From the Head of Learning and Teaching – the value of perseverance, commitment, organisation and engagement

Year 12 students have settled very well into their Half Yearly Examination block. This cohort is demonstrating excellent commitment, persistence and teamwork, qualities that we know contribute to student growth in learning. But we also know these qualities are not just important for study, but for developing dispositions for the world outside school. I commend all of the students in Year 12 and wish them well for the rest of their exams. 

 

One of our key messages to the cohort has been the importance of consistent revision. Our brains are very efficient and they quickly dump information if we don’t regularly rehearse the knowledge by engaging in activities that require us to actively retrieve and apply knowledge. Teachers across the school are implementing daily review activities in lessons to ensure that girls have opportunities to consolidate knowledge. 

 

For our Senior girls in particular, regular opportunities for girls to familiarise themselves with past papers and practice questions is vital. I was particularly pleased that a number of our Year 12 girls took the opportunity to voluntarily practice completing a section of an exam under timed conditions in one of their study periods last week. More opportunities such as this will be offered to allow girls to refine exam technique and reduce anxiety.

 

Our Year 11 and Year 12 students now have mandatory study periods in the timetable during which they have time to consolidate notes, undertake practice papers and collaborate with peers. Study Camps for Year 12 run in the June/July and September holidays, affording students the opportunity to complete practice exams, revision workshops (where applicable) and individual or group study. 

 

Analysis of the brilliant 2025 HSC/IB results demonstrates that girls who show perseverance, commitment, organisation and high levels of engagement in class, experience the strongest growth. Fostering these dispositions in our girls is absolutely vital.

 

Head of Learning and Teaching