Deputy Principal

Another exciting hello to everyone in the Beverly Hills Girls High School community. Welcome back to a frosty Term 3. I hope everyone had a relaxing break and have enjoyed hearing their daughters return to speaking enthusiastically and excitingly about their Term 3 learning experiences. So, let’s talk about the term so far.

Subject Selection Night

At the end of last term, Ms Pangis and I met with all Year 10 students to discuss the process of selecting their subjects for Stage 6. The cohort gathered in the Hall as we delivered important information about NESA subject requirements and patterns of study. They then went off into groups and participated in taster lessons throughout the day, where teachers from each faculty presented information about their subject. The goal was to give students an opportunity to ask questions and get an understanding of any unfamiliar subjects. This culminated in our Subject Selection Night, where Year 10 parents had the opportunity to strike up a conversation with our teachers about the diverse range of subjects we offer. These chats are what I consider to be the most critical conversations a student and parent can have as they not only get answers to their questions, but they also gain a clear understanding of a complex process.

If any Year 10 parent is seeking additional information about their child’s subject selection, please don't hesitate to contact the school office and ask to speak to either myself or Ms Pangis.

Stage 6 Experience Exam Conditions

Our Year 11 and 12 students are experiencing a busy term of studying, revising and writing exam notes. Year 12 have just finished their Trial examination period and Year 11 are headed into their Yearly examination period, with their examination timetable released in Week 6.

Here are a few study tips I would recommend for every Year 11 and 12 students:

Planning & Time Management

Make a study timetable: Break your afternoons/weekends into blocks (e.g. 1 - 2 hours study with 10 - 15 min breaks). Rotate subjects to stay fresh.
Prioritise topics/units/texts that your Trial exams or past assessments identified as areas of improvements: Spend more time on topics you struggle with, but don’t ignore your strengths.
Set realistic daily goals: e.g. "Complete 2 past essay plans for English Standard" or "Revise all derivatives rules in Mathematics."

Effective Study Techniques

Past papers: Do timed past exam questions to build exam agility and adaptability and practise applying knowledge.
Marking guidelines: Always compare your answers to the HSC marking criteria to understand what examiners look for.
Don’t just take notes, MAKE NOTES: Summarise each topic into key formulas, quotes, or bullet points for revision.
Teach it: Book a space in the library and explain a concept out loud to a friend or even to yourself helps solidify knowledge.

Mindset & Wellbeing

Consistency beats cramming: Study in shorter, focused sessions every day instead of marathon crams.
Healthy balance: Eat well, stay hydrated, exercise lightly (walks, stretches) to keep energy levels steady.
Sleep is crucial: Aim for 7- 8 hours. They say that memory retention is strongest when you are well-rested.
Stress management: Use breathing techniques, mindfulness apps, or journaling to manage any nerves.

Final Weeks & Exam Day

Last 2 - 3 weeks: Focus on exam technique, past papers, and refining weaknesses.
Day before exam: Light revision only - don’t start new topics. Get sleep and stay calm.
During exam: Read the whole paper first, plan your time per question, and answer high-mark questions with structure.

Talk to Somebody – A Beverly Hills Girls High School Podcast: Second episode drops!

It is with great pleasure that I am excited to share our second episode of our very own Beverly Hills Girls High School podcast, Talk to Somebody. This episode is hosted by two outstanding Year 8 students, Noor D and Harkiran K, along with special guests including:

Mr Kilronomos, talking about his promotion of Aboriginal Education at our school
Year 10 students Zainab B and Vivian N share their experiences of accessing a range of school excellence and acceleration programs

Plus, our guests get amongst the festivities during our Multicultural Day celebrations.

If you find some time on your commute home today or into work tomorrow, please enjoy the second episode:

Year 7-10 Assessment Schedules – Semester 2 published

Our assessment schedules for Semester 2 have been published on the school website. These schedules outline key dates, assessment types, and subject-specific information for all year groups. They can be viewed here https://beverlyhg-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/learning-and-support/assessment-and-reporting

What are Assessment Schedules?

Assessment schedules list all major assessments taking place throughout the next two terms, including exams, assignments, projects, and practical activities. Each schedule is organised by year group and subject, making it easier for students and families to keep track of upcoming deadlines and prepare effectively.

Why are Assessment Schedules Important?

Planning Ahead: Knowing assessment dates helps students manage their time, organise study sessions, and avoid last-minute stress.
Transparent Communication: These schedules provide clear information for parents and students to stay informed about learning expectations.
Support for Learning: By understanding assessment requirements, families can better support students with preparations and revision at home.

How to Access the Schedules:

Visit our school website at https://beverlyhg-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/learning-and-support/assessment-and-reporting
Select the relevant year.
Download or print the schedules for your reference.

What Should You Do Next?

Review the schedules together as a family and discuss any questions or concerns.
Note important dates in your calendar.
Encouraged to begin preparing for assessments in a timely manner.
Reach out to subject teachers or Student advisors if you require clarification or additional support.

If you require assistance accessing the schedules, or have any questions regarding assessments, please contact the school.

Please know that all due dates are approximates and are subject to change.

What’s ahead:

We have our second Parent Teacher Night for the year - Wednesday, 2nd of September.

These nights are a perfect opportunity for parents to come with questions and leave with answers. I encourage all parents to make a booking with at least one of their child’s classroom teachers.

Mr. G Crithary

Deputy Principal