Curriculum Matters

This is a difficult and challenging time for educators, parents and students across Australia.

With the emergence of COVID-19 and the move to social-distancing and remote learning, there are many questions about what are the best approaches to support learners, teachers and families, especially those working towards the HSC. 

As you know the teachers and support staff of SJPC have been working hard to establish online and distance learning for our students, ensuring quality learning continues in the coming months. Evidence informs us that the best student outcomes are achieved when ‘systems’ are established that make use of a range of activities and that enable the flexible delivery of schooling. We understand that maintaining a strong teacher presence and support for students are also critical. Staff at SJPC have been accessing evidence-based advice on setting expectations around teacher availability as well as creating a supportive, online community for collaborative learning, using the Zoom conferencing tool, Google Classroom and various online resources.

We thank all those families who have given us feedback and support during this time. We understand that parents and carers play a critical role in setting up a home environment that is conducive to learning. The College and the Diocese will continue to offer support to families in regard to issues associated with ‘learning from home’.

 Student Responsibilities - Years 10, 11 and 12

Year 10 and 11 students are continuing to work towards achieving their first academic qualification known as a RoSA.

This requires them to be actively submitting work online, as requested by their teachers, for feedback and evidence of their learning. The New South Wale Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires all students in these Year groups to engage with the curriculum and demonstrate their level of achievement across various outcomes. 

Students studying HSC subjects are required to continue to follow their formal HSC Assessment Schedules, assessment calendar and College protocols. All students have access to the NESA updates via their Student Online account and NESA website. 

All Year 10, 11 and 12 students have been informed of the College’s and NESA requirements, and their responsibilities in this changing learning environment via their Curriculum Matters Google Classrooms. This platform is also used to provide support material and links regarding study and organisational strategies amongst others. Any modifications to in school HSC assessment will be communicated to students via classroom teachers and LOLs.

Please continue to encourage your children to actively participate in their learning as required by NESA and the College as they work towards receiving these qualifications.

“It goes without saying that It is in all of our interests to respond well to the current crisis and to reflect on what the evidence tells us." – Laureate Professor John Hattie, AITSL Board Chair.

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum