Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning
I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it. Pablo Picasso
At The Hamilton and Alexandra College, we believe that teaching students to learn how to learn and develop positive habits to take charge of their own learning, independent study and revision is vital to success. This is a life skill that our Mentors work on with each of their mentee from year 7 right through until year 12. The College Academic Learning Program is designed to offer support and assistance to students as they learn how to study.
Students in the Emerge program – years 10-12 attend the library for individual study as per the restraints of the student timetable. This is an independent study time and students are required to study in silence, manage their own behaviour and set clear study goals. Many of our students working with Virtual Schools Victoria, Victorian School of Languages, RIST, HDSC and GoTafe use the library to access their learning online. The Head of Library Mrs Kym Dempsey works hard to ensure that students respect the quiet learning environment established in the Winifred Berry Library. Students are encouraged to write a study goal for each period in their Student Record book and this is often checked by the Mentor. If they need to consult with a teacher or classmate during these sessions the breakout room is available to book and use.
The Academic Assistance Program at The Hamilton and Alexandra College is open to all Senior Students from 3.45- 5.30pm Monday to Thursday. Students can attend this program on a regular basis or when and if required. At times a teacher or mentor might recommend that a students attend Academic Assistance and parents will be invited to be part of this conversation.
Students are required to scan into the Winifred Berry Library upon arrival and when leaving.
We have been delighted with the way the library is being used by our students. This week on Monday night there were up to seven staff in the library working with individual students – we had a full house.
If you would like your son or daughter to attend academic assistance and would like more information, please contact your child’s mentor or the Head of Middle Years Mr Ben Hawthorne or Head of Senior Years Ms Helen Reiher.
Subject Selections are well underway for 2023. The EXPLORE Information session is live from 28/7/22 and students are invited to attend a Mini Expo on Friday 29/7/22 at lunchtime in the Da Vinci Room. This week interviews to discuss the learning program of our Senior students began with Head of VCE Mrs Bonnett and Careers Practitioner Mrs Manifold. We look forward to working with you to confirm the learning program for your child.
Susan Bradbeer
Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning