Dear Parents and Carers

Last week I posted the term one assessment calendar for all subjects on the Year 11 blog. If you have had the opportunity to look at this document, you will have noticed that over the next few weeks the boys have a lot of work to be completed. It is hoped that this document is used by the boys as an organisational tool that will allow them to complete assessments on time and at a standard that reflects their abilities.  I have instructed all students, if they are having difficulty completing any task, to discuss this with their classroom teacher. We have an amazing staff at Joeys and all teachers are more than willing to help students who are having troubles. I have also encouraged the boys to come and see me if they are having any difficulty with assignments, class work or any other classroom issues. I constantly tell the boys that communication is essential to effective learning. If they are struggling, there are numerous networks and support people at Joeys who are more than happy to help them out.

At last week’s Division meeting Mr Lee MacMaster (Director of Teaching and Learning) discussed the HSC: All My Own Work program. This program is designed to help Higher School Certificate students to follow the principles and practices of good scholarship. This includes understanding and valuing ethical practices when locating and using information as part of their HSC studies. All Year 11 students must complete this online course by Week 8 and hand me a copy confirming successful completion of the quiz for each of the modules. Students must achieve at least 90% for each quiz in order to fulfill the Board of Studies requirements.

Below is Mr MacMaster’s presentation.

Study

Everyone is different and for some students, studying and being motivated to learn comes naturally. I believe that a student’s success is dependent on their ability to study effectively and efficiently. The results of poor study skills are wasted time, frustration and low or failing grades.

Effective study skills must be practiced in order for a student to improve. It is not enough to simply “think about” studying; students have to actually do it, and in the process, use information from what they do to get better.

Last week I encouraged the boys to make a checklist to help get them organised for each lesson and night study. At this week’s Division meeting I emphasised the need to develop a study schedule.   A good schedule keeps the boys from wandering off course. A good schedule, if properly managed, assigns time where time is needed.    The boys’ schedule should take into account every subject, music practice and tutoring if appropriate. Their schedule should be:

· strategic : it assists them to achieve their goals

· measurable: they can tell when they have completed each task

· achievable: they are likely to succeed in completing their schedule

· realistic: it fits their circumstances

· flexible: it can be adapted if the circumstances change

I have asked all boarding supervisors, during night study, to monitor the study patterns of students. At last week’s Division meeting, I emphasised to the students the importance of a balanced study program. The boys need to realise that simply doing homework each night is not enough for successful academic achievement, a productive and consistent study program is also needed as well as planning and completing assessment tasks well before they are due.  I also discussed with the boys the importance of undertaking study on weekends. At times there seems to be a culture amongst the students that weekends are only for sport and leisure. This is an important part of being a teenager and a student at Joeys but the boys are now at a stage when weekend study is imperative if they are going achieve their personal best academically at the College.

Max Hall Assembly Music Performance

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any concerns about your son’s academic progress.

Regards

Darren Frost