Teaching and Learning

One of the most important lessons I have learned as a teacher and as a parent observing my own children working from home during this period of remote learning is that “Less is More”.

This term we have been reminded that sometimes less equates to a better outcome or experience.

Less distractions in class can equal more focus for individual students to learn.

Less face to face lesson time offers more opportunity for students to learn independently.

Less travel time to school means more sleep.

Less co-curricular commitments have meant that many students have had more time to do life, with their family and enjoy a less frenetic pace.

We know that choices are important and student agency is vital, as each young person adopts more control over their learning program.

Imagine what the future world of learning might look like. What if the less is more notion could be a reality and incorporated into our teaching and learning vision here at The Hamilton and Alexandra College? Into our approach to student wellbeing?

Imagine a future world of work that might adopt this approach as well.

But one of the significant observations I have made recently is that we do need more of some things. Human beings need more connection. We were designed to be in relationship with one another and so we crave real interaction. We need more opportunities to encourage one another, to affirm each other, to do life together and to speak love and truth. When we connect with others, we are enabled to see the world differently and gain a new perspective and appreciation of life. As we reflect on Term 3 and the outcomes of RLP 2.0 I would encourage you to remember the importance of people in the equation. Less is more in so many ways, but more people in our life is vital.

At The Hamilton and Alexandra College we look forward to seeing more of you in Term 4.

Susan Bradbeer

Deputy Teaching and Learning

Important Notes to Parents and Students: At the end of this week the Term 3 Reports will be published and available on PAM (Parents Access Module) via SIMON. If you have any questions about student progress and the learning advice offered please contact your child’s mentor

Susan Bradbeer

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

VCE Assessment Preparation

Students studying VCE Unit 3&4 subjects are now preparing for their final School-Based Assessments, the GAT and formal examinations in November. To assist in this process, students are provided with many opportunities for revision and examination practice. Over the past three weeks, all VCE students have attended GAT Preparation sessions and an Examination Preparation session. These sessions were recorded and available in the VCE Teams. 

The next two weeks provide an opportunity for students to dedicate a significant amount of time to consolidating their learning and completing practice examination papers. Practice examinations will be held in Week 2 and 3 of Term 4, where students will have the opportunity to put into practise their examination preparation under timed examination conditions. Teachers will then provide valuable feedback regarding areas for improvement in the final weeks leading up to the examinations.

Revision Lectures are being offered over the holiday break and are highly recommended as a means of revising course content and refining examination techniques. Students should also carefully read the examination preparation advice in their Term Three Report for areas of particular focus and specific instructions regarding revision work to be completed over the holiday break.

All students sitting the GAT (students taking a scored Unit 3&4 subject) have been sent important documents regarding the conditions of the GAT – please ensure that the Microsoft Forms survey is completed to acknowledge this information has been received and read.

In addition to study preparations, I do hope everyone can spend some time relaxing and enjoying our new found freedom over the break.

Mrs Rebekah Bonnett

Head of VCE Studies & Head of Science