Assistant Principal Report
Assessment
Schools across Australia are changing the way they teach in response to what research is telling us about what really works and doesn’t work in schools. This year we have introduced across all classes 'learning intentions' and success criteria. 'Learning Intentions' provide a link to syllabus outcomes therefore forming an explicit connection between syllabus standards and teaching. 'Success Criteria' enables students to understand what success looks like and are formed in terms of ‘I can…’ statements. Teachers are designing rich learning tasks that enable students to engage in deep learning around a particular aspect of learning. We have deliberately reduced the amount of testing as a form of assessment.
We still do have tests as an instrument for informing the teacher about how successful they have been in teaching the content. By continual assessment we are focussing more on the process of learning as well as the product.
Year 10 Information
Last week we held our information evening for Year 10 students and parents. We have received some very positive feedback from parents on the format. This week, students in Year 10 will be submitting the initial subject/ course preference survey. Developing the final subject lines for Year 11 is a long process and may require a few drafts and negotiating along the way.
Year 11
To start the term I challenged Year 11 about their commitment to studies. Many students revealed that they did less than 2 hours of home study or learning beyond the classroom. I also know that unless it is a formal assessment, many students are choosing what work they will submit. If Year 11 are serious about reaching their potential in the HSC they need to have a rethink about their commitment. At this point, students should be studying at least 5 hours per week outside of school. In Year 12 and as exams loom, this should increase as necessary. This needs to be quality revision and study without distractions.
Uniform and Lateness
Wearing the correct uniform demonstrates pride in oneself and the College. Students must arrive to and depart from the college in full school uniform every day, which includes blazer and tie. All black leather shoes should be proper lace up shoes not 'Vans', leather joggers or ballet style shoes that do not cover the W.H & S requirements for Science and TAS practical classes.
I ask that parents support this by ensuring students wear the correct uniform to school each day. Full winter uniform needs to be worn on those days that a student does not have sport. While we have seen an improvement in students' arrival times at school, this is an area that still requires your assistance.
Uniform Shop
Opening Hours :
Monday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Wednesday 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Friday 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
Up Coming Events
Week 3 (A)
August 6 - Yr 11 Work Placement Construction, Real Talk Parent night 6pm
August 7 - Yr 7 P/ T Interviews
August 8 - Armidale Youth Forum, 7-10 Mass
August 9 - Australian Maths Comp P. 1 & 2 Schools Schools Cup Netball- Tamworth
August 10 - PLT
Week 2 (B)
August 13 - Lit/ Num Test Week
August 14 - Stage 5 Textiles Workshops
August 15 - Assumption Whole School Mass
August 16 - AIME Yrs 9 -10
August 17 - Diocesan Athletics -Armidale
Thank you for your support.
Simon Fleming
A.P/ Curriculum Coordinator