Ensuring Academic Success
It is vital for girls establish good habits that will support their success throughout the year. The Academic Care Program this term has focused on putting plans and processes in place to help support the students achieve their personal best, whilst reducing disorganisation and pressure upon them. To help frame our conversation, we highlighted three key areas for students to consider and act upon throughout the semester: Goal Setting, Study Timetables and Study Environments
During their first week in the Senior School, in Academic Care time, Year 7 students discussed having a study space that is conducive to effective studying, having a distraction free environment (phone free!) and chatted about setting small, medium, and long-term goals. This is a space we will continue to navigate and develop as the term progresses. The following week, students were be guided through the Year 7 assessment calendar in Luminary time and will begin to plan their assessments.
Halfway through the term, we saw a large variety of Academic Care Sessions throughout the School.
Year 7 spent time with Marianna Carlino, Director of eLearning, looking at Microsoft Word, and how to best utilise the app to enhance their assessment and learning. It is an essential and powerful tool, which they will no doubt use throughout both their school and university careers.
Year 8 were allocated time for individual study. With a number of assessments on the horizon, it was a good opportunity for them to spend some focused time completing tasks, or organising themselves for the coming weeks.
Year 9 had a highly productive session run by their peers. I am thankful for the Year 9 Middle School Leaders for running a short course on utilising Kahoot for study. They were highly organised, presented with poise, and gave some excellent tips and tricks to enhance their peers’ learning.
Year 10 spent time with me looking at the Science of Learning. We spoke about the best ways by which to prepare one’s notes, as well as a variety of mnenomic devices they could use to assist in their preparation for their upcoming tasks.
Year 11 were joined by Andrew Taylor, Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing, and one of our councillors Lisa Williamson, who discussed stress, and how to overcome it. With an examination block on the horizon, it equipped the girls with several strategies to overcome high levels of stress, affording them the opportunity to achieve at their personal best.
Some good old-fashioned Pen to Paper
Late in the term, Year 7 and Year 9 girls completed a technology free study session in Academic Care. With busy assessment schedules at present, it provided an opportunity for girls to get ahead in their work, and complete any pressing tasks. The girls were expected to plan their study session, having been given time earlier in the week to set some goals, and write down what they needed to ensure an effective session. It was pleasing to see the girls taking to this with diligence and enthusiasm.
Year 8 students were treated to a presentation on the responsible use of social media by Marianna. She outlined a variety of areas in which responsible and safe online interactions could take place. The benefits of social media were highlighted, such as staying connected with friends and family, accessing information quickly, and fostering positive community engagement. The importance of thinking before posting, spreading kindness, and sharing content that reflects personal values was also emphasised. Additionally, the risks associated with social media were explored, including cyberbullying and privacy concerns, with Marianna providing practical advice to the students on conflict resolution, privacy settings, and the importance of offline activities for mental well-being. The aim of the presentation was to equip students with the knowledge and tools to navigate social media safely and positively.
To conclude, our last Academic Care session with Year 11 and Year 12 saw the return of four successful MLC School ‘Old Girls’, who graduated last year, to discuss their academic successes, failures, tips, and tricks. With both the IB and HSC represented, they offered general advice as well as course-specific and even subject-specific guidance. What resonated with all the girls was the importance of creating a stringent study plan, prioritising upcoming assessments, and ‘chipping away’ at study notes or foreign language acquisition. The ‘Old Girls’ were generous with their time and later gave some one-on-one advice to those keen to know more.
I believe that with the right strategies and support, our students can achieve great success this academic year.
– David Posker-Hill
Academic Care Coordinator
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