The first term of 2024 is fast coming to a close. It has been a term full of enthusiastic endeavour from staff and students. An academic focus has been on reading, in particular on how reading can be explicitly modelled and applied in any subject. Staff have worked together to practice these reading tactics - including choral, cloze and mumble reading. Students are also encouraged to read for 20 minutes per afternoon, preferably from a page rather than a screen. We have also introduced a new set of classroom routines designed to create predictable, safe and calm spaces where learning can take place. 

KLA leaders have been meeting to discuss how the HSC data from 2023 can inform our practice this year. These meetings have been very insightful and KLA  teams are examining the different results per question of the paper, as well as student growth. This has led to many enlightened discussions about what the data teaches us as professionals.

We have also had numerous teachers involved in the Catalyst program which looks to embed specific instruction along with a range of strategies to improve learning experiences.

Some highlights from the Term
Year 12 are now half way through their HSC course - only one major round of assessments to go before the Trials
Year 11 have begun their assessment schedule and will continue to learn from the experience
Year 10 have completed All My own Work and are about to start their NESA Minimum Standards
Year 7 and 9 have sat NAPLAN 2024
Year 8 have settled well into the new year and the classes I have seen shown effort and application

We have another week to go but we get to enjoy our morning after the daylight savings ends.

Senior Students and the Holidays
With the holidays on the horizon, it is easy for students to switch off and get into relaxation mode. This is a risk because the brain, like any muscle, loses strength when it is not used. So over the school holidays students should definitely relax but also reflect on the term that has just passed and think about the term to come. Here are some activities that students can do to keep their brain engaged with their studies so that it is ready to go again in Week 1 next term:

• Create a study plan with reasonable goals
• Study in small chunks
• Catch up on notes
• Revise what you learned in the previous term
• Get ahead for next term
• Study with a friend
• Focus on long term goals
• Prioritise studying over events
• Relax! (1 or 2 chill days a week)

For more details about maximising your learning during the holidays, go to the excellent online resource from Matrix Education: https://www.matrix.edu.au/9-must-know-tips-to-study-effectively-in-the-holidays-and-stay-motivated/