Data and Pedagogical Practice News

Assessment at Marist College Ashgrove

We are at a point in the term where students from Years 5-12 are being formally assessed. These assessment tasks are used to ascertain where our students are at this point in time of their learning. Effective assessment is integrated into ongoing learning and at the completion of these assessment items students and parents will be provided with feedback that will assist our students to move their learning forward. John Hattie, a professor of education and director of the Melbourne Education Research Institute at the University of Melbourne, completed a meta-analysis into the most effective strategies to improve student learning. It is not surprising that providing feedback has an effect size of 1.13. An effect size of 0.40 is considered significant (ACER, 2003). 

After Term 2 assessment, results will be reported on and further conversations will happen towards the end of Term 3 with Parent/Teacher/Student interviews. Not only does assessment provide the opportunity to ascertain information about your sons learning, but it also provides valuable evidence for teachers to use and consider when reflecting on the learning process.

Another critical aspect of this assessment period is ensuring your son’s routine remains as normal as possible. This includes minimising extracurricular activities, and ensuring they eat a balanced diet, exercise, sleep adequately (especially the night before exams), and drink plenty of water. 

If your son is feeling overwhelmed by the assessment period or would like some extra assistance with their study schedule, please encourage them to attend Study Hall and take up various opportunities of academic tutoring on offer at the College. If this is of interest to your son they can contact the subject curriculum leader or subject teacher. 

Year 12 Academic Interviews

All Year 12 students will partake in the end of Unit 3 Academic Care interviews throughout the course of Week 9. These interviews are 15 minutes long and will reflect on students’ academic progress in Unit 3, as well as setting goals for Unit 4.  For those students undertaking General subjects, preparation for external assessment will also be addressed. 

Interview dates and time will be sent this week. Please keep an eye out for these and if you need to ask questions or change times, please contact Mrs Kim Horwood, PA to Head of Data and Pedagogy, at horwoodk@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 11 Reports

Year 11 Unit 1 reports will be available this week. To view the report please access via Parent Lounge -----> Student Details -----> Academic Reports. 

If you would like to discuss your son’s progress please contact their subject teacher.

Year 11 Subject Changes 

A reminder that tomorrow is the last day for changing subjects.

Please see Ms Jen Smeed in the Academic Care office by Wednesday 9 June 2021 to collect a form and have a subject interview.

Year 10 Exam Block

Year 10 Exam Block starts next week (Tuesday 8 June) and is an opportunity for students to study for their exams from home when they are not required on campus.  This term, the College is trialling a combination of both home and school study, so that all students learning is catered for.  If your son’s preference is to study at the College, parents are asked to book their son into the study hall. Please follow this link - Year 10 Exam Block - Study Hall Booking

It is important to note that the exam block is a privilege provided to students who are up-to-date with assessment for all subjects (including their Work Skills modules). If your son has not submitted an assessment or completed the tasks to a reasonable standard, he will be required to remain at school over this exam block in order to catch up on this work. You will be contacted before the commencement of exam block via email if this applies to your son. If you have any questions about this process please do not hesitate to contact the Senior Learning Leader, Ms Jennifer Smeed, at smeedj@marash.qld.edu.au.

If your son is using the exam block to study at home, the expectations are as follows:

1. Normal College rules apply when on campus
2. Boys must arrive to and from school in full school uniform (including blazers and bags)
3. Boys are to travel directly to and from school without congregating at shops, outside other schools or the like
4. Boys must arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled exam
5. Boys must bring all required equipment (calculator, pens, highlighters etc)
6. Boys must adhere to the exam coordinators’ instructions at all times.

Boys are also encouraged to bring their equipment in a clear plastic sleeve or container and that their water bottle should be clear. This is great practice for external assessment in Year 12.