Learning and Teaching
Ms Jodie Connell - Deputy Principal
Learning and Teaching
Ms Jodie Connell - Deputy Principal
Exam Time is Upon Us Again
While they are a major source of stress for students (and teachers) exams are still an important part of the schooling process. It is still one of the fairest ways to moderate the results of a large cohort of students. This week, our Year 12 students will begin their exams and push through the constant switching between study and the real thing. Next week our Year 11’s will also begin the exam journey - giving them only one more week to prepare. Practicing the preparation for exams is arguably even more important than practicing the exams themselves. Below is a discussion of some effective ways to approach preparation for exams - perhaps best discussed between our students and their parents or guardians.
Deliberate Practice
Deliberate Practice is a simple process to support your revision. Start by spending time reviewing a topic/unit before quizzing/testing yourself with no notes and from your memory (this is vital for revision). Once you have finished, check your answers. This will support you in showing where your ‘knowledge gaps’ are and where focus needs to be in your future revision. Revision shouldn’t keep you in your comfort zone, you need to be thinking hard and identifying your own areas for development. Avoid simply revising topics you enjoy. A technique to support deliberate practice is the Pomodoro Technique.
Dual Coding
When reviewing something you have learned, combining words and pictures can be powerful. Examples of this include creating a:
Ineffective Revision Strategies
With the above in mind, it is vitally important to think about strategies that students may employ that have limited or no real benefit on learning or memory. These include:
The Importance of Habits and Routines
Within your revision, it is vitally important to establish a strong routine. Having goals is good for setting a direction. What do you want to achieve in this revision session?
In order to support the forming of good revision habits, there are a number of areas to consider:
Finally, best of luck to all our students with their exams over the next few weeks!
End of Year dates for Year 11 Students
Year 11 Exams
All Year 11 VCE Exams are conducted in Middle School Building Rooms 22-25. Students must wear their correct school uniform to each exam.
Friday 10th November | Monday 13th November | Tuesday 14th November | Wednesday 15th November | Thursday 16th November
| Friday 17th November
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Exam Session 1
| 9.00 – 11.15 Literature
9.00 – 12.15 English
| 9.00 – 11.45 Biology
| 9.00 - 10.45 VET ICT Theatre Studies
9.00 – 11.15 Business Management
9.00 – 11.45 Psychology | 9.00 - 10.45 Agriculture & Hort Studies
9.00 – 11.15 Health & HD Geography
9.00 – 11.45 Chemistry
| 9.00 - 10.45 Art Food Studies
9.00 - 11.15 Legal Studies
Physical Education
9.00 – 11.45 Physics | NO EXAMS
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Exam Session 2
| 1.45 – 3.00 Maths Methods Exam 1
| 1.15 – 3.00 General Maths Exam 1 | 12.45 – 2.30 General Maths Exam 2
| 12.45 – 2.30 VET Sport and Rec VET Music
12.45 – 3.00 History Maths Methods Exam 2
| 12.45 – 2.30 Vis Comm
12.45 – 3.00 Economics
| NO EXAMS |
Students are not required to be at school during the exam period unless they have an exam. If they need to remain on the college grounds students must be in the Library for supervised study.
Any students with an exam clash must email Ms Higgins to make alternative arrangements. Year 11 students completing a Unit 4 Exam must attend the VCE Unit 4 examinations as a priority.
Year 11 Vocational Major students will be on Structured Workplace Learning.
Handy tip for students
REVISION & PREPARATION:
WELL BEING:
READING TIME:
INTERPRETING QUESTIONS:
Booklists and Stationery Lists
Booklists and Stationery lists for 2024 are now available on the College Website.
https://www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au/learning-and-teaching/school-resources-list-booklist/
Stationery lists through Office Choice need to be ordered by Friday 22nd December. The Collection Day will be Wednesday 24th January from 11am–3pm and will take place in the 7/8 Building.
Booklists through Campion need to be completed online by Friday 1st December to avoid additional fees. Orders will be delivered to the nominated home address.
How to place your order - Campion Education
Ordering FAQ's - Campion Education
If purchasing second-hand online, please be sure to check the current booklists to ensure that you are purchasing the correct editions. Please note Edrolo books are reprinted and updated yearly, they will be distributed by the College at the beginning of Term One, 2024.
Elevate Education Parent Webinar Seminars
Elevate Education are continuing to provide parents of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional Student College exclusive access to their Parent Webinar Series for Term 4, 2023.
To reserve your spot, you can register for free below,
You can register by clicking here.
Wednesday 8th November
How To Help Your Child Alleviate Stress
Here’s what we’ll be covering on the night:
✅ How to spot your child's stress symptoms early
✅ How to start a conversation about emotional wellbeing
✅ Techniques your child can use to self-manage stress
Wednesday 22nd November How You Can Build Resilience in Your Child
Wednesday 6th December How You Can Set Your Child Up for Success
The webinars are run live online from 6.30pm – 7.30pm (AEST) where the presenter will share Elevate’s key research and skills, and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly. If you are unable to make the webinar, don't worry! If you sign up to attend, you'll receive the webinar recording on Thursday morning.
Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below.📞 1300 667 945
✉️ auscoaching@elevateeducation.com