Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Collaboration on the Learning Journey

The partnership between parents and teachers is pivotal in supporting a child’s educational journey. With the support of experts like Judith Locke, who presented to the teachers at the beginning of the year and then to parents this week, we hope to have a common language to ensure our students become capable and confident.  

Working together ensures consistency in expectations reinforces learning objectives, and provides a holistic support system. We have regular communication channels to support this collaboration like parent-teacher conferences, information evenings to facilitate open dialogue and share insights and observations about a child’s progress. While support is vital, there comes a time when we must allow the child to take ownership of their learning journey. Teaching students the skills to self-regulate, problem-solve, and manage their learning builds resilience and confidence. This was introduced in Judith’s presentation for the Prep to Year 6 parents but, more importantly, in the Years 7-12 parent session. Through our collaborative efforts, we can empower every child to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

 On Wednesday 21 February, we welcomed approximately 60 parents and students from across the school to attend an Information Evening on the Diploma Course. This is offered to students as an alternative to the Higher School Certificate in Years 11 and 12. 

Ms Harris, the coordinator of the IBDP, ran the evening with the support of current and former students of this program. Ms Harris has a wealth of knowledge as she taught this program in the UK, South Africa, Swaziland and Hong Kong before joining Santa Sabina.

A highlight of the evening was listening to the current students talk about their extended essay projects. I have listed their research questions and look forward to reading them soon. 

To what extent do stereotype effects explain gender differences in mental rotation (MR)?
(Tanisha – Psychology )

To what extent do the main protagonists in Mulk Raj Anand’s Untouchable (1935) and Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger (2008) defy stereotypes inherent to the Indian caste system?
(Aditi – English – Lang Lit)

I wish I was her: Envying the Unattainable How does the representation of female envy in Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train reflect gender expectations?
(Molly – English)

To what extent do the dystopian societies depicted in Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and Lord of the Flies by William Golding demonstrate the internal conflict between conformity and individuality?
(Lucy – English)

Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning