Vision for Learners
NAPLAN Testing 2020
It is that time of the year again when we start to prepare for NAPLAN testing in Years 7 and 9. As has been the case for the past few years, these tests will be sat in an online environment. The dates set for this in 2020 are 12-15 May. Should you wish to exempt your student from the NAPLAN, please contact me directly via email (Sandra.barry@endeavour.sa.edu.au) or telephone (8368 3311) before Friday 15 March, so that I can send you a form.
A Nationally Coordinated Practice Test will be taking place on Monday 23 March 2020. This session will not be marked or used in any way for results. The purpose is to provide a robust testing environment at both a local and national level, in preparation for the testing to occur early in Term 2. For our school this will involve all students in Year 7. In an effort to minimise lesson time lost and as the majority of Year 9 students have already participated in this practice in Year 7, Year 9 students will not be involved. Should Year 9 students wish to have further practice prior to Term 2, they are encouraged to visit the practice site through their Locked Down browser. Further information on this site will be sent out next week to both students and families. Should you have any questions about either of these activities please do not hesitate to contact me at the College.
Sandra Barry
Director of Learning
Learning Conversations 2020 for Year 8 - Year 12
As we move further with our system of more continuous feedback on student learning and assessment being available to parents and care givers, opportunity has opened up to also reconsider the timing of Learning Conversations. Learning Conversations are opportunities for parents/ care givers and students to come to meet with subject teachers to discuss a student's progress both academically and in his/her attitude to learning in the classroom.
In the past an interim report included a progress grade, attitude to learning notation and comment. The interim grade in the past has often been problematic in accurately reflecting how a student is progressing due the timing of when reports needed to be prepared and the small number of assessment items available. Access to tasks in an ongoing manner across a greater number of weeks we feel is a more accurate indication of student learning in those units of work. Comments on academic progress and attitudes are also being reflected in at least two pieces of feedback given on individual tasks.
Given this progression, it seems natural to now place opportunities for parents and care givers to come to meet with subject teachers in Week 11 of Term 1. These learning Conversations will therefore now be held on Tuesday April 7 from 4pm - 8pm. Information regarding bookings will be circulated at later date. All parents and care givers are encouraged to make appointments to see subject teachers.
Learning Conversations for Year 7 students and families will remain in Week 2 of Term 2, and further information regarding these will be sent to Year 7 families closer to the time.
Sandra Barry
Director of Learning
Work Experience Opportunities
As part of the SACE Personal Learning Plan subject our year 10s are busy exploring their skills, interests and abilities and linking these to possible career industry areas and pathways. All Year 10s will complete 25 hours of Workplace Learning as part of their Personal Learning Plan Program. This purposeful experience is aimed at offering students a chance to gain an insight into what a job involves and how a workplace operates. It provides opportunity to develop useful work-related skills such as team work and effective communication and develop confidence in learning and becoming competent in new tasks, along with a new referee to add to a resume.
Students in Year 11 and 12 are also encouraged to undertake Work Experience in order to further explore careers of interest. A few days in a work place gives a true insight into the everyday task a worker performs and is a great way to make informed decisions around possible careers or courses. Many of our Vocational Pathways students are required to complete a work experience in order to demonstrate their skills in a practical setting. It is important that students in these years discuss their placement with the Pathways Leader and complete all forms before attending the placement.
We are always on the lookout for new opportunities for our students to explore the world of work so if you are able to offer a student an experience in your work place we would love to hear from you. Our students come well prepared in regards to understanding Health and Safety issues in the workplace and their roles and responsibilities related to work experience. Please contact me at the College if you would be prepared to host a student for a day or a week!
Annie Fitridge
Pathways Leader