Teaching and Learning
NAPLAN 2019
NAPLAN tests provide information regarding student progress in literacy and numeracy, and complement the wide range of formal and informal assessments already conducted in schools.
During NAPLAN, the following areas of literacy are assessed:
Language conventions – spelling, grammar and punctuation
Students in Years 7 and 9 will be sitting a 45 minute Omnibus test on 1 April in the College Hall. The practice test provides students with an opportunity to become familiar with the types of questions they will experience in NAPLAN Online. Students will complete the test using the same type of device they will be using for NAPLAN Online. The practice test also provides our NAPLAN coordinators and test administrators with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the functions of the online assessment platform.
Running the practice test helps us to capacity plan, by providing an opportunity to trial the rooms, devices and student groups that we intend to use in May.
NAPLAN testing will begin next term on Tuesday 14 May. Students will be provided with a timetable early next term.
Should you have any concerns or questions about the practice test please contact me at the College. It is important students do not bring any mobile phones into the College Hall on 1 April.
SBAT NEWS
Congratulations to Hayley Elliott in Year 10 who was signed up with St Mary’s Preschool as a School Based trainee last week. Hayley will study Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE New England and she will work at the preschool one day a week.
Later in the year, Mrs Kellahan and I will host a TVET and SBAT Information Evening for students interested in this pathway.
Mrs Raelene Maxworthy - Leader of Teaching and Learning
Texstyle Exhibition
I was honoured to attend the Presentation Evening of the Texstyle Exhibition which profiles student works of excellence from the 2018 Higher School Certificate, Textiles and Design course. McCarthy was invited as Maggie Fulwood’s Major Textile Project was acknowledged as an example of outstanding student achievement in the course. The exhibition was held at Ultimo TAFE in Sydney, in conjunction with their Fashion School. The official party included Mark Tyler, Technology Inspector from NESA, Lyndall Foster, Executive Director Curriculum Standards, NESA and Head Teacher Fashion Design and Technology, Tracey Malvern.
Maggie was one of only fifty-two students selected in the state. It was lovely to witness Maggie’s shy pride as she received acknowledgement. Maggie’s Band 6 in Textiles and Design contributed to her gaining a place at Newcastle University studying Speech Pathology. McCarthy Catholic College was also acknowledged with the presentation of a certificate.
Ms Suzanne Day - Leader of Learning - Technological and Applied Studies
English
On Tuesday 12 March, former McCarthy student and local business woman Anika Chillingworth, with her employee Charlee Hall, took time out of their working day at Soho on Bourke in Tamworth to talk with Year 11 English Studies students and share their perspectives on the workplace.
Year 11 English Studies are currently working in their first topic ‘Achieving in English’. The first assessment task involves preparing a resume, cover letter and a formal job interview. The insights given during the interview with Ms Chillingworth and Ms Hall were invaluable as they shared experiences covering employers expectations, tips on what to include in a resume, personal presentation, common errors and more.
“There is an expectation in the workplace today where employees act like they are owed things without having to work hard for them or put in effort.” Ms Chillingworth commented. “Employers need to know that people who want to work in their business are seeking to contribute, work as a team and to grow through training and problem solving.”
Staff and students wish to thank Ms Chillingworth and Ms Hall for sharing their experiences and advice in this forum. Students presented reports after the interview and reflected on just how valuable it is to reflect on the practical experiences of real people in the local business community.
Mr Ryan Saban - English Teacher