Learning and Teaching News
Mr Adam Knight and Mrs Leigh Jackson
English and Literature Extension
On Tuesday, 20th May, The English and Literature Extension class broadened their horizons both literally and metaphorically, by travelling to the Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast to experience the Writers Revealed exhibition. Students saw actual manuscripts from the likes of James Joyce, The Bronte sisters and a class favourite, Kazuo Ishiguro! This provided our students with the opportunity to engage with writers across the literary canon, fostering an understanding of how writing has evolved over time according to shifting social and cultural movements. We were especially grateful for the guided tour, which complemented our studies as we begin our Academic Research Paper—an exploration into the theoretical frameworks that underpin some of literature’s most enduring works.
Year 12 Academic Interviews
Academic Interviews for each Year 12 student will continue this week where discussion around your son’s performance and progress will occur. Information about booking these interviews was shared with parents via email – please contact Curriculum@marash.qld.edu.au if you require assistance.
Year 10 Subject selection and SET plans for Year 11, 2026
Last week, parents and students received their web-preference instructions in selecting their subjects for Year 11. This is due by Friday 6th June.
SET Plan Interviews will take place on Friday 27 June (Term 2) and Monday 14 July (Term 3), (appointments will be available on both days, however, only one interview is permitted per student).These interviews provide an opportunity to discuss students’ future pathways and subject selections for Year 11 and 12. Both students and a parent/carer are required to attend. Parents can select which round of these interviews will suit them best and bookings occur via the Parent/Teacher booking system on the Parent Orbit App. Further information to be emailed to parents closer to the time. For Boarding families, face-to-face interviews can be arranged earlier in the week, via Teams or can be booked for Round 2 at the start of Term 3.
Year 7-10 End of Semester Exam Block
As per the College calendar, the end of semester exam block for Years 7-10 will be held from 13th to 19th June. During this time students will have exams scheduled across morning and afternoon sessions. It is expected that all students will be present during this important assessment period. If you are absent during exam block, a medical certificate is required. Please note that once you return to school you will be expected to make up this assessment as soon as possible.
Please note some assessments will continue past the examination block into the end of the term.
The schedule for the upcoming exam block will be released to parents this week.
External Exam Block
The 2025 External Assessment (EA) Exam Block has been released by QCAA - https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_ext_assess_timetable_2025.pdf
We ran a session with our Year 12s completing EAs this year, including a panel of Curriculum Leaders giving specific advice for their subject areas. The main advice to Year 12s at the moment is to focus on those things in their control: their sleep and diet, balance of study, work and extra-curriculars, as well as beginning to compile their study notes (particular for Maths and Science subjects). Every extra effort made in Internal Assessment now will also help to reduce the pressure on the Externals.
If any student or parents has any concerns or wants further advice about the EAs, they are welcome to email Ms Kathryn Badini at badinik@marash.qld.edu.au.
Year 9 Performance and Pathway Conversations
During ASH lessons to end the term, our Year 9 students will look into pathway planning and subject offerings in Year 10. Here are some key dates for our Year 9 students:
- Term 3: Week 1 – Wednesday 16th July: Subject Selection Platform opens
- Term 3: Week 3-5: Pathway and Performance Interviews (parents welcome) to select subjects for Year 10.
More information will be provided to students via the Academic Care Team early in Term 3.
Preparedness for Lessons and Upcoming Assessments
In the Middle Years, students are learning to manage increasingly complex tasks—but their working memory is still developing. As a result, they can easily feel overwhelmed when presented with too much information at once. To support their learning, we use structured lessons, visual aids, and consistent routines that help reduce cognitive load and keep students focused on what matters most.
A key part of this support is ensuring students come to class prepared. This means bringing essential items such as their Student Diary, notebooks in coloured folders, a fully stocked pencil case, and a fully charged laptop. These simple habits of preparedness allow students to engage more effectively in lessons and make the most of their learning time.
At home, encouraging organisation—like using planners or breaking homework into manageable steps—can make a big difference. Not only does this help students feel more confident and in control, but it also reduces stress during busy assessment periods by spreading the workload over time.
Love Shakespeare? Dive into Macbeth!
Year 11 & 12 students are invited to UQ's 'Western Civilisation Winter School’, 7-9 July 2025.
Explore 'Macbeth' through performance, discussion, and expert-led workshops - plus enjoy live theatre, film, and a visit to the Fryer Library!
Free to attend, including accommodation and meals.
Apply by Sunday 4 May.
For more info: Shakespeare's Macbeth: UQ Centre for Western Civilisation 2025 Winter School - Study - The University of Queensland
See the following flyer.
Marist Subject Support
There are subject-specific Old Boy and Classroom teachers roving in the Senior Library to help Year 7 – 12 students with their homework, assignment work and general study. Please see below for the targeted times and subjects.
Year 12 Study Session
Year 12 study will continue this week – Wednesday 5 – 8pm, in the library for their own private and collaborative study. This is a privilege for Year 12 students in preparation for their senior assessment and a recommended study habit. In the past, students have used this time to work on their external exam study nights, prepare their drafts, or even create small study groups. Students will need to sign in and out. They can arrive and leave at any time between 5 – 8pm; but they are not able to keep coming and leaving during the night.
Old Boys Tutoring List
Please find here a list of Old Boys who are available to tutor your son outside of school hours. This list can also be located on the parent portal or via this link. Please note it is the parent’s responsibility to organise and liaise tutoring times with the Old Boys.
Middle Years – Study
As we approach the end of terms boys in Years 7 to 9 have been working on devising a study in ASH over the last weeks boys have been looking at the Marist Subject Support offerings and devising their own study plan. This may be a useful discussion at home with pending exams and busy 2 weeks of assessments.
Study Tip
Learn and Grow Therapies
