06 Mar 2023

Library Update

Now that we have reached the halfway point in the term, our students’ thoughts invariably shift to the preparation and completion of their assessment tasks. Assessment periods can be a stressful time for students, as they navigate complex topics to create a range of written and visual tasks. However, there are steps that students can take which will help to ensure they are organised and thoroughly prepared to complete their tasks on time:

 

1. Know the requirements of the task – Read the assessment notification carefully, identify the purpose and timeframe, and clarify any confusion regarding expectations with your class teacher. Make notes on unfamiliar terms or concepts. This information will guide you as you work through the task.

 

2. Plan your research – Spend time planning your research as this will help you to find relevant resources and avoid wasting time on an aimless search. At this point, it is important to gather background information to help you further your knowledge of the topic. You should also begin to form a search strategy through identifying strong key words, synonyms and related terms to help you make finding sources easier.

 

3. Search/gather relevant information–

  • Identify the research requirements – Do you need to include specific types of sources? eg written and visual, primary or secondary or a mixture of both. Is this information current, e.g. created within the year or within the last 5 years?
  • Search the IMC library resources –The library provides access to a large collection of resources – hard copy (in the non-fiction section) and digital (Britannica Schools Online, Clickview, SORA and the State Library of NSW). The library is a great place to search for resources because the sources will be credible. If you are using online sources through independent searches such as Google, you need to ensure they are reliable. It is important to use an evaluation checklist to verify the sources you use. You can find this evaluation check on the IMC Google Classroom.

 

4. Record and organise factual information – Read over the information you have gathered and keep a record of where you sourced the material. This will help to save you time when it comes to creating citations (using Harvard Referencing) or constructing a bibliography. By keeping accurate records you are also actively working to avoid plagiarism.

 

5. Create the task – Use the marking criteria as a checklist when you are creating your response. Prepare your response early to ensure you have time to draft, edit and rewrite if necessary. Always ask for help if you feel unsure about a task.

 

IMC Library Homepage and Catalogue Computer

The library staff have been working on updating the IMC Library homepage. This page provides students with access to the library catalogue as well as other great resources such as links to digital texts and study support materials such as study skills and reference makers. This page will be regularly updated with additional resources to be added throughout the year. 

 

 

 

We have also established a designated catalogue computer in the IMC to enable students to access the catalogue within the IMC. While students are always welcome to ask for help at the library circulation desk, this computer will encourage students to gain independence when searching for titles in the library collection.

 

 

New Furniture

We have also updated the physical library space by adding new desks and chairs into the Investigation Zone and Creative Zone. This new furniture not only looks great and gives the space a lift, but the tables and chairs provide excellent support and comfort for students as they sit and study. The Creative Zone is a great area where our students gather to create and design together. The new desks have writable surfaces.

Stage 6 Research Lessons

 

 

 

 As our senior students become more accustomed to the rigours of study in Stage 6, it is important to assist them in developing the skills required to effectively research and evaluate sources of information. This is particularly vital for students studying Society and Culture, Ancient History, and Community and Family Studies as they complete assessment tasks such as research projects or literature reviews. The IMC provides tutorials which are designed to assist students in refining their research skills so they can confidently navigate the overwhelming amount of information that can be found online. During the tutorial, students are also shown how to evaluate sources to ensure reliability and authenticity as well as being given the opportunity to join the State Library of NSW to enable them to broaden their search through accessing international databases.

SEEK

SEEK Homework Club has made its return for 2023.  Mr McLean and his team are on hand every Monday and Tuesday until 4.30pm in the IMC to assist students as they work on homework or assessment tasks. If students wish to attend SEEK, they are to collect a permission slip from the IMC and return it signed to Mr McLean.

Readers’ Club

Many students have been awaiting the return of Readers’ Club and we are pleased to announce it has resumed this term and will run every Friday in the Reading Room. This group is coordinated by Miss Krahe who has scheduled some fantastic reading activities for our avid readers. If you would like to join the group, just come to the IMC. You could also register your interest via the Readers’ Club Google Classroom (link is on the IMC Library homepage).

 

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2023

 

The Premier’s Reading Challenge will run once again this year at MMCC. All Newman classes (7-9) will have the opportunity to participate in the challenge. The aim is to encourage a love of reading and to enable students to experience quality literature. More information on the rules and expectations can be found at https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html