From the Deputy Principals – Academic
Learning Discussions Year 7 to 11
Our teachers are looking forward to their learning discussions for Year 7, 8 and 10 on the evening of Tuesday April 4 and day of Wednesday April 5.
Year 11 Learning Discussions will take place on the evening of Thursday April 27. Check for an email from Edval (including junk and spam), if you did not receive this email, please contact the curriculum office curriculum@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Year 9 Learning Discussions will take place in Term 2 on the evening of Tuesday May 23. Information will be emailed about booking times closer to the date.
Year 11 and 12 Holiday Consolidation
Students have recently completed assessment tasks and it is a high impact practice to reflect upon their learning. Below are some questions which can prompt a rich conversation.
- What did you learn from this task?
- What good strategies/practices did you use that you will repeat next task?
- What strategies/practices will you change next task?
- What feedback/comments did you receive and how could you apply that feedback?
- How would you like me to support you?
Students have been working so hard this term and should be incredibly proud of their achievements. They need to have a mental and physical break so I would strongly advise taking time off over Easter. Having time to recharge is very important so the students can bring their best and most productive self to Term 2. However, it is also a good opportunity to consolidate in the lead up to the yearly exams for Year 11 and trial examinations for Year 12.
But what does it mean when we ask students to ‘consolidate their learning’? This should involve –
- Ensuring that all class work is up to date – practice essays, worksheets, experiments, research and homework assignments.
- Reviewing concepts that are not yet fully understood by accessing class notes, videos and other resources on the VC, Edrolo (for some subjects) and textbooks.
- Reviewing and taking note of feedback on the first assessment task and class work.
- Making study flashcards, mind maps or notes which can be used for retrieval practice throughout Year 12. The next time students may revisit this work may be just before trials so regular revision will keep these concepts in their long term memory.
Completing this consolidation as well as having a good rest, plenty of exercise and time with friends and family will enable a confident start to the new term.
Upcoming Study Programs – Senior School
It has been wonderful to see Year 11 and 12 students engage with the teachers and alumni in the After Hours Study Program from 4.00pm to 7.00pm Monday to Thursday. This will continue until the end of Week 9 this term and start up again in Week 2 of Term 2. Below are some holiday study opportunities to put in your diary for the year ahead.
April School Holidays
We will be offering the After Hours Study Program for students in the Senior during the second week of the April School Holidays. Students will be supervised by alumni for quiet study, consolidation and revision. Mrs Stanfield will also be available for academic mentoring.
Where: KM Building
Dates: Monday 17 April to Friday 21 April
Cost: No cost
Time: 9.00am to 3.00pm
Requirements: Students will need to bring their own food for the day. They are unable to sign in and out to leave to get food.
Year 12 HSC Study Camp – SAVE THE DATES!!
Two Pymble HSC Study camps will be run this year during the Winter and Spring holiday breaks. Last year we had over 75 per cent attendance and the feedback from students indicated these camps had a huge impact on increasing their confidence and outcomes while reducing stress.
What makes the Pymble Study Camp so valuable?
- Access to experienced HSC Pymble teachers for individual tutoring
- Assistance with organising a detailed study plan
- ATAR estimates and study strategy meetings with Mrs Stanfield
- Practice exam room
- Break out rooms to work in absolute silence or in small collaborative groups
- All food provided with unlimited tea and coffee
- Access to photocopiers, gym and other facilities if working on major works
- Very competitive price with external study camps
Camp 1
Dates: Monday 26 June to Friday 30 June
Time: 8.30am to 4.00pm
Cost: To be advised
Camp 2
Dates: Monday 24 September to Friday 29 September
Time: 8.30am to 4.00pm
Cost: To be advised
Natasha Stanfield and Jake Plaskett
Director of Studies 7-12 and Director of Academic Excellence