Curriculum 

HSC exams began last Tuesday, after a month's delay. We wish all Year 12 students the very best as they complete this significant milestone. We commend their resilience and persistence in managing all that 2021 has thrown at them.

The postponed Year 11 parent teacher interviews will occur on Tuesday 16 November. As restrictions remain in place, these interviews  will occur by phone, with bookings via COMPASS. The interviews will be an opportunity to focus on the commencement of HSC study and to actively discuss ‘next learning steps’ for each student. 

Year 11 students are now five weeks into their HSC courses. Learning experiences from this term will be examined in HSC examinations in 2022. Hence, attendance everyday at school is important. Research has demonstrated that there is no safe threshold for absences from school. There are academic and social impacts on students' related to absences from school. Missing one day a fortnight has a significant negative impact on student performance. Quite simply for all students, particularly Year 11, every day at school counts. 

Each year a number of students in Stage 6 commence study via Distance Education - because the course they wish to study is not offered at McCarthy, or because it clashes with another course they have selected. While it is a way for students to pursue their passions, studying via Distance Education does require organisation and maturity. In 2021 four Yr 11 students - Emily Bolsom (Geography), Rory Littlejohns (Ancient History), Clementine Monet (Spanish) and Rachel Smith (French) have studied via Camden Haven Distance Education. The College recently received their reports for these courses and each of them performed admirably. Of particular note, Rory received an Award for Excellence which was presented to him by Mr Whelan at a recent Year meeting. Congratulations to all four students.

Mrs Sally Sparke - Assistant Principal - Curriculum &

Mrs Briony Martin - Leader of Pedagogy