ISSUE ONE

Deputy Principal's Report

Exam Preparation

Our Year 12 students are now nearing the completion of courses and are preparing for the intense revision that lies ahead of them.  The period between now and when they sit examinations is crucial to a successful result and needs to be managed effectively.  This management includes a focus on ‘quality study’ rather than just quantity.  Students need to plan for their study and create a timetable. Managing stress, and keeping the perspective that the VCE examinations are only one step along their life and career journey, is vital for all students.  At home, students need to have a harmonious study environment, and where the whole family can assist.  Students should not panic about the upcoming examinations, but rather commit to the VCE course that they have selected and prepare as best they can for the final examinations.

 

One of the best things parents/guardians can do if their child is experiencing exam stress is to try to be as supportive and tolerant as possible. The below list of strategies has been compiled by Parentline (www.parentline.com.au) and is designed to help parents understand how they can help young people to manage exam stress.

 

Effective study and learning habits

Parents can help reduce exam stress by helping their child establish effective study and learning habits:

  • Help your child find a quiet place to study without distractions. Make sure their table is uncluttered so they can focus better.
  • Encourage your child to find out exactly what the test involves - are there past test papers they can look at to help them understand what to expect?
  • Encourage your child to ask for help or ask their teacher for clarity if they are unsure of something or if they feel confused.
  • Help them to make 'mind maps' to collect ideas and summarise thoughts - use bright colours to help remember important links.
  • Help them to plan their study schedule early on so they have sufficient time to study. It can be helpful to develop a clear, realistic plan of what they want to cover in each study session. Can they break it down into small chunks?
  • Remind your child to take a short rest and move around in between each part of their study.
  • Offer help sometimes. It can be useful having someone to listen or practise with.

Compulsory Trial Examinations

As previously advised the College will be holding trial examinations from Thursday 28 September (please note Friday 29 September is a Public Holiday no examination will be scheduled) until Friday 5 October 2017 during the non-tuition period. External supervisors will oversee the examinations.  All students will be provided with feedback on each exam completed and staff will develop revision programs to meet the needs of students based on their trail exam result.  Catholic Regional College Sydenham staff will be present at the College during the examination time. The College will be open from 9.00am – 4.00pm including the Learning Common for students to access during the trial exam times. Students are required to wear full College uniform for their scheduled examinations.

 

Attendance at all scheduled practice examinations is compulsory for all students undertaking a scored Unit 3-4 subject. This includes any Year 11 student undertaking a Unit 3-4 subject. Students who fail to attend these examinations will be transferred from a scored to an unscored program unless a medical certificate is provided.  Please note that the College verifies all certificates with relevant surgery’s due to some fraudulent documents having been submitted to schools in recent years. Other consequences for non-attendance may include:

  • Detentions / Suspensions;
  • Not receiving an invitation to the Rites of Passage program including the Year 12 Breakfast, Year 12 Graduation and Year 12 Formal.

Term 4 Revision Classes

In order to provide as much support as possible to our Year 12 VCE students prior to the formal exam period commencing on Wednesday November 1, classes will run as per the normal schedule in the first two weeks Term 4. The final day of week 2, Friday 20 October, is reserved for the Year 12 Breakfast in the morning and Graduation Mass and Ceremony in the evening. 

From Monday October 23 until Friday October 27, the College will offer revision classes for Year 12 students. It is strongly recommended that students attend the revision classes that are offered during this period. Teachers will provide students with a revision schedule to assist them in planning their preparation program for the final examinations.

Any Year 12 student wishing to be on the College grounds must be in full College uniform and only attend study hall, a revision class or an appointment with a teacher. Students who are not in full school uniform will be asked to leave the College grounds. Students may not wander around the College grounds or be on the grounds without having reported to Study Hall first. Year 11 classes will continue during this time so teaching and learning must be allowed to continue uninterrupted. Once again, any student on site must be in full College uniform.

 

We wish all of our students well during the upcoming exam period and assure families that we are to help and provide support in any way possible.

 

Jeff Mulcahy                                      Chantelle Gauci

Deputy Principal                               Deputy Principal