Teaching and Learning

Welcome to our new families, students and teachers.

Last year, I wrote about an exciting initiative Mr Larkin and I have been investigating for some time. In this Newsletter, there is a flyer that outlines how McCarthy students can access our new Study Skills Handbook by Dr Prue Slater from Enhanced Learning Services. This is a comprehensive program that parents, students and teachers can log into and seek additional resources, support and strategies for study skills and much more. Students will be working with this tool in the coming weeks during Mentor Groups however, I would strongly encourage all parents to peruse this online tool now. Please ensure you take a minute to read through the flyer and to log in, simply follow the instructions, using the College's details as outlined.

For Year 12, it is a continuing HSC journey. Focus on the daily behaviours that will build an overall picture of success. Consistency and persistence are attributes that will put you in good stead for this final HSC year. Together with our Leader of Pedagogy Mrs Martin, I will be working closely with Year 12 throughout fortnightly Year group meetings.

Year 7, you look fantastic in your uniforms and I congratulate you on your enthusiastic start to the year; you are exceptionally organised and prepared, ready to learn! Enjoy the variety of subjects available at McCarthy and the chance to move between classes throughout the day. It is a big change for you and to nervous parents, I encourage you to trust our talented staff and give them your full support.

Community is very important in education. There are many ways you can assist teaching and learning in your very own home. Ways you can do this include:

Ensure your child has the equipment, books and materials they need for ALL classes. If you need help, please get in touch with your Leader of Student Care immediately. A little help with organisation goes a long way.

Support high rates of attendance and avoid booking holidays mid term or midday sign outs.

Discuss the impact of part-time jobs on learning and modify part-time work hours to the recommended 8-10 hours per week.

Communicate with teachers, email and schedule into your calendar to attend Parent/Teacher Evenings. Encourage your child to ask questions if they are having difficulty. Changing classes or requesting to choose your teachers is not sustainable.

As we settle into Term 1, I encourage all students to engage effectively in the lessons; participate in lively classroom discussions, open up and share their views and responses. While the development of skills and knowledge may be challenging, our teachers are highly skilled and they dedicate much time to ensuring students are participating in suitably challenging activities, in a collaborative, student centred learning environment. Growth producing relationships are a key element to successful teaching and learning and I look forward to working in partnership with our vibrant McCarthy community in 2019.

Mrs Raelene Maxworthy - Leader of Teaching and Learning

 

Mathematics

Students are asked to have their textbooks with them in class by the end of Week 3 (Friday 15 February). The textbooks for each year group are listed below and are available from Collins Booksellers. A limited number of second-hand textbooks will be available for purchase during Week 3 in B1. Prices range from $10 to $30. If you have any textbooks from previous years that you wish to sell, please pass them onto a Maths teacher.

All students have access to the Mathspace website, which is an excellent resource for revision and consolidation of class work.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions or concerns.

Year 7

Cambridge Maths NSW Year 7

Year 8

Cambridge Maths NSW Year 8

Year 9

Cambridge Maths NSW Year 9 5.1/5.2/5.3 (Mr Kelly and Mrs O'Neill's classes)

Cambridge Maths NSW Year 9 5.1/5.2 (Mr McDonald and Mrs Bryant's classes)

Year 10

Cambridge Maths NSW Year 10 5.1/5.2/5.3 (Mrs O'Neill and Mr Dean's classes)

Cambridge Maths NSW Year 10 5.1/5.2 (Mrs Thompson, Ms Harvey, Ms Sommerlad and Mr Godden's classes)

Year 11 Standard

Oxford Insight Mathematics Standard Year 11

Year 11 Advanced

Maths in Focus Year 11 Maths Advanced (3rd Edition)

Year 11 Extension

Maths in Focus Year 11 Maths Extension (3rd Edition)

Mr Tim Godden - Leader of Learning - Mathematics

 

DRAMA- EX-STUDENT NEWS

2017 HSC Drama student and recipient of the Armidale CSO Cultural Award, Matthew Letton, will be studying at NIDA this year in the Actor's Studio programme. Congratulations, Matt - The McCarthy community continues to be proud of your achievements and knows how hard you work to achieve them. 

Ms Felicity Sawtell - Drama Teacher