Curriculum & Data

"Curriculum should help children make deeper and fuller understanding of their own experience." 

—  Lilian Katz

From the Director of Curriculum and Data

As we move into the second half of the year, I hope all students have had the opportunity to carefully review their Semester 1 reports. These reports are more than just a summary of academic performance; they are valuable tools for learning and growth. In the coming weeks, parents will receive a survey seeking your feedback on how we can further enhance our reporting and awards ceremonies. Your input is invaluable to us.

When engaging with reports, we encourage students to focus on these key areas:

  • Focus on Feedback, Not Just Marks: While grades are important, the true value of your report lies in the detailed feedback from your teachers. These comments highlight your strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement. Take the time to understand why you received certain grades and don't hesitate to ask your teachers for clarification. This understanding is crucial for identifying specific skills or knowledge gaps to work on.
  • Focus on What Works For You: Reflect on what strategies led to your successes in the first half of the year. Whether it was a particular study technique, a consistent study schedule, or specific resources, recognising these effective methods can help you reinforce positive habits. Continue to refine and utilise what works best for you. Parents, your encouragement and acknowledgement of your daughters' successful habits can significantly motivate them.
  • Where Can I Improve? Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth is essential. Identify areas where you can improve, whether it's time management, understanding complex subjects, or refining exam techniques. Brigidine offers excellent resources to support your growth, such as Big Sister Tutoring for Maths and English, and after-school study sessions in Synan Hall (Mondays and Wednesdays).
  • Create a Revised Study Plan: With feedback and reflections in mind, develop a revised study plan that incorporates your strengths and targets areas for improvement. Setting specific, measurable, and time-bound goals will keep you focused and motivated. Parents play a vital role in providing a supportive environment, helping to monitor progress, and encouraging a balanced approach to academics and extracurricular activities.
  • Balance Academics with Wellbeing: Academic success is important, but your mental health and physical well-being are equally crucial. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness activities can significantly enhance your overall performance and happiness. Remember to take breaks, engage in hobbies, and spend time with friends and family to maintain a healthy balance. A healthy mind and body are fundamental for both academic success and personal growth.

Let's work together to make the second half of the year not only about achieving academic goals but also about nurturing our well-being and enjoying a well-rounded school experience.

 

Other News:

It's an exciting time for students in Years 8 and 10! Year 10 students have just submitted their subject selection preferences for Year 11, marking a significant step in their academic journey. Similarly, Year 8 students recently attended their subject selection evening, beginning to shape their future pathways.

Years 7 and 9 students should have by now received their NAPLAN results. These results offer valuable insights for parents and teachers, demonstrating how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy over time, both individually and against national standards. NAPLAN is an important tool for monitoring and evaluating the performance of schools and school systems, highlighting areas for continued improvement.

Over the coming semester, Brigidine teachers will be meticulously reviewing NAPLAN results alongside other data, including summative and formative assessments, Allwell Testing, and teacher observations. This comprehensive approach allows us to identify individual student strengths and areas that require further development.

At Brigidine, we are incredibly proud of our students' achievements and their positive approach to assessments. We are committed to using this data to track student progress and to examine research-based practices that effectively impact student learning.

 

A Special Note for Year 12:

At the beginning of Week 3, our Year 12 students began sitting their trial exams. We extend our warmest wishes to them during this important period.

 

Trish Smith

Director of Curriculum and Data