Middle School News

It has been a positive start to Term 2 with our students returning re-charged and enthusiastic for an action-packed term consisting of:

• Year 9 NAPLAN
• Year 9 MEGAR Week
• Middle School Examinations and Year 11 Examinations (for any student who studies a Unit 1/2)
• Year 10 into Year 11 Course counselling activities leading into subject selections
• Year 10 Work Experience

YERA 9 NAPLAN

This week, all Year 9 students will complete NAPLAN Online. Each student will require: 

• A fully-charged computer each day during the testing 
• The NAPLAN locked-down browser application
• Wired headphones for each test (Bluetooth or other wireless headphones are not supported by the browser)

YEAR 9 MEGAR WEEK

20-24 June (last week of Term 2)

During the last week of Term 2 we will be running a very special program for Year 9 students. The focus will be on their wellbeing and building their resilience. It has not been easy for students as they have returned to school from two disrupted years. This is a chance to focus on skills and attitudes that will help them achieve greater success at school this year and in the future. We think this is a very valuable week for students and strongly urge all Year 9 students to attend.

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXAMS OVERVIEW

Our Year 9 students will sit an examination in Science and Maths and our Year 10 students will sit an examination for English, Maths, Science and any Year 11 (Unit 1) subject they may study. Middle School exams are important in preparing students with the positive learning behaviours and routines that are required in the Senior School, into tertiary studies and for some workplaces. They help students to better understand what study routines and behaviours are best suited to their individual learning styles. They provide students with the opportunity to engage with meaningful feedback and use this to consolidate or adjust personal learning goals for Semester 2. 

If a student misses an examination, it should be for an approved reason supported by a medical certificate or other relevant documentation. We will be hosting exam catch up sessions for any students who misses an exam. Students will automatically be enrolled into the first exam catch up session on Thursday 9 June (Report Writing Day) if they miss any exam on the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. There will also be one additional exam catch up session on Thursday 16 June (week 8) after school. 

Here is an excellent 7-minute video series (6 videos) which discusses some evidence-based study and learning strategies that will support your young person in preparation for their examinations. 

COURSE COUNSELLING YEAR 10 INTO 11

During Term 2, our Year 10 students start the process of selecting their Year 11 program for 2023. This requires them to start or continue thinking about their pathways and futures. This can be both an exciting and daunting process. 

Students will complete a Year 10 Career Action Plan (CAP) which is owned and managed by the student. This document should be continually revised and will be completed via Compass. This helps them set goals and clarify actions to achieve their goals. Students will be able to use the knowledge and understanding established during course counselling to inform their career and pathway decisions. 

Key dates to mark in your calendars:

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

 20-24 June (last week of Term 2)

On Monday 9 May students completed their OHS WorkSafe online modules in preparation for work experience. During week 7 of Term 2, students will receive a hardcopy booklet that they are required to complete during work experience and submit to the Middle Sub School upon return to school, Day 1 in Term 3. 

Important reminder:

Any questions please make contact with Debbie James – Work Experience Coordinator (workexperience@FHS.vic.edu.au).

The Foundation of Young Australians (FYA) New Work Order report series (2017 – see here) has examined the key factors that will shape the future of work and how we can best prepare our young people for this.  Their research shows a future change in the work and industry demands (by 2030) means young people will need to be equipped with ‘new work smarts – smart learning, smart thinking and smart doing’.

Source: FYA New Work Series, 2017

The Work Experience Program is fantastic in supporting our students with establishing and exploring these ‘new work smarts’ – different learning, thinking and doing opportunities. Exposure to the diverse skills and activities required across different careers, industries and roles helps our students to plan a Year 11 and 12 school program with the right mix of subjects that could align with the pathway they wish to pursue. 

Years 9 & 10 Teams

Mrs Cathy Hogg, Campus Principal Year 9

Ms Tiffany Greenhill, Campus Principal Year 10

*For ALL absences please email the ABSENCES email and try to avoid emailing the Middle School email or any of the other staff as the email may not be seen prior to the 11.00am cut-off time and you will receive the absence text.

If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact any member of the team.