Curriculum & Pedagogy
Year 9 Common Tests
All Year 9 students will participate in a Common Test programme during Week 8 of this term, Monday 7 - Friday 11 September.
Students will complete three tests during this week. Subjects are included in the testing programme on a rotational basis and this year the three areas to be assessed during Common Testing Week are English, Health and Physical Education and Science. These tests will be scheduled into 100 minute lessons and there will be little disruption to students’ regular timetables.
The main purpose for Common Tests is to provide students with practice completing a concentrated period of tests or exams, in order to develop strategies and confidence for future exam experiences. The tests also provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their learning, but test results are only part of the assessment evidence gathered and don’t carry additional weight in determining a student’s achievement in these subjects.
In the lead up to Common Test Week, teachers will guide students through test preparation and provide advice about managing the stresses and expectations of a formal testing period. There will be no other homework or assessment tasks due for Year 9 students during Common Test Week.
For students who require additional supports or accommodations in test situations, these will be in place during the Common Tests.
Learning Conferences
Learning Conferences have been scheduled for Thursday 3 and Tuesday 8 September, following the distribution of Semester One Reports. These learning-focussed conversations provide an opportunity for teachers, students and parents to review learning progress to date and set goals for the remainder of the year.
Given the delays this year in the timing of Semester One reports and Learning Conferences, due to COVID-19, there has been plenty of parent/teacher communication via phone and email, but it is great to be able to have these face-to-face conversations and we look forward to welcoming parents to the College on these dates. Secondary students are strongly encouraged to attend, given the central role they play in their own learning success, but parents are also welcome to attend without students present if they wish.
Valery Kullrich and Julia O'Rourke
Directors of Curricuculm and Pedagogy