From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Exams, Reflection, and What Comes Next

As Year 12 exams wrap up early next week, I want to extend a sincere congratulations to all students and teachers for the dedication and hard work shown in the lead-up to this important milestone. Sitting these exams offers more than just a mark on a page, it’s an invaluable opportunity to identify gaps in knowledge, practise a range of question types, and refine exam techniques.

Now is the perfect time for students to reflect, not just on what content they found challenging, but also on their approach to preparation. Did you perform better after getting more sleep? Did a study timetable help you stay focused? How long were your study intervals, and did they suit you? These are essential questions to consider as you prepare for the final exams ahead.

It’s also important to acknowledge that if your exam results aren’t quite what you hoped for, it’s not too late. In fact, this is exactly the point of the Trials, to prepare for what’s to come. Both the HSC and IB are structured as marathons, not sprints. There is still time to consolidate your learning, address gaps, and improve. Persistence, consistent effort, and a willingness to act on feedback will pay off greatly in the months ahead.

A key strength at this stage is teamwork. After the Trials, it’s incredibly powerful to see girls coming together to support one another. Every student works differently, but there are significant benefits in forming a study group with like-minded peers—sharing strategies, practising together, and encouraging each other through the final stretch. We encourage parents and carers to support their daughters in seeking out those positive study partnerships.

One excellent opportunity to act on feedback is the September Study Camp, running from Monday 22 September to Friday 26 September during the first week of the school holidays. Our inaugural June camp was very well attended, and students gave excellent feedback about the structured, supervised environment, and the array of workshops designed to support targeted preparation. I strongly encourage Year 12 students to make the most of this experience.

Meanwhile, Year 11 students begin their exams next week. We wish them all the very best. This cohort has demonstrated great tenacity, and this is a vital opportunity to develop exam skills and reflect on learning strategies as they prepare to enter their final year.

It’s an ideal time to shift thinking away from focusing solely on marks and toward achieving personal bests (PBs) in learning habits as well as outcomes. Could you challenge yourself to write two practice paragraphs instead of one? Can you improve your time management or deepen your understanding of a difficult concept? These incremental improvements matter and will accumulate over time to have an impact on results.

And remember: some level of performance anxiety is completely normal. Learning, by its nature, involves challenge and struggle. It’s through this discomfort that meaningful growth happens. There is also plenty of support to be found in Luminary teachers, class teachers, Heads of Year, Heads of Department, your Head of Students and Head of School.

Keep reflecting, keep supporting one another, and keep striving. You’re doing the hard work now that will open doors later.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching