Teaching and Learning

Our students are now settling into the rhythms and routines of Term 1. In class students may be working towards completing their first CATs or SACs and will have had the opportunity to participate in formative assessment. Formative assessment is continuous feedback that allows a teacher to evaluate the impact of their teaching and students to move their own understanding forward (William, 2011). Our teachers use formative assessment to determine if learning is on track, what they might need to change and where to next. The power of formative assessment is that students are able to use it in exactly the same way by asking themselves: 

• Is my learning on track?  
• What changes could I make?  
• Where does learning go next? 

By asking themselves these questions students are beginning to develop their metacognitive thinking skills and developing themselves as independent learners. 

Testing Information

For many years we have been using PAT testing within the Junior School to help our teachers make informed decisions about the next steps in learning programs. This year our Year 7 to 10 students will also be involved in PAT testing which will allow us to gather further information about our students and to use this in conjunction with the NAPLAN results to plan learning programs within the Senior School. The Year 10 students complete their PAT tests in reading and mathematics this week with the Year 7 to 9 students completing theirs in the coming weeks. 

Please note there has been a change in date for one of the Year 9 NAPLAN testing days. I previously communicated that the Year 9 students would complete one of their tests on Friday 17 March (Periods 3 & 4). This test has now been moved to Wednesday 22 March (Periods 1 & 2).  

We also now have access to the VCE VCAA data service allowing us to investigate the rigour of our VCE courses. The School uses the various data sources available to us to inform our teaching and learning programs, ensuring that each student is individually cared for as well as informing our staff professional learning program. 

High Achiever’s 2022 Assembly 

This Thursday we welcome back our Year 12 2022 high achieving students to recognise their great efforts and celebrate the pathways they are about to embark upon. This assembly is always greatly anticipated as it provides the opportunity for the whole community to reflect on the learning journey these students have had at Shelford, while also encouraging our current students to set their own clear and achievable goals. 

References 

Wiliam, D (2011), Embedded Formative Assessment.  Victoria: Hawker Brownlow Education, p.127 

Karen Whelan

Deputy Principal - Staff, Teaching and Learning/Psychology