Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning 

In week 6 students in Years 7-10 completed the ACER PAT read and PAT maths testing. This data provides us with valuable information that helps to inform our teaching and learning at the College and planning for 2023.

In week 8 and 9 we hold our End of Year Exams.

• Year 9-11 Exam period: Wednesday 23/11/- Monday 28/11/2022
• Year 7-8 Exam Period: Monday 28/11- Wednesday 30/11/2022

In weeks 9 to 11 we run our Step-Up Program that gives every College student the opportunity to prepare for their learning in 2023. Specifically, for our students in EMERGE who begin the VCE, there is an opportunity to become familiar with the expectations of learning, assessments, attendance, and class performance. 

A key part of our end of year programs is an invitation to reflect. University of Zurich researchers concluded that reflecting on how you've overcome past challenges helps you to better process negative experiences. People can use these moments as a source of creativity and motivation. The Association for Psychological Science found that when people reflect on time and who they are, it made them less likely to cheat or be dishonest. People feel more encouraged to act in ways they are proud of. As we enter the exam period and prepare to Step Up. I invite all students, teachers and parent to reflect on this question about the year:

• What happened?

• Why do you think it happened?
• What new problems or opportunities did it create?
• What might you do as a result?

At The Hamilton and Alexandra College, we encourage our students to be reflective and consider what behaviours or attitudes they might keep moving forward, what things they need to start or restart and most importantly what do they need to stop.

'Stepping up' takes work. I look forward to partnering with our College community as we push ahead to be the best versions of ourselves and set some clear goals for our learning in 2023.

SUSAN BRADBEER

Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning