FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC

Preparing for Success in Term 4

Years 7-10

As we finish Term 3, our students in Years 7-10 are entering an important phase of their learning journey. These years play a critical role in developing the knowledge, skills, habits, and confidence that underpin future success.

Throughout the term, students have engaged in a range of assessment and learning experiences designed to strengthen essential literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Importantly, these years provide students with opportunities to develop effective study habits, organisation, resilience, and independence, all of which become increasingly important as they progress into the senior phase of schooling.

As assessment results become available, we encourage families to take time to celebrate achievements while also discussing areas for growth. Meaningful progress is built through consistent effort, engagement in class, completion of homework and revision tasks, and a willingness to seek support when challenges arise.

The upcoming holiday break provides an opportunity for students to recharge while maintaining positive learning routines. Reading regularly, staying organised, reviewing feedback from recent assessments, and preparing for upcoming tasks can help students return to Term 4 feeling confident and ready to learn.

Year 11 Study Lessons in Term 4

As Year 11 students commence Unit 3 studies in Term 4, they will begin the first phase of their Year 12 academic program. This marks an important transition as students move into the senior phase of learning and begin studies that contribute to their final Year 12 results.

In line with the study lesson arrangements available to Year 12 students, Year 11 students will have the opportunity to leave the College at the commencement of their Period 6 study lesson each Thursday during Term 4.

This arrangement recognises that some students may benefit from completing independent study in a quieter environment at home, rather than in a classroom setting. Students who choose to remain at school will continue to have access to supervised study spaces.

Parents and carers are reminded to check the email sent by the College regarding Year 11 Study Lessons in Term 4. The email outlines the study session arrangements and includes instructions for families wishing to provide permission for their daughter to study away from campus during Period 6 on Thursdays.

Year 11 Academic Progress Meetings

Over the coming weeks, the College will undertake a review of Year 11 student progress across Units 1 and 2. These reviews are an important part of ensuring that students are on the strongest possible pathway for success in Year 12 with Unit 3 starting in Term 4.

Where further discussion regarding subject choices or pathways is required, Academic Progress Meetings will be scheduled with students and families during the holiday period. These conversations are designed to support students in making informed decisions and ensuring they are well positioned for future success.

Year 12 Mock Feedback

Following the recent mock examination period, Year 12 students have received feedback from their teachers. This feedback is designed to help students identify strengths, address areas requiring further attention, and refine their preparation strategies ahead of the external examination period.

The upcoming holiday break provides an excellent opportunity for students to carefully review this feedback, reflect on their progress, and develop a targeted study plan for the weeks ahead.

ATAR Range Predictions

Students and families have recently received ATAR range predictions via email. These predictions provide an important snapshot of current performance and can assist students in setting goals and making informed decisions as they prepare for their final assessments.

The ATAR Range indication must be understood as an ‘indication’ only. It is based on assumptions about variables which can change. These assumptions include:

• That results in each subject will scale within the range of historical or iterative scaling processes
• That your external results match the level of your internal results
• That your internal results are confirmed by QCAA

The College has provided students with a range. Some students have a wider range than others because there is a broader difference in the indications we have received depending on whether we are relying on historical scaling data across 2020-2025 or the iterative data from 92 schools who have been participating in the 2026 data project.

There remains a significant period of time between now and the External Exams for students to improve upon their indication, particularly where they are in subjects where 50% of the overall grade is based on the External Exam result. We encourage all of our students to use this indication to guide their QTAC discernment. They should maintain their focus until the end and not see this indication as set in stone. Where a student would like further assistance with QTAC planning, following their ATAR indication, we would ask them to make an appointment direction with Ms Flores, our Dean of Pathways.

External Exams Are Fast Approaching

For our Year 12 students, the external examination period is now just around the corner. Success in external exams is rarely the result of last-minute preparation. Instead, it comes from consistent effort, purposeful revision, and effective study habits developed over time.

We encourage students to be well advanced in their preparations by now, making the most of the holiday break to consolidate their knowledge, practise examination techniques, and address any gaps in understanding. Every study session completed during this period contributes to greater confidence and readiness when exams begin.

Looking Ahead

While the coming weeks and term are undoubtedly important, it is equally important that students maintain balance and wellbeing. We encourage all students to use the break wisely, combining dedicated study time with opportunities to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends.

We thank our families for their ongoing partnership and support and wish everyone a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to welcoming students back for a productive and successful Term 4.

Jacinta Collings

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – ACADEMIC