{"id":3008,"date":"2025-02-20T14:51:43","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T03:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/?post_type=article&#038;p=3008"},"modified":"2025-02-20T14:51:43","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T03:51:43","slug":"leader-of-learning-integrated-curriculum-pedagogy-and-assessment-lisa-romberg-7","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/article\/leader-of-learning-integrated-curriculum-pedagogy-and-assessment-lisa-romberg-7\/","title":{"rendered":"Leader of Learning &#8211; Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment &#8211; Lisa Romberg"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A special welcome to the 2025 academic school year, especially our families that are new to the College.&nbsp; We hope that your daughter has enjoyed her first weeks at OLMC.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a pleasure to meet some parents at the Information Evenings this week and last.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learning at OLM &#8211; opportunities to engage with your daughter about her learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessment Handbooks for 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication Channel with OLM staff<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home learning &#8211; what is expected and how to help your daughter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Study Skills &#8211; a fabulous resource for all families<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tuesday Afternoon Open Learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>External Competitions &#8211; Opportunities for 2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-7a64794878fdf00df2b64b22b8410f86\"><strong>1. Visible Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OLM Catholic College is a school that embraces visible learning. Each lesson, teachers will go over the <em>\u2018Learning Intentions\u2019 <\/em>and <em>\u2018Success Criteria\u2019<\/em>. We would love for you to engage in your daughter&#8217;s learning by asking her what she has learnt today or this week in a particular subject. We hope that she talks to you about what she has learnt and how she knows she has been successful in her learning and what she is still to master. Engaging with her in this way strengthens her learning, helping her consolidate what she has learnt and moving this from short term to long term memory. Below is a little more about LISCs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>LEARNING INTENTIONS (LI)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>LEARNING INTENTIONS &#8211; Science<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Learning intentions describe what students will learn <em>(i.e. knowledge, concepts, skills and dispositions)<\/em><br><br>Learning intentions directly link to the curriculum\/syllabus<\/td><td>To classify and organise organisms based on observable features<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>SUCCESS CRITERIA (SC)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SUCCESS CRITERIA<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Provide further details related to the knowledge and\/or skills that are at the focus of the learning.<\/td><td>Label and list examples of organisms according to similarities and differences in particular features<br><br>Identify organisms using a key provided<br><br>Compare organisms using a keyCreate a key to identify organisms<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-820cf5217b61f2bd3c62c6ce0dd30c0a\"><strong>2. Assessment Handbooks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>The assessment handbooks have been published for each Year Group.<br><br><strong>LOCATIONS:\u00a0<\/strong><br><br><strong>College Website<\/strong> \u2192 College Life \u2192 Student Life\u2192 then under each Year Group Heading<br><br><strong>COMPASS <\/strong>\u2192 Community \u2192 School Documentation<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"286\" height=\"223\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfghO80VCAR_eA_LOttl3eBXaKRi2bSug7vkrk-D-EPzS6Az2mH0UIPxgZSjdFQOnOXg4lfRXYL7fsYsekjUeiLdo4v3cqIcu6jBqhzT6HFq1ioSa2dKPwU4FoaRl3im6qGpq_ErA?key=hUYkNRNCzQipXj3UxUfoMy19\"><\/td><td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdq3tEwGfdsyT_w3YoLH7E6fhjQHxVI0L66mfp5_f05mR0o7lOGUXajocVW-Q0blUEj-xa0mzjstLCxmfLFvx6MG_3r_eoz21L4BBUC-WvD_tDKDkonuysW7_vw7ebrbO2Anm5LaQ?key=hUYkNRNCzQipXj3UxUfoMy19\" width=\"286\" height=\"405.2240083948225\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Please take time to read the handbook with your daughter\u2019s taking note of assessment dates using the term planners. Links to these are provided in the table below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We ask that if you have regular medical\/dental appointments that you please try and avoid dates of assessment tasks. If you are able to reschedule any appointments that have already been made, that would be appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We encourage you to be aware of the expectations of your daughter if she is absent for a task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking responsibility for her own learning is part of your daughter&#8217;s educational journey, thank you for supporting us in assisting your daughter grow in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary of Missed Assessment Task expectations and Term Schedules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Year Group<\/td><td>Summary: Missed Assessment Task Expectations<\/td><td colspan=\"2\">Term Schedules<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7<\/td><td rowspan=\"2\"><strong>Illness\/Misadventure: <\/strong>Note from home to class teacher<br><strong>Known Absence:<\/strong>\u00a0<br>Due to Leave, Sports representation, Specialist Appointments other\u2026.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1jLMzmGBKZendo3e5wJWA2qdbnQEs0-eS\/view?pli=1\">Application for Leave to the Principal<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1AzrVwcrUI2aqH_UvsvguYKJIlTLow5GocAzyD5m6zXQ\/edit?usp=sharing\">Variation of Assessment Form Section VA &#8211; Student form<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1nBCTapZtQNbwJEpCpYOwyZcDplQ3tuyYiPyak0E-wzk\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.s8fvcgj1ia93\">Term 1 link<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1nBCTapZtQNbwJEpCpYOwyZcDplQ3tuyYiPyak0E-wzk\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.3j5jqlhnqwzl\">Term 2 link\u00a0<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1nBCTapZtQNbwJEpCpYOwyZcDplQ3tuyYiPyak0E-wzk\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.w0t6bep3npot\">Term 3 link<\/a>\u00a0<br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1nBCTapZtQNbwJEpCpYOwyZcDplQ3tuyYiPyak0E-wzk\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.x3rv5jvvrvan\">Term 4 link<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>8<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1F4PH1CTWPoaPsnp0XdF30MsebnlXgS1nW--WA-CQY6k\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.s8fvcgj1ia93\">Term 1 link<br><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1F4PH1CTWPoaPsnp0XdF30MsebnlXgS1nW--WA-CQY6k\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.zpiigu3ag3a\">Term 2 link&nbsp;<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1F4PH1CTWPoaPsnp0XdF30MsebnlXgS1nW--WA-CQY6k\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.f6azvi75h5qo\">Term 3 link\u00a0<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1F4PH1CTWPoaPsnp0XdF30MsebnlXgS1nW--WA-CQY6k\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.x3rv5jvvrvan\">Term 4 link<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9<\/td><td rowspan=\"4\"><strong>Unforeseen Absence 9-12<\/strong><br><strong>Illness\/Misadventure:\u00a0<\/strong><br><br><br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1bCrZ19bwmhiirELXiIp0kxMqB_6t2SUG6vbKDpQXykU\/edit?usp=sharing\">College Illness Misadventure Section A &#8211; Student form<\/a><br>AND <br>Independent supporting evidence such as a Medical Certificate covering complete absence<br><br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1FO2MT49Lu63lGdkeQoWTldHU_P-rLXqdyOnVeMKfgrI\/edit?usp=sharing\">Independent Evidence of Illness or Misadventure Advice<\/a><br><br><strong>Known Absence 9-12<\/strong>\u00a0<br>Due to Leave, Sports representation, Specialist Appointments other\u2026.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1jLMzmGBKZendo3e5wJWA2qdbnQEs0-eS\/view?pli=1\">Application for Leave to the Principal<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1AzrVwcrUI2aqH_UvsvguYKJIlTLow5GocAzyD5m6zXQ\/edit?usp=sharing\">Variation of Assessment Form Section VA &#8211; Student form<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/11vzz-snHvjXgj9PE-daPrPFTLMZBb9DA8Uu7C2Bh56w\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.bjxc40x32jys\">Term 1 link<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/11vzz-snHvjXgj9PE-daPrPFTLMZBb9DA8Uu7C2Bh56w\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.iyfvz9tot4gv\">Term 2 link\u00a0<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/11vzz-snHvjXgj9PE-daPrPFTLMZBb9DA8Uu7C2Bh56w\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.pseu1cccnrhs\">Term 3 link<\/a>\u00a0<br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/11vzz-snHvjXgj9PE-daPrPFTLMZBb9DA8Uu7C2Bh56w\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.l8kqyiyk9efc\">Term 4 link<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>10<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1NgzpBQJwJD8sOHV8oZKrE_e7EbVe3mghY8B7ttd0mSY\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.1lfnz6z50h42\">Term 1 link<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1NgzpBQJwJD8sOHV8oZKrE_e7EbVe3mghY8B7ttd0mSY\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.n90ql6rk7tqf\">Term 2 link\u00a0<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1NgzpBQJwJD8sOHV8oZKrE_e7EbVe3mghY8B7ttd0mSY\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.cwiz9ktq839\">Term 3 link\u00a0<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1NgzpBQJwJD8sOHV8oZKrE_e7EbVe3mghY8B7ttd0mSY\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.xicmxkrdv9b3\">Term 4 link<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1SIwnsKswACmMaACmOJp0aPJWzhK-Oy4LepdwwVJZZAs\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.s8fvcgj1ia93\">Term 1 link<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1SIwnsKswACmMaACmOJp0aPJWzhK-Oy4LepdwwVJZZAs\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.j5rb904t5r3y\">Term 2 link<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1SIwnsKswACmMaACmOJp0aPJWzhK-Oy4LepdwwVJZZAs\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.w0t6bep3npot\">Term 3 link<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>12<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1QCbLEfVeTtxuc3kAfrOVzfm13HcSswuDlCIXvzRSHeg\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.s8fvcgj1ia93\">Term 1 link<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1QCbLEfVeTtxuc3kAfrOVzfm13HcSswuDlCIXvzRSHeg\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.z0l6fyrs1y87\">Term 2 link<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1QCbLEfVeTtxuc3kAfrOVzfm13HcSswuDlCIXvzRSHeg\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.anuuz5vre3bh\">Term 3 link<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-48fa5f4152e20bdb53aa22b175b1e3e9\"><strong>3. Communication Channels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At OLM Catholic College Burraneer we value the partnership between school and home in assisting each student to thrive as a learner. Should you wish to discuss your daughter\u2019s learning or wellbeing, we ask that you use the appropriate communication channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact details for the College Leadership Team, the Instructional Leaders, Curriculum and Wellbeing and other key staff members can be found at the beginning of all Assessment Handbooks &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1nBCTapZtQNbwJEpCpYOwyZcDplQ3tuyYiPyak0E-wzk\/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.m2loduvruu0u\">Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Communication channel<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Learning<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Wellbeing<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>First point of contact<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Classroom Teacher<\/strong><br>To discuss your daughter\u2019s learning in a subject.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Homeroom Teacher<\/strong><br>To discuss your daughter\u2019s wellbeing and school life.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Second point of contact<\/strong><br><em>You\u2019re seeking clarification on your first level of contact.<\/em><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>KLA Instructional Leader\u00a0<\/strong><br>Can assist with questions about assessment tasks, subject content or overall learning\u00a0 in a subject.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Instructional Leader of Wellbeing\u00a0<\/strong><br>Can assist with specific issues related to your daughter\u2019s wellbeing at home or school.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Third point of contact<\/strong><br><em>You\u2019re seeking clarification on your second level of contact.<\/em><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Leader of Learning, Curriculum, Pedagogy &amp; Assessment<\/strong><br>Can assist with concerns across subjects or tasks.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Leader of Wellbeing<\/strong><br>Can assist with complex or consistent wellbeing concerns alongside ILWs.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fourth point of contact<\/strong><br><em>You\u2019re seeking clarification on your third level of contact.<\/em><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Assistant Principal<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fifth point of contact<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Principal<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-34a3d11650e1d0517bdffba23360bd36\"><strong>4. Home Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Home Learning is vital to equip students to be effective independent learners, as well as to consolidate knowledge learned in school time. Students need to practise study skills, learn how to manage their time and ensure that spaced revision becomes habitual rather than incidental. Home study is especially valuable for focusing areas of weakness that can become cemented if not addressed. Teachers can individualise and facilitate this process if the student is able to articulate the areas in which they are struggling well before formal assessments reveal the difficulty.&nbsp; Home study helps students learn how to prioritise tasks, problem solve and take responsibility for their own learning. It is also an important way for parents to be part of the learning process and to emphasise and value that learning is an ongoing endeavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-441b1c571f214ae542c48adcde79648d\"><strong>Home Learning Guidelines:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stage 4: <\/strong>Students should be spending up to 1 \u00bd hours per night on home learning<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stage 5: <\/strong>Students should be spending up to 2 hours per night on home learning<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stage 6: <\/strong>Students should be spending between 2 \u00bd to 3 hours per night on home learning<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f9856368b603e187ace2443731737cdc\">HOME LEARNING \u2013 WHAT CAN STUDENTS DO?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ced495d66acaafa7e27bd58cd27c99ee\"><strong>Write questions to clarify<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there are areas that need clarification students should write down those questions so that they can ask their teacher the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeDh8yXXfzBXvg0TTiYSNtCIpXGiKkPrhhvK4WFit4IGKbTvJ9dD_T26u_OzTmA0Dm686Dw6ywHKCjVK2i2o8tAIikrYHUiltegbf-2S5mw1noOmrOsf101mmMsEG2HhgwEF2x2?key=hUYkNRNCzQipXj3UxUfoMy19\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e281eb0356b8e549d4eb74bdcf0ccfdb\"><strong>Read Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students should read ahead in their textbooks, read their prescribed text or read relevant source material well before this material is addressed in the classroom. This will assist them when they come to the content in class as the information is more familiar to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7293876e3212587b25520f4f49323c84\"><strong>Prepare study summaries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students should prepare study summaries each week. Some subjects have very specific content that must be learnt, and dot point summaries in these subjects can be highly beneficial. Summaries should be brief and concise, they should be \u201cwritten\u201d in a way that best suits the students learning style(s). Pictures, tables, mind maps, short notes, flow carts can all be used. Simply re-writing notes without modification or adaptation is not helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These summaries should be reviewed on a regular basis so the content is lodged in the long term memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ab3cf3590e90215d367fb1388a661461\"><strong>Past Papers (especially for Years 11 and 12)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students should prepare for examinations by completing Past Papers. These should be done twice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first time students should review their study summaries and then put them away. They should then complete the Past Paper without looking at their summary. They should make sure they use techniques taught in class to unpack the question, brainstorm technical terms and scaffold an answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second time they do the Past Paper they should change the pen colour that they use and complete the paper with their study notes, class notes and text book. They should remember to add any technical terms missed. This process helps refine whether they know the content or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0b226001486da6ae87c85027dcd8ffbf\">5. Study Skills<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Every student and their family has a subscription to the following Study Skills Library. It is a fabulous resource for all students, parents and teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We encourage you to look at this resource with your daughter as it has many valuable tips, resources and information about many aspects of student life. Each newsletter I will include an article written by Dr Prue Salter the founder of this fabulous resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfi7Ox0903NYpzS_5EQeg6Vim9YN8lCnSDYZghutTRjT8PAoiiVFewoTwfnbEFUMqpKNau-Ye5DxUOHlgnqhYbLAoxy8lISXl5Cl4oIULEwJVFUF7EvDVvpqdQLZT_xsb_TSSUzpA?key=hUYkNRNCzQipXj3UxUfoMy19\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-color-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eac0a8b05a81ca805a1f70b9d3d75477\">The Role of Curiosity in Learning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8fcae6404cb632252ead93f1a050a55a\"><strong>Fuel Your Studies with the Power of \u2018Why\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curiosity is a superpower in disguise. It\u2019s what drives us to ask questions, seek answers, and explore the world around us. When you bring curiosity to your studies, learning transforms from a chore into an adventure. Instead of memorising facts, you uncover connections, develop insights, and truly understand the material. So, how can you harness curiosity to enhance your study routine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66e60e62dfddc49b3b5ced34035131ae\"><strong>1. Ask Questions\u2014Constantly<br><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-11-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3028f4d99089aec644c7e42ca5ec3d08\">Curiosity starts with a question. As you study, pause to ask yourself questions like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cWhy does this happen?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWhat if this were different?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cHow does this relate to what I already know?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, when learning about historical events, don\u2019t just focus on what happened\u2014ask why it happened, who benefited, and how it impacted the future. Questions like these deepen your understanding and make the material stick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> Keep a \u2018Curiosity Journal\u2019 where you jot down interesting questions as you study. Research the answers later to satisfy your curiosity.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8d92a20107fbb27d182bd8ab1b7c4e69\"><strong>2. Connect Topics to Your Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you relate what you\u2019re studying to something you\u2019re passionate about, it becomes far more engaging. For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you love sports, explore the physics behind a soccer kick or the biology of endurance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re into art, investigate how historical events influenced artistic movements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Drawing these connections helps you see the relevance of your studies in everyday life and keeps your motivation high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> Use analogies from your hobbies to simplify complex ideas. For example, think of the heart as a pump in an engine if you\u2019re into mechanics.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3a8ed96e85a4c9fecd3494b9555a9d66\"><strong>3. Go Beyond the Textbook<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curiosity thrives when you explore beyond the surface. Don\u2019t limit yourself to the assigned reading\u2014dive deeper by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Watching documentaries or YouTube explainers on the topic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exploring online resources like Khan Academy or National Geographic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Asking your teacher for extra material or recommendations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> This extra effort doesn\u2019t just expand your knowledge\u2014it also shows your teachers that you\u2019re genuinely engaged with the subject.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a914138878975f53fefa68d8964126b7\"><strong>4. Create Your Own \u2018What If\u2019 Scenarios<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Challenge yourself to think critically by imagining alternative outcomes or scenarios. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What if a historical battle had gone the other way?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What if ecosystems lost key species?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How might a technological invention evolve in the future?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> This kind of thinking fuels curiosity and builds critical thinking skills.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-525aa11d367970715b0d165c5ade3ec8\"><strong>Stay Curious, Stay Engaged<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curiosity is the engine of learning. By asking questions, connecting topics to your interests, and exploring beyond the textbook, you can transform even the most challenging subjects into exciting puzzles to solve. Remember, every discovery you make builds your understanding and sharpens your skills. So next time you sit down to study, channel your inner detective and let curiosity guide the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can learn more at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.studyskillshandbook.com.au\/\">www.studyskillshandbook.com.au<\/a> by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>School username: <strong>OLMBurraneer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>School password: <strong>Mercy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a4d8b545d4f84d22fb33d7d4a2257a04\">6. Tuesday Afternoon Open Learning<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Our Afternoon Open Learning has moved to Tuesday this year and will start on the 4 March . This will be held in the Library each Tuesday afternoon from 3pm until 4pm.\u00a0<br><br>This time will provide students with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students, complete any group tasks or learning experiences or provide a quiet space for study and home learning. In addition teachers will be available to assist students with their learning.<br>This includes:<br>*  assistance with time management and planning<br>*  tips and tricks to developing study tools such as  <br>    mind maps, study notes, flash cards<br>*  subject specialists who can help answer <br>   questions\u00a0<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-color-2-color has-text-color has-link-color has-x-large-font-size wp-elements-9aaba75c873f490e92ba401d2ee06a4e\">7. External Competitions 2025 &#8211; Open to all students<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Free competitions are open to all students and are particularly targeted to students who have special interests and abilities in these areas. Where there is a cost involved, students can approach Miss Romberg or Mrs Burden to enquire about participating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Dates<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Competition<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\">                                                                 <strong>Writing Competitions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">14\/02\/2025<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.anikopress.com\/submit\">Aniko Press Summer Flash Fiction Competition<\/a><\/td><td>Open100 words<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Entries open: Saturday 1 March 2025.<br>Submissions close: Monday <br>30 June 2025.<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/dorothea.com.au\/2024_awards\/\">Dorethea MacKellar Poetry Competition<\/a>&nbsp;<\/td><td>K-12 (various categories)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Entries open: Saturday, <br>4 January 2025<br>Entries close: Monday,<br>24 February 2025<br>\u00a0<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au\/mulgabillwritingaward\">Mulga Bill Awards<\/a><\/td><td>All ages free entry<br>Poetry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><br><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rasnsw.com.au\/education\/ras-ab-paterson-bush-poetry-award\/\">RAS AB Paterson Bush Poetry Award<\/a><\/td><td>Poetry award<br>Age categories K-6, 7-12<br>Prize: <br>Family Pass to the Royal Easter Show<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">13\/04\/2025<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyaconference.com\/entry\/hatchlings\">CYA &#8211; Hatchlings<\/a><\/td><td>8-18 year<br>Picture book writers and artists<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">15\/05\/2025&nbsp;<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/hillsfaw.wordpress.com\/judges-reports-2020\/\">Boree Log Poetry Competition<\/a><\/td><td>Bush poetry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Entries open:\u00a0 11 February, 2025<br>Entries close: ? May 2025<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitlam.org\/what-matter-prize-pool\">What Matters? Writing Competition<\/a><\/td><td>Writing on real world issues Various forms accepted<br>Year 5-12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">31\/08\/2025&nbsp;<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/fawtas.org.au\/competitions\/\">FAW Tasmania Beatrice Clarke Award<\/a><\/td><td>For Poets aged 14 and under<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\">                                                                  <strong>Mathematics<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">4 February \u2014 25 March 2025<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mansw.nsw.edu.au\/MANSW\/MANSW\/Student-Activitites\/I-M-C-International-Mathematical-Modeling-Challenge.aspx?hkey=06e964eb-b008-499f-99be-97b4c63653a9\">IM\u00b2C International Mathematical Modeling Challenge<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.immchallenge.org.au\/\">https:\/\/www.immchallenge.org.au\/<\/a><\/td><td>7-12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Registrations open: Feb 2025<br>Information session: April 2025<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mansw.nsw.edu.au\/MANSW\/MANSW\/Student-Activitites\/Investigating-with-Mathematics.aspx?hkey=76097753-87cd-4cda-9576-f3de5c9b8482\">Investigating with Mathematics<\/a><\/td><td>K-12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">See website for the range of competitions<br><strong>Maths Challenge<\/strong><br>Monday 3 March to Friday 27 June 2025<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amt.edu.au\/maths-for-young-australians\">Australian Maths Trust&nbsp;<\/a><\/td><td>3-12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\">                                                                        <strong>Science<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Exam dates: 4-7 August 2025<br>Exam dates: 11 &amp; 13 June 2025<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.asi.edu.au\/program\/australian-science-olympiads\/\">Australian Science Olympiads<\/a>&nbsp;<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.asi.edu.au\/program\/junior-science-olympiad\/\">Jnr Science Olympiads&nbsp;<\/a><\/td><td>11-12<br>7-10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Open soon<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/youngscientist.au\/\">Young Scientists<\/a><\/td><td>K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Team registrations:<br>11 October 2024 &#8211; 19 June 2025<br>Submissions:<br>20 June &#8211; 23 July 2025\u00a0<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stemgames.org.au\/\">Australian STEM video game challenge<\/a><\/td><td>Years 3-12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\">                                                                           <strong>HSIE<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Registrations open<br>Submissions due by: 22 August 2025<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/historychallenge.org.au\/\">National History Challenge<\/a><\/td><td>Theme: Crisis and Response.<br>Primary 1 (up to Year 4), Primary 2 (Years 5 and 6), Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10,<br>Senior (Years 11 \u2013 12)<br>Free\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\">                                                   <strong>Visual and Creative Arts and Media<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Submissions due: <br>TBC August 2025<\/td><td>Photography <a href=\"https:\/\/www.headon.org.au\/\">Head on<\/a><\/td><td>K-12 (no theme)<br>$1 per submission<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/acmf.com.au\/national-songwriting-competition\/\">National Song-Writing Competition<\/a><\/td><td>K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12<br>Free entry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\">                                                        <strong>Thinking and Problem Solving<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Training for Facilitators 7th March<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/fpsp.org.au\/\">Future Problem Solving<\/a><\/td><td>Primary Program <br>(non-competitive)\u00a05-6<br>7-9<br>10-12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Term 1 Workshops TBA<br>Challenges released &amp; Team Nomination opens | Saturday 19th July<br>Team Nomination closes | Wednesday 6th August<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/tom.edu.au\/branch\/nsw\/\">Tournament of Minds<\/a><\/td><td>Primary and Secondary divisions<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Miss Lisa Romberg, Leader of Learning:  Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A special welcome to the 2025 academic school year, especially our families that are new to the College.&nbsp; We hope that your daughter has enjoyed her first weeks at OLMC.&nbsp; It was a pleasure to meet some parents at the Information Evenings this week and last.&nbsp; 1. Visible Learning OLM Catholic College is a school [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":879,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","article_category":[],"article_tag":[],"class_list":["post-3008","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/3008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3008"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/879"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=3008"},{"taxonomy":"article_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/olmcburraneer\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_tag?post=3008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}