Vision for Learners 

Senior Years Examinations

After a Study Day scheduled for this Monday, Year 10 and Year 11 students will be commencing their first round of formal examinations for the year. Year 12s will remain in classes next week and sit their mid-year examinations in Week 10. 

Examinations are one form of assessment that tests student capacity to recall and apply information and processes within a time limit. The process of preparing for examinations builds skills in organising, summarising, time management and revision leads learners to a deeper understanding of particular disciplines. These are all very worthwhile advantages and need to be seen in the context of overall assessment practices. There are many practices, and the examination is just one. As these are the first series of exams for Year 10s, they should be seen as a good way of getting to know the assessment type and practicing a different way of revising. By Year 11, students should be refining their skills in revision and in-exam processes to be fully prepared for examinations at Stage 2 and beyond. Given the time limits and often volume of learning required, these times can become particularly stressful. Stress can drive us to be better and improve and is quite healthy and natural. There are times when stress can also become overwhelming and unproductive. At these times it is helpful to talk to someone who can help guide your thinking to a more productive place. 

At the College students have access to counselling staff, Year Level Leaders, Directors, subject and Care Group teachers. Setting out a study schedule (and sticking to it), practicing exam style questions, having a plan for the examination itself and asking questions of a teacher when a topic is not fully understood will help lower stress levels. Developing healthy habits for sleeping, exercising and eating are also ways to reduce stress and ensure a readiness to perform optimally. 

We wish all students in the senior years healthy preparations for their upcoming examinations and while they are finalising end of semester assessments.

End of Semester Reporting

End of Semester Reports for students in Year 7  through to Year 11, will be released via the TASS Parent Lounge during the first two weeks of the holiday break. They will also be available via the Student Café. These reports are the formal record of achievement and application after one semester of work. For some subjects, especially in Years 10 and 11, this will mean the end of the course and for others it is an interim course report. Another formal College report will be shared at the end of Semester 2. 

Please take the time to read the report in conjunction with the comments and assessment rubrics on Canvas to prompt conversations about the work that has been occurring across the College. Students have been engaged in a range of incredible learning experiences and opportunities. Students are encouraged to consider from this report, goals and learnings to take into a brand-new semester in Semester 2. A big congratulations to all students and staff for the efforts of Semester 1.

Year 12 Learning Conversations and SATAC Information Session

Year 12 Learning Conversations August 7 2023

Year 12 Academic reports will be uploaded to TASS prior to the end of Week 2 of next term. This is a later time than the rest of the College because Year 12 mid-year examinations will only occur in the holiday break. In conjunction with reports being released and it being over halfway through the academic year, it is timely to provide a more formal opportunity for students and their parents/caregivers to meet with their subject teachers. It is a good time to learn more specific details about a student's level of application and achievement so far. 

It is also a critical time for teachers to offer advice on ways to improve as we move into the last eight weeks of teaching. Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to make appointments with their child's subject teachers via TASS using the details sent via email when parents and caregivers are notified that end of semester reports have been uploaded. It is expected that Year 12 students will attend this evening with their parents/caregivers.

The connected event to this evening is the SATAC Information Session. In 2023, this event will revert to being offered in-person and will provide information for students and families about how to apply for tertiary study for 2024. 

We are excited about presenting this differently in 2023 and encourage families to attend as university processes often change slightly from year to year. For families unable to attend, the powerpoint slides will be made available on the Year 12 Canvas page.

The Learning Conversations will take place throughout the Senior Years Centre. Maps will be displayed at both entrances and throughout the centre.  Should parents/caregivers and students be unable to attend on this night, they are encouraged to either email or call the subject teachers should they have any questions.

Sandra Barry

Director of Learning

Year 10 Creating Careers Event 

You may already have read or heard about our exciting Creating Careers Event happening here at the College on Thursday 29 June. 

We have locked in some great Q and A Panellists for the morning session who will share their unique career journeys and provide ideas about ways to make career choices and other interesting advice!! We have panellist from industry areas including Fitness, Finance, Biotechnologies, Creative Industries and much more! 

Our Breakout Sessions after recess include experiences relevant to university and vocational pathways. Students have selected from a wide range of activities including UniSA Campus Tours, an Aviation Experience (including virtual flight simulators) at UniSA, and some great opportunities to learn about new and emerging careers with the UniSA Future Industries Institute. On campus we will be hosting sessions focusing on areas such as Allied Health Careers, Creative Industries, Human Services, Business and Hospitality, Engineering and Construction. The University of Adelaide and Flinders University will also be present sharing information about their course offerings and pathways.

We hope that the Year 10s will leave with information that can help them through the Term 3 process of subject selection and be encouraged to continue to think about their possible futures and career goals.

We are open to having Year 11 students involved in this day as part of our breakout sessions. We have vacancies in the 90minute Aviation session along with all other activities both at school and at the university. Please email or talk to Mrs Fitridge if you are interested.

Students can expect to come away from this day filled with ideas and possible pathways to consider and discuss at home, in PLP and Care Group.

Annie Fitridge

Careers and Pathways Learning Leader