Learning and Teaching (AP)
HSC Examinations
Week 1 marked the commencement of the HSC Examinations, and we extend our best wishes to all Year 12 students undertaking the exams. The diligence of some students shone through as they took a boat from Yamba to Harwood and organised a lift to Grafton due to the blocked road out of Yamba at the start of the day on Thursday. Students have access to Stay Healthy HSC resources, which may be helpful for the duration of their exams.
The Importance of Reading and Goal Setting
In Week 1 at Assembly, Mrs Gleeson discussed the importance of reading and critical thinking. Both skills are essential to student success as they contribute to academic achievement and personal development, supporting students in all areas of study. Reading is a powerful tool that enhances understanding of all subjects. It's not just about novels and stories but also about accessing the curriculum across all Key Learning Areas. At McAuley, we value reading so much that we allocate time to Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), providing students with dedicated time each day to cultivate strong reading habits.
Goal setting was another key focus this week. A positive growth mindset and opportunity for students to set specific, measurable, and achievable goals for Term 4 were the focus for PC. Clear goals provide direction and motivation, helping students track their progress and focus on their objectives.
Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)
Students in Years 7 to 10 will participate in PAT testing this term in Week 3. The PAT tests are assessments of Maths, Reading, and Science. They measure a student's knowledge, skills, and understanding and help pinpoint where they are in their learning journey and what they need to progress.
Year 9 and 10 Exams
Week 4 will be a busy time for Year 9 and 10 students as the school has reintroduced an exam period. Exam periods offer a concentrated way to assess deep, sustained student learning and synthesis of knowledge under timed conditions, closely mimicking real-world and external examination pressures (like the HSC).
Year 11 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences – Tuesday, 4th November
The Year 11 Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences will be held on Tuesday, 4th November. We encourage all Year 11 students and their parents to take full advantage of this opportunity to support ongoing academic success.
Year 11 HSC Information Session – Tuesday, 4th November at 6 pm
Following the Parent-Teacher-Student conferences, we invite Year 11 parents and students to a HSC Information Session on Tuesday, 4th November, at 6pm in the Performing Arts Room (P1).
Thank you for your continued support.
Dianne McGowan
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching