Year 11 and 12 News

Elevate Education parent seminar

by Daniel Symons, Years 11 & 12 Coordinator

On Monday 18 March we welcomed Darcy, a guest presenter from Elevate Education, to run our parent seminar Study Support at Home. Darcy facilitated discussion about creating the right conditions and expectations for achievement, particularly as it was relevant for students completing their final years of secondary school. Highlights included creating a study timetable that actually works, generating motivation, focusing attention on time-bound tasks and distinguishing from effort spent on the Zone of Demands (minimum adherence to teacher-directed tasks) to the Zone of Marks (student-designed efforts working towards personal goals).

Many parents reflected that this was helpful and bore fruit in subsequent discussions with their children. Notes and additional resources were made available in an email sent last week.

This event contributes towards our developing Wellbeing program at the School. Future student seminars are being held in the following terms, with a focus on time management at Year 11 and examination techniques and effective planning for non-classroom periods (such as the September ‘holidays’) in Year 12. Information about these workshops will become available on Compass closer to the dates.

I would also personally like to thank the parents who gave feedback on the seminar and offered suggestions for future student support. While I feel we’ve made a lot of progress in a short space of time as a school, we have audacious aspirations for implementing wellbeing practices at Preshil, and I am grateful to have the partnership of families in this goal.

From your classroom parent rep... Maria Cervi

As I read through the upcoming events on Compass I was feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of a Monday 6pm session for parents about study skills. I did the usual, "should I, shouldn't I go… it's right on dinner time after all". Well, I organised myself and begrudgingly went. It was the BEST decision I made!

The information presented by an enthusiastic young man, Darcy from Elevate Education, was informative and put us on the right path to help our children; however, what I found even more worthwhile was hearing other parents voice the same concerns as me. I'm not alone!

During the session we raised the point about not knowing how much home study is expected, as well as issues surrounding our lack of understanding of several areas of the Diploma Programme. Instantly, I felt camaraderie with fellow parents and a sense of relief.

After the session finished Dan kindly stayed back with a small group of us and took our concerns on board. He has been following up with staff and this will be remedied in the near future. We left feeling a weight had been lifted and our concerns had not fallen on deaf ears. We need to make the time and embrace these opportunities we are given by Preshil.

I decided that evening to take the role of Years 11/12 classroom parent representative. Due to the productive discussions amongst us earlier that night, I would like to invite Years 11/12 parents to an informal evening at my home in East Kew on Thursday 4 April (details will be forthcoming via email). This is a student free gathering. 

It makes a huge difference feeling part of the parent community; after all, we are in this together! I look forward to meeting you.

Great start to study hall 

by Daniel Symons, Years 11 & 12 Coordinator 

I am happy to report that our Study Hall provision has begun well, with a consistent attendance of between two to ten students every afternoon. Students reflect that the dedicated space for focused, individual study has helped them to be more efficient with their time and keep on top of their workload.

The generosity of staff members offering to supervise and offer additional support has been tremendous; we owe them our gratitude for going the extra mile for our students. One day last week, three teachers attended: one was on duty, one came to enjoy and contribute to the climate and one came at the request of her students.