Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Welcome back to Term 2. The teachers spent the first day of the term working on their professional practice and preparing for the term ahead. We also welcomed back our students from the Italy Language Tour. This immersion in the language and culture is immeasurable. The Italian teaching team also followed up last week with the first of the Year 12 IB Diploma examinations. Unfortunately, Italian is not offered in the Southern Hemisphere’s examination period in November, so our students sit their examinations with their Northern Hemisphere peers in May. The students are now looking forward to having one subject completed as they work towards the final six months of their schooling.

Mathematics Enrichment 

Our talented mathematics students from Years 7 to 10 are invited to attend the Mathematics Enrichment program, a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding and love for mathematics. The program, held in the mornings before the school day with Ms Palmer, involves the students in two external competitions: the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians, a series of highly challenging and thought-provoking problems, and the Enrichment Stage, an opportunity to formally extend their knowledge of Mathematics with complex coursework that falls outside the school curriculum. This program fosters collaboration among like-minded students, encouraging them to collaborate and expand in Mathematics. 

PISA

PISA is coming to our school! Our school is participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Field Trial, which is taking place in Australia between 13 May and 7 June 2024.

PISA is an important part of the National Assessment Program in Australia, which is the measure through which governments, education authorities and schools can determine whether young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes. All Australian Education Ministers have agreed to Australian schools’ participation in PISA, which is reflected in the Australian Education Act 2013.

International assessments provide a wide range of valuable information for education policy and review in Australia and overseas and also enable Australia to consider the performance of our education system compared with others. Since the first PISA assessment involving 32 countries in 2000, the survey has continued to raise interest amongst educators and policy-makers worldwide. In 2022, Australia was one of 81 countries participating in PISA with around 13,500 students (from around 800 schools) representing our country.

What will PISA mean for our school?

A random sample of 15-year-olds, mostly from Years 10 and 11, will be sampled to complete a two-hour computer-based assessment consisting of Mathematics, Science, Reading, and Learning in the Digital World. These students will also be asked to complete a questionnaire. A random sample of teachers will be asked to complete an online questionnaire which will collect information on classroom instruction, teachers’ educational backgrounds, training, and teaching experiences.

Parent support webinars

We work with a company called Elevate who facilitate study skills sessions with our students. They also offer free parent webinars. I have attached a document with the login code for parents to register. The next session will be How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams – 22 May at 6:30pm.

Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning