Curriculum & Data

Welcome to 2025!

As we embark on a new academic year, I extend a warm welcome to all students, parents, and staff. The year ahead promises new opportunities for learning, growth, and achievement.

First and foremost, congratulations to the Brigidine students for their outstanding Higher School Certificate (HSC) results last year. These remarkable achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of both students and staff at the College. As we celebrate these accomplishments, it is essential to acknowledge the collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence that define our school community.

As we begin the new academic year, I am excited to share some key initiatives that will shape our educational journey. One of our primary focuses is the continued enhancement of our literacy program. Literacy is the cornerstone of academic success, and we believe in empowering our students with strong literacy skills that will serve them well in all aspects of life. As Margaret Fuller once said, "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader." By strengthening literacy skills, we are equipping our students for future success.

To underscore the significance of literacy, we are integrating it into our assessment marking guidelines across all subjects. This ensures that literacy is not only a standalone skill but an integral part of academic proficiency across the curriculum. By doing so, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals who can articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively.

To support this initiative, our teachers will engage in explicit teaching strategies aimed at enhancing literacy skills. These strategies will provide students with the tools and techniques needed to excel in reading, writing, and critical thinking. Through targeted interventions and tailored instruction, we are committed to fostering a culture of literacy excellence within our school community.

In addition, students will be expected to continue bringing their notebooks to each class and using them for note-taking rather than relying solely on their laptops. Writing by hand has been shown to improve grammar, punctuation, legibility, and writing speed. As Julia Cameron wisely noted, "Writing is the act of discovery." By encouraging handwritten notes, we aim to enhance cognitive engagement and retention of information. Laptops will still be used for research, collaboration, and accessing textbooks, but writing will remain a fundamental part of our learning process.

We also encourage all students to read for pleasure each night, as regular reading strengthens comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical skills.

Assessment Handbooks

Assessment handbooks for all year groups are available under Favourites on Compass. These booklets contain vital information about our assessment policies and guidelines to ensure a smooth and fair evaluation process.

Key inclusions in the assessment booklets:

• Clear guidelines on what to do when a student is unwell for an assessment task.

• Information on special considerations and accommodations for students with diverse needs.

• A detailed assessment schedule outlining important dates for in-class and hand-in tasks, as well as task weightings.

• A reminder to all students about the importance of maintaining academic integrity during assessments.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the contents with their daughter(s) to ensure a shared understanding of assessment policies.

Clear communication is essential for a successful academic environment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the assessment booklet or its contents, please feel free to contact me, the relevant Head of Department, or your child’s classroom teacher.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in making our assessment process transparent and effective. I look forward to an exciting and successful year ahead!

Trish Smith

Director of Curriculum and Data