Leading Teachers Report
Leading Teacher: Junior School Report
To the South Oakleigh College Community, we are sprinting towards the finish line of Term 2 in the Junior School. This week all of our Year 7 and 8 students undertook end-of-semester exams for English, Maths, Science, and Humanities. Having missed out on exams last year it was great to see our student cohort taking these exams very seriously and wanting to succeed. At the Junior School level, students are encouraged to use the exam week as a way to get into the routine of preparing study notes and other revision tools that will hold them in good stead for what is to come as they progress into the senior years of secondary school. Results for all exams will begin to appear on your child's compass portal over the next week.
Our Year 7 and 8 students have also spent a lot of time this term preparing and training for the interschool sports that took place this week and all the training certainly paid off with numerous teams in soccer and badminton winning their competitions and progressing to the next stage. Credit to these teams and their dedicated coaches for achieving this success.
Our Semester one reports will be released at the end of this term. I encourage all parents to take the time to discuss with their children this important document, to celebrate their successes, and also discuss some learning goals for Semester two.
I hope all of our families have a restful mid-year break and look forward to an eventful Term 3.
George Tzimourtas
Leading Teacher: Junior School
Leading Teacher: Senior School Report
We have reached the midway point for VCE. Our year 12s have little more than a term left before their exams. While our 11s are close to the end of unit 1 and have unit 2 to look forward to.
The VCAA has released the exam timetable and the design of the new GAT. The most striking change to the GAT is it is now two sections, and twice as long.
The GAT will be split into two sections:
- Section A will assess literacy and numeracy skills
- Section B will assess skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities, with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills
All students completing a Unit ¾ subject, at SOC or through VSL are required to sit the GAT. If you believe you require special provisions for the GAT, please contact Ms Grace Terdich.
Recently our year 12s had an exam preparation session with Elevate. Elevate discussed metacognition and good study habits. Our year 12s will continue with this program in the latter half of term 3 to assist in preparation for the exams.
Here is some feedback from our students:
Well-spoken and had clear points as well as nice reiteration on effective study tips we've learnt in prior cases. – Dimitri
It was really good, it reinforced what we learnt in class and helped with thinking about exams – Eleni
VCE advice from those who have done it:
Name: Mr Platenkamp
Subject taught: VCE Ancient History, VCE Drama
What did you study in VCE:
History, Drama, Media Studies, Math Methods, Psychology, English.
How did you study when in VCE?
Isolate from all distractions (no music, no television, no people). Set time limits for both concentrated study time and break times. Visit the library for extra resources and read there in a quiet environment. Practice practical performances many times in front of different people. Find my own practice exams under timed conditions. Challenged me to do better each time. Ensured I always had 8 hours of sleep each night.
What advice do you have for our students?
Read every word of the study design carefully. Memorise multiple examples for each part of the key knowledge. Create your own flashcards of the key concepts and quotations. Research beyond the resources taught in your classroom. Understand that your teachers have only provided you with the building blocks. There is not always enough class time to cover every area in depth. It is up to you to identify any concepts you might have missed and be prepared for anything asked of you. Do not wait for the end of the year to start your preparation. High achievement comes with practice and experience, so the time to start preparing is now.
Name: Ms. Carmody
Subjects taught: VCE Psychology and VCE Food Studies
What did I study in VCE: Biology, Health & Human Development, Australian History, Maths and English but it was HSC then
How did you study when in VCE?
Made study notes and did exam-style questions. Had my bedroom set up as a study area and tried to do 2-3 hours of study per night.
What advice do you have for our VCE Students?
Use your study periods to complete work and to see teachers if you don't understand your work. Use time at home to complete what you have completed in class and then some time to do revision of previously completed work. Get feedback from teachers about your work and let them know if you are struggling with any concepts taught so far.
Grace Terdich
Leading Teacher: Senior School