Year 9

Congratulations!

• Siorcha Creaton: Winner of SCSA 800m and 1500m. Not only did Siorcha win convincingly, she broke both records! A remarkable achievement.
• Amber Byrnes and Megan Jenkins: Both selected for SMJFL Interleague AFL Team.

Year 9 students will be commencing their first formal examinations on the 6/7 June 2019. We have started preparation in pastoral periods to help the girls to prepare and to establish a study routine in addition to their regular homework.

The purpose of introducing examinations is to help prepare the girls for their future schooling and to try to ‘normalise’ the examination process so students have an opportunity to be exposed to the process in order to cope competently with future examinations. Year 9 students will have examinations for the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities.

Please see below, the Examination Timetable for Year 9 students.

The important thing about the forthcoming examinations is the experience. We understand that many students may experience anxiety. However, we have discussed the fact that some anxiety is normal. Understandably, many students are feeling anxious about the forthcoming exams. We will be running a lunchtime session for those students who would like extra reassurance. We have discussed the need for adequate sleep and healthy eating in connection with exam preparation. It is important to remind students that they need to aim for their best and beyond that, there is not much control. We believe that preparing students for future challenges is vitally important.

It is important that you know that we are covering the social, emotional and academic concerns of students. In our pastoral sessions, we have given students an opportunity to fill out study timetables in the lead up to exams. A ‘Preparing for Examinations Study Skills’ booklet has been issued to every Year 9 student. Please ask your daughters about this booklet, and how they are going with their examination preparation. The booklet includes a section on ‘Getting Organised’; ‘How to Make Study Notes’; ‘Effective Study Strategies’; ‘Study Timetable’; ‘Effective Home Study Environment’ and the help that is available at the College. Students have also had a session on positive self-talk and technical self-talk in exam preparation.

Students are able to leave after their allocated examinations, as would be the case in senior years. We feel that giving the students this opportunity will help to prepare them for future years. However, parents/carers MUST give permission for this to happen through the parent portal (PAM). Please ensure you do this so your daughter is able to leave after her examinations, otherwise, she will have to remain at school until the usual time of  3.12pm.

Kath de Bruin

Level Leader: Year 9