This term, the English faculty is excited to welcome our students back to on-site learning.

It has been a challenging school year so far, and we are proud of the efforts of all our students, particularly those who continued to engage in their learning with optimism and resilience.

We now look forward to support our Year 12 students as they prepare to take their English exam on Tuesday, November 10th.

Writing for wellbeing

As students begin returning to school, our focus is to ensure that the transition from remote learning to on-site learning is a smooth one. In particular, we are mindful that students have experienced a challenging year and their wellbeing may have been impacted as a result.

Recent research in positive psychology suggests that practicing gratitude may increase overall feelings of happiness and reduce depressive symptoms. In this very strange time, I encourage students to begin a gratitude journal, which is the habit of recording and reflecting on the things (typically three) that you are grateful for each day. The process of this has two benefits: gratitude journaling rewires your brain to focus on the more positive aspects of your life, and it promotes low-stakes writing which benefits students' literacy.

The links below will provide you with more information on how to begin a gratitude journal as well as some evidence regarding how gratitude can improve mental health.

Preparing for the VCE English exam

As Year 12 students begin to prepare for their VCE English exam, it can be difficult to know how to support them in the lead up to what can be quite a stressful time! Please read below for some guidance on the things students can do to feel ready to take their final English exam.

Look at past exams

Use the link below to read through some of the past English exams. Students should familiarise themselves with the instructions provided, find the questions for the texts they have been studying (Section A & B), have a look at the Section C from each year and read through the examiners reports. This will help them feel prepared for what to expect on the day, and provide them with some guidance on how to sit the exam successfully.

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/past-examinations/Pages/English.aspx

Make a note of SAC performance and areas in need of improvement in the exam

Students have the results from their SACs which should provide some indication of how they can improve their writing before the exam. Students would benefit from considering what they did well and what they struggled with. Being aware of these things will allow them to focus their exam preparation towards what they found difficult and improve in time for their final exam.

Re-Read books, listen to audio-books or watch the movie version

Naturally, our knowledge of the texts we are studying fades over time. It is a good idea to refresh familiarity of texts by reading, listening or viewing any versions of the text that students can access.

Specific timed practice of essay writing

Students need to write three essays in three hours, with 15 minutes reading time at the beginning of the exam. It would be beneficial for students to practice by giving themselves one hour in which to write an essay. It is recommended that students complete a practice essay for each section.

Seek feedback from your teachers

Students are encouraged to consistently seek feedback from their teachers, however it is crucial that they do this before the exam.

There is no point in students writing practice essays or paragraphs if there is no one to provide feedback on how they went. Teachers are excellent resources, and students are encouraged to use them effectively. At the end of the day, we want to support students to experience success, whatever that looks like for them. So connect with teachers to get their expertise and guidance regarding what and how students can improve in preparation for sitting their exam.

English Domain Leader

John Fawkner College Newsletter

Aspire & Achieve

October 2020 · 19 Oct 2020

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