which is particularly beneficial for Science, History, and Geography.
• Feynman Technique: Articulating a topic simply as if presenting to a younger peer, then revisiting study materials whenever difficulties arise in explaining clearly.
• Cornell Note-Taking System: Structuring notebook pages with key prompts or questions on the left side, detailed notes on the right, and a brief summary statement across the footer.

Study Space and Focus

• Minimise Distractions: Placing mobile devices in a separate room or enabling silent settings during allocated study periods.
• Dedicated Workspace: Setting up an organised, quiet desk space with adequate lighting and essential learning materials before commencing work.

St Mary’s Cathedral Visit

On Monday, 19 October, Year 8 had the opportunity to visit St Mary’s Cathedral. The students were given a guided tour where they learnt about the landmark itself, as well as the rich history of the early Catholic Church in Australia. The students represented the College with maturity and were wonderful ambassadors both at the Cathedral and while travelling on public transport. Congratulations, Year 8!

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Later on this term, Year 8 will be asked to contribute to our annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Students may be asked to provide prices or donate items. Your son or daughter’s Pastoral teacher will communicate with the students on what is to be provided. Every student will be expected to contribute in some way. It is an important reminder of our core values of being Lasallians and helping others in need. It is also an opportunity for the students to enter into the Christmas spirit by enjoying giving and enjoying the activities and fundraising events that will take place throughout this term.