Director of Studies

Director of Studies

Director of Studies

Amy Byrnes

 

We are now past half way in Term 3 which means we are in the crux of the busy time of the term with assessment and exam block looming.  All due dates for assessment can be found on the College website.  Our Exam Block Timetables will be released soon and will run throughout Week 9 for students in Years 8 to 12.

Throughout the ‘busyness’ of this time of the term, it is important that our students have balance, while still aiming to improve their academic results.  This includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep.  Often these three things are those that fall by the wayside as deadlines draw near.  Research strongly suggests that this is not a good option, as a lack of sleep will have a negative effect on daily academic performance.  The best strategy for our students is to ensure they have a study planner to manage upcoming deadlines. 

Our College diary contains some useful resources to help during this time including:

  • Study/Time Management Planner – page 20
  • Hints on How to Study – page 112
  • Homework Assistance – page 113

Furthermore, with Exam Block only two weeks away, it is important that students are well prepared for their exams.  Some steps they can take include:

  • Making effective notes and reviewing them. These may include colour coding, having headings and bullet points;
  • Using mind maps;
  • Completing class work and homework, including revision exercises set by the classroom teacher.

Students are also encouraged to attend tutoring.  The tutoring schedule can be found on the College website.  As well as this document, students are encouraged to speak to their teachers for alternative tutoring times.

 

Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test

Year 12 students who are OP eligible or who have elected to participate in the QCS test will sit the test on Tuesday, 3 September and Wednesday 4 September.  On these days students will sit four test papers including a Writing Task (approximately 600 words), a Short Response paper, and two Multiple Choice papers.  Students involved in these tests have been preparing extensively and the College wishes them the best of luck.  The College P & F will also be supporting our Year 12 QCS students as they host a breakfast on Tuesday, 3 September for our Year 12 students.

Year 12 students who are not participating in these tests will be participating in a range of vocational activities.  Some students who are not sitting the QCS test may organise Work Experience or attendance at their Traineeships during these days.  This information must be communicated to Ms Byrnes (abyrnes@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au) prior to Tuesday, 3 September 2019.  Year 12 students who are not participating in the QCS Test are also invited to attend the breakfast on Tuesday, 3 September.

All Year 12 students and their parents have been emailed a copy of the QCS Test Schedule and Non-QCS Student Schedule. 

 

Year 12 Study Day

Year 12 students will have a study day on Friday 6 September.  On this day Year 12 students are welcome to stay at home to study or to attend independent study sessions in the College Library.  If students elect to complete study at the College, they must be in College uniform.  While it is a study day, some Year 12 classes have assessment due on this day and students must ensure that they follow the assessment conditions and deadlines stipulated for their respective subjects. 

 

Year 12 Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) Applications

Queensland Tertiary and Admission Centre (QTAC) applications for 2020 opened on Thursday, 1 August 2019.  As this organisation is external to the College, it is important that Year 12 students and their parents visit the following websites if your daughter is looking at applying to a Queensland University or Training Provider (including Northern New South Wales) for courses in 2020:

Any parents/carers that would like to meet with Ms Byrnes to discuss QTAC options or applications can arrange a meeting by contacting her via abyrnes@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au. 

Any International Students are encouraged to meet with Ms Byrnes as their application process differs to the one stated on the QTAC website.

 

Year 11 Subject Changes

Year 11 students will finish Unit 2 on Monday 16 September (Week 10, Term 3).  Unit 3 content will then begin on Wednesday, 9 October (Week 1, Term 4).  Students wishing to change subjects for Unit 3 and 4 can book a meeting with the Director of Studies, Ms Amy Byrnes.  Subject changes for Unit 3 and 4 must be finalised by Friday, 18 October (Week 2, Term 4).  Any student that wishes to change subjects, must do so at the beginning of Unit 3, as any student that changes throughout either Unit 3 or Unit 4 will not receive credit for these paired units.

To assist in these subject changes, Year 11 students will be issued with a summary of their Unit 2 Results in the September school holidays via email.

 

Year 8 JCU Experience

James Cook University is holding its annual Year 8 University Experience from Tuesday 26 November to Friday 29 November.  The Year 8 University Experience aims to provide students with the opportunity to sample what it’s like to study different subjects broadly covering Science, Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, Education, Social Sciences, Business, Law and Creative Arts. The program is focused on expanding career knowledge. Self-development, and skills/talent exploration to ensure confidence in careers aspirations. 

Further information about the James Cook University Experience can be found on the JCU Website.   

Any students interested must RSVP to the Expression of Interest by Thursday, 19 September.

 

Cunningham Scholarships for 2020

The Scartwater Education Trust are pleased to advise that once again, applications are sought for the Cunningham Scholarships for 2020.

The purpose of the scholarships is to assist children of eligible returned Servicemen and Women who have overseas active service within the Australian Defence Forces.  The Cunningham Scholarship will be awarded upon the results obtained in years 11 and 12 and are designed to enable a student to undertake full time studies in an approved Tertiary course at an approved University within Queensland. The allowance presently payable under the Scholarship is $3000.00 per annum. Terms and Conditions in relation to the Scholarship are provided at the website below.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following criteria must be met in order to qualify for a Cunningham Scholarship.

  1. Applicant must be a child or grandchild of an eligible Returned Serviceman or Women who:
  • has seen overseas active service within the Australian Defence forces in all theatres;
  • enlisted from or resided in the Scartwater Area prior to enlisting; and
  • or now permanently resides in the Scartwater Area and has done so for no less than 15 years.

Scartwater Area means Proserpine to Innisfail and west to the Queensland border.

  1. Cunningham Scholarships will be awarded based on results obtained in the “Exit Statement “for Years 11 and 12 and not just the Year 12 results,  at a school in Queensland.  Results by 14 January.
  2. Applicants must attend and undertake full time studies in an approved tertiary course at the James Cook University of North Queensland, however if course are unavailable through JCU then permission may be given to attend other approved Universities within Queensland.
  3. If applicants take a “Gap Year” then they must provide details of enrolment in their course of studies
  4. Applications must be received by 30 November on each year accompanied by parent or guardian’s agreement form and evidence of Parents or Grandparents overseas wartime service.

Further information can also be found at www.scartwatertrust.com.au

 

Scartwater Scholarships for 2020

The Scartwater Education Trust are pleased to advise that once again, applications are sought for the Scartwater Scholarships for 2020.

The purpose of the scholarships is to assist children of eligible returned Servicemen and Women who have overseas active service within the Australian Defence Forces.  The Scartwater Scholarship will be awarded upon the results obtained in Year 10 and is designed to assist a student to continue full time studies through years 11 & 12. The allowance presently payable under the scholarship is $2000.00 per annum. Terms and conditions in relation to the scholarship are provided on the website below.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following criteria must be met in order to qualify for a Scartwater Scholarship.

  1. Applicant must be a child or grandchild of an eligible Returned Serviceman or Women who:
  • has seen overseas active service within the Australian Defence forces in all theatres;
  • enlisted from or resided in the Scartwater Area prior to enlisting; and
  • or now permanently resides in the Scartwater Area and has done so for no less than 15 years.

Scartwater Area means Proserpine to Innisfail and West to the Queensland border.

Scartwater Scholarships will be awarded based on final results obtained in second half of year 10, and at a school in Queensland.

Applications must be received by 30 November on each year accompanied by parent or guardian’s agreement form and evidence of parents or grandparents overseas wartime service.

Further information can also be found at www.scartwatertrust.com.au