Dean of Studies

Beyond School

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has just released five key findings in ''Education at a Glance 2019'', a report providing a comprehensive overview of education systems in OECD member and partner countries. The publication notes some important trends shaping the future of education today, with one of the key findings being that the labour-market demand for tertiary-educated adults has kept pace with the higher supply of tertiary graduates. Of particular interests is that:

“Although engineering, manufacturing and construction, and information and communication technologies are associated with the best employment prospects and earnings, the share of tertiary graduates earning degrees in these fields remains low, on average: only 14% in engineering, manufacturing and construction in 2017, and just 4% in information and communication technologies.  In contrast, more than 40% of tertiary graduates earned a degree in business, administration and law, arts and humanities, or the social sciences.”

Recently, a review of the New South Wales (school) curriculum was commissioned by the NSW Government. The review, headed by Professor Geoff Masters, chief executive of the Australian Council for Educational Research, included recommendations to reduce the number of courses, the emphasis on end-of-school exams and a merging of vocational and academic subjects. Restructuring the syllabus around attainment levels rather than year levels was also recommended, along with a view that the current curriculum is too crowded and should be updated for the 21st century.

These reports make for an interesting conversation about how we are preparing our students for life beyond school. Worldwide, the long-term employment benefits of a tertiary (university) education, including an ability to be job resilient through labour market downturns continues, and yet schools are facing challenges around meaningful and relevant learning that prepares students for life as an adult.

At St Norbert College, this time in the school academic year provides opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge achievements and awards in academics, the arts, sport, service and Catholic Ministry. At the same time, many students experience worry and anxiousness as they prepare for the final assessments for the year, as they continue to strive to, ‘be prepared for all good works’.

The daily reality of study routine, revision, learning and homework takes precedence over future plans that may still seem years away. The OECD findings may not be relevant to these immediate and pressing homework and study demands. However, the decision to make a commitment in the ‘here and now’ is a foundation for both the immediate success at school and to build habits for long term success in all careers and industries.

Regardless of how and when the structure of secondary curriculum changes, what the jobs needed in the future will be or whether or not someone will attend university, the College Values of respect, heritage, community, friendship, adaptability and commitment, provide a framework for a life of meaning and purpose, and with this, a fulfilling work life.

(Source: https://oecdedutoday.com/education-at-a-glance-2019-key-findings/)

Mr R Dowling (Dean of Studies)

Year 12 Awards

The following students were acknowledged as award recipients at the Final Assembly. The College congratulates the students on their efforts.

ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award                                                                                                                                                  Oscar McDonald

Caltex Best Allrounder Award                                                   Sanjita Ghimire

VET Australian Super Award                                                            Jaydon Kelly

Engineers Australia Award                                                  Aldric Ratnasekera

In addition, a number of Year 12 students were presented with their Honours badges in the following categories:

Student Ministry Honours

Tallulah Armenti; Nyssa Coutinho; Ana Christine (Ana) De Veyra; Sarina Dhakal; John Fuentes; Aldric Ratnasekera

Sports Honours

ACC Swimming:                     

William Ishiguchi; Jessica Ramos

ACC Cross Country:

Jaco Jansen Van Rensburg; Felicity Plewright

ACC Athletics:  

Lubin Benedict; Izeldin Bol; Eijeesha DeSilva; Jaco Jansen van Rensburg; Cooper Jenkins; Carissa O’Sullivan; Benjamin Rowlands

Specialised Basketball:

Ethan McShane; Felicity Plewright; Aidan La Brooy; Nes’eya Williams

Please see the attachment for all award-winners

Key Dates – Term Four

Please note the following in your calendar as the College approaches the end-of-year assessment period.

WACE Examinations (Year 12): Wednesday 30 October – Monday 18th November

• Morning Exams: 9:20am – 12:30pm
• Afternoon Exams: 2.00pm – 5:00pm

All Year 12 ATAR students should go to https://studentportal.scsa.wa.edu.au and download their personalised examination timetable as part of the final preparation for the WACE Examinations.

Semester Two Examinations (Year 11) :

 7 - 18 November 

Thursday 7 November                                 Friday 8 November

Religion & Life (12:50pm)                               Mathematics Specialist (8:50am); Economics (12:50pm)

Monday 11 November                                 Tuesday 12 November

English; Literature (12:50pm)                         Chemistry (8:50am); Accounting & Finance (12:50pm)

Wednesday 13 November

Japanese Second Language (8:50am); Mathematics Methods; Mathematics Applications (12:50pm)

Thursday 14 November

Health Studies; Physics (8:50am); Japanese Second Language – Orals (12:50pm)

Friday 15 November

Computer Science; Visual Arts (8:50am); Human Biology; Modern History – ViSN (12:50pm)

Monday 18 November

Psychology (8:50am); Design (12:50pm)

Semester Two Examinations (Year 10) : Monday 25 November – Friday 29 November

• All exams will be conducted over a maximum of two periods during school hours

Semester Two Examinations (Year 9): Monday 2 December – Friday 6 December

• All exams will be conducted over a maximum of two periods during school hours

Students in Year 10 and 11 are required to be at the College for their scheduled examination time(s) only. All Year 9 students will continue to attend their timetabled lessons where no examination is scheduled.                                                                                 

OLNA

The results from the OLNA Round 2 have been updated and provided to schools. A letter informing students of their updated OLNA status will be sent to all families next week. Please note that for any Year 12 students that has not yet achieved Category 3 for Numeracy, Reading and Writing, you may sit the OLNA during any of the subsequent rounds. Should you demonstrate the standard during any of these rounds, and you have met all the other requirements in place that year, you will achieve a WACE. The attached (PDF) document contains information regarding the procedures to sit the OLNA after Year 12.

       Mr R Dowling (Dean of Studies)