Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Last week we held the 2022 High Achievers Assembly. We recognised 85 students who appeared on the Distinguished Achievers list for a Band 6 in the HSC or a Grade 7 in the IB, or a nomination for an HSC showcase and/or students who achieved above an ATAR of 90. We were very proud of what they achieved throughout their time at Santa Sabina.

Below is an excerpt from my speech to students and parents

When we welcome new students to the College we encourage them to make the most of every opportunity offered. Some students and parents feel that when it gets close to Year 11 and 12 it is time to stop participating in co-curricular activities, part-time work, sport commitments, camps and opportunities outside of the classroom as time could be spent on study. However, many of our students recognised as High Achievers did not stop; one in particular participated in more; she was a House Captain, completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, played Basketball, coached Basketball, tutored students, had a part-time job and travelled an hour each way to school and received the highest ATAR at Santa Sabina in 2022. Congratulations Holly Davis, and thank you. I also thank all of our top achievers for giving back to Santa Sabina in your time at the College.

Class construction

Construction of class lists and timetables for 2023 started at the end of last year. It was a collaborative process involving Deans, Heads of Department and Heads of House. As professionals, the team looked at a number of factors such as the data from internal and external assessments and observations. The main purpose is to establish a rigorous cohesive learning environment for your child and all of our students. Whilst understanding friendships are important to students, the priority around class placement needs to remain focused on academic rigour. The students have plenty of time to catch up with their friends at recess, lunch, co-curricular clubs and sport and after-school events.

Mathematics classes

Year 7 Mathematics is organised into three streams with two classes in each stream. This will be reviewed as the year progresses and the students settle into Senior School Mathematics.

In Year 8 we have two advanced classes, three mixed ability classes and one class with the cluster of students receiving support.

The Stage 5 syllabus is divided into three substages: Stage 5.1, Stage 5.2 and Stage 5.3. These substages allow students to progress through to various endpoints. All students will study Stage 5.1 content, the majority will study 5.2 content and many students will study some or all of the 5.3 content.

In Year 9, this year we have one accelerated class, three 5.2/5.3 classes and two classes studying the 5.1/5.2 course.

In Year 10 we have created an extra class due to increased enrolments. This means we now have one accelerated class, four classes studying the 5.2/5.3 pathway and two classes studying the 5.1/5.2 course.

English classes

Year 7 and 8 English classes are mixed ability, with two classes incorporating a cluster of gifted students and another two classes containing clusters of students who receive additional support.

Year 9 and 10 English has two advanced classes and the remaining classes are mixed ability, with two classes containing clusters of students who receive additional support.

All core classes in Years 7-10 are mixed ability and the teachers for these classes have data available to cluster students for extension and support as required. Teachers continue to review the assessments and class work throughout the year to ensure each student is being challenged according to their ability.

NAPLAN

ACARA announced on Friday 10 February:

The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard will be replaced by the following four levels of achievement:

Exceeding
Strong
Developing
Needs additional support.

The descriptors for each category will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing, and support discussions with their school on their child’s progress.

NAPLAN is scheduled in March this year allowing schools to access the results earlier. Information for parents is in this article.