Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment – Lisa Romberg
PAT Testing
PAT Testing (Years 7-10) and RE testing (Years 8 & 10) took place in Term 4, Week 1 with catch up exams being currently run. Thank you to students and parents who engaged positively in these tests so that we can use the data to review and inform our teaching, student learning and class formation.
What is PAT Testing?
PAT testing is an assessment tool that measures students’ level of achievement. Like NAPLAN it is a point in time assessment that is mapped to the Australian Curriculum. Students and parents are reminded that it is ONE piece of the puzzle.
PAT has been developed to:
- provide evidence to support teaching and learning
- measure growth in learning
- emphasise that all students can demonstrate progress.
How does OLM Catholic College Burraneer use PAT testing?
PAT results are used to:
- help review and inform teaching programs
- assess each students learning growth
- support College and other data such as NAPLAN data which is used to place students in the most appropriate classes for the following school year.
Term 4 Assessments
| Year Group | Summary: Letter | Summary: Missed Assessment Task Expectations | Term Schedules |
| 7 | Year 7 letter | Illness/Misadventure: Note from home to class teacher Absence due to Holiday Leave: Variation of Assessment Form Section VA – Student form | Term 4 link |
| 8 | Year 8 letter | Term 4 link | |
| 9 | Year 9 letter | Unforeseen Absence 9-12 Illness/Misadventure: Medical Certificate covering complete absence OR Independent Evidence Independent Evidence of Illness or Misadventure Advice AND College Illness Misadventure Section A – Student form Known Absence 9-12 Due to Leave, Sports representation, Specialist Appointments other…. Application for Leave to the PrincipalVariation of Assessment Form Section VA – Student form | Term 4 link |
| 10 | Year 10 letter | Term 4 link | |
| 11/12 | ppt | Term 4 link |
Study Skills
Aligning Your Goals To Your Values
An often overlooked aspect of effective goal setting is the importance of aligning your values
with your goals. When your goals are in harmony with your core values, you are more likely
to stay motivated and achieve success.
What are values?
Values are the principles or emotional states that you consider most important in your life.
They are the driving forces behind your actions and decisions, influencing everything from
daily choices to long-term ambitions. Values are not material objects like a car or money;
instead, they represent the deeper desires behind these aspirations. Ask yourself, “If I had
the car, the money, or the job, what would that provide me?” For example, it might be
freedom, power, security, or recognition. These are your true, inner values.
What happens if goals have conflicting values?
Here’s the challenge—if you set a goal, such as achieving high academic results in a
specific subject, but your core values are centred on freedom or fun, you might feel that
working hard for that grade compromises your freedom and enjoyment. This conflict can
create resistance, making it harder to fully commit to the goal. You might find yourself
thinking, “Yes, I want that achievement, but I value my freedom and fun more.”
How can you align conflicting goals with values?
The solution is simple: add an extra step when you set your goals. Whenever you establish
a goal, take a moment to identify and write down three reasons (aligned with your values)
why achieving this goal is important to you. This process helps you connect the goal to your
values, bringing them into alignment and reinforcing your motivation.
For example, if you want to achieve a high result in a subject, your reasons might be:
1. To gain a sense of accomplishment and confidence (self-esteem).
2. To create more opportunities for your future (security and freedom).
3. To feel proud of your hard work and receive recognition (fulfillment and recognition).
By linking your goal to your values, you remind yourself why it’s meaningful, helping you stay
focused even if other goals or desires compete for your attention.
How Parents can support their daughters during stressful Assessment times
As assessment periods approach, students often face increased pressure, which can lead to significant stress. While some handle it with ease, others may find it overwhelming. One of the best ways to manage this pressure is through preparation. The earlier students start, the less likely they are to feel anxious as deadlines loom. As a parent, your role is crucial in helping them manage stress and maintain a balanced approach to studying. Here are some practical tips to support your student during this busy time.
1. Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle.
A well-rounded lifestyle is key to achieving good results. Remind your student that a healthy body supports a healthy mind.
Ensure they:
- Eat balanced meals: Provide nutritious snacks and meals to fuel their brain power.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help them stay alert and focused.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep is vital to memory consolidation and overall performance.
- Encourage them to avoid sacrificing rest for late-night study sessions.
- Exercise regularly: Even a short walk or some stretching can relieve stress and help students focus better.
- Schedule relaxation: Encourage downtime to avoid burnout. Short breaks can recharge their mind and improve retention of information.
2. Offer Practical Support.Openly ask your student how you can help.
Offer to:
- Assist with organising their study schedule, setting reminders, or preparing an exam timetable.
- Help source materials such as books, stationery, or online resources.
- Quiz them on topics they need to memorise. Some students find it easier to retain information by talking through their notes or practising with a parent.
- Prepare nutritious lunches and snacks, allowing them to focus on studying without distractions.
- Encourage limited use of social media or gaming during study blocks to reduce distractions.
3. Focus on Effort, Not Just Results. It’s important to reassure your student that effort matters just as much (sometimes if not more) than results. Encourage them to:
- Take pride in the hard work they’re putting in, regardless of the final grade.
- Build resilience by learning from mistakes and overcoming challenges.
- Celebrate small successes along the way, fostering motivation and confidence.
- Avoid criticism. Remind them that academic performance is only one part of their life’s journey. There are many ways to achieve future success, and exams are just one stepping stone and one pathway.
4. Keep Communication Open.Be a consistent source of support by maintaining open lines of communication. Try:
- Having regular check-ins to discuss their progress, challenges, or concerns.
- Creating a relaxed environment for these conversations—sometimes casual chats during car rides or while having dinner are more effective than formal sit-downs.
- Being patient if they express frustration or anger. Acknowledge their feelings and offer a listening ear. If you notice that stress is affecting their well-being, encourage them to seek help from a school counsellor, teacher, or other professional resources.
5. Help Manage Worries and Stress.If your student feels overwhelmed, guide them and:
- Allow them to express their concerns fully before suggesting solutions.
- Encourage them to identify specific worries and work through ways to manage them—whether it’s time management, understanding a subject, or handling test anxiety.
- Explore available resources, such as speaking with teachers, seeking academic support, or accessing online tutorials.
- Ask them how you can help—sometimes your presence and understanding are the most valuable support you can provide.
You can learn more about this at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au
Our school’s subscription details to this online study skills and well-being website for high school students are –
School’s username is: OLMBurraneer
School’s password is: Mercy
Miss Romberg
Leader of Learning: Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment