Dear Parents and Carers,

The Year 11 Dinner last week was fantastic and I would like to thank all those parents who attended and Jeremy for all the hard work he put into making it such a perfect evening.

Two weeks ago, every Year 11 student received a hard copy of the 2011 Preliminary HSC Assessment Booklet. A copy of this document can be found on JNet under parents, documents, teaching and learning.

This document clearly states the student requirements for the successful completion of the Preliminary HSC course, including what to do during times of illness and misadventure. It also includes the assessment schedule and weights for assessment tasks for all preliminary subjects. I encourage all parents to take the time to read this important document to help with any misunderstandings you or your son may have with the Board of Studies and Joeys’ requirements for successfully completing the Preliminary HSC course.

At yesterday’s Division meeting I continued my discussion about effective study. Building upon my discussion of study schedules, I provided all students with a simple, study scaffold. Below is a copy. I reminded the boys that in four weeks they have their half yearly examinations. This was not meant to shock the boys, some faces indicated otherwise, but to encourage them that it is time they started to prepare for such examinations. This study schedule scaffold is designed to help them create an effective study program. The scaffold has 35 time slots for subject revision, homework and assessment task preparation. I have indicated to all students that a minimum of 30 minutes a week to revise each subject is needed. The boys did not like my next comment; work needs to take place over the weekend. The ‘down tools’ for weekends is no longer a viable option if they seek personal academic success in senior studies.

I also gave the boys some tips on effective study

· Take good notes

· Be involved in your classes

· Review your notes everyday

· Complete all homework

· Always seek help when having difficulty

· Keep up your personal reading

Below is my presentation to Year 11.

This week I organised for “Elevate Education” to come to the College on the evenings of the 9th May and 8th August to conduct  two seminars on extended response writing techniques and effective examination preparation. “Elevate Education” have been operating these seminars at the College for Year 11 over last few years and both students and staff speak very highly of them. As we approach these dates I will provide students and parents with more information.

As we enter the second half of the term and rapidly approach the half yearly examinations, lets hope that the boys continue in their growth in their academic studies. Please find below a copy of the Year 11 Half Yearly Examination Timetable.

Regards

Darren