Curriculum Matters

A Time for Reflection

It is great to see students and staff back in class, sharing the experiences from their break, and ready to take on the challenges Term 3 presents. This is always an extremely busy term for a number of reasons, some of which are;

• Year 10 into Year 11 Subject Selection process is finalised, with counselling/confirmation sessions conducted.
• Year 8 into Year 9 Elective Selection process begins.
• Year 12 are preparing for their HSC Trial exams, completing course work and organising final social, graduation and charity events.
• Year 11 are completing coursework ready to begin HSC courses in Term 4, and aiming to achieve the best RoSA grade they can in each of their subjects.
• Year 7 – 11 student/parent/teacher conferences are conducted.

This year we are also trying to adapt to the ever changing educational landscape that the emergence of COVID-19 is necessitating. Formats and platforms traditionally used to complete activities, like those listed above, are being modified, and innovation and clear communication is proving to be key to success. Our new College website and newsletter attest to this, as is the use of Google Classroom and Google Sites as course delivery platforms.
The College community has been amazing at continually adapting and innovating on a daily basis. However, the processes of reflection and evaluation are also key to success at all levels, and in all situations.

This term we ask all members of our community to reflect on their learning and behavior in an effort to improve. Reflection questions have been provided to Stage 6 students in an effort to focus their attention on evaluating their goals and the strategies they have available in order to achieve them. Year 10 will be provided with questions to not only help them prepare for their Interviews in Week 6, but to also assist them in setting goals for the rest of 2020 as they prepare for the challenges of Stage 6 study or the workforce. 

Staff and students use surveys, quizzes and numerous other tools to reflect not only on their learning and behaviour, but also on what systems are working, and what can be improved. Reflection and evaluation, although ideally ongoing, are particularly important at the moment. Students need to be able to reflect on their classroom experiences, their own learning journeys, their strengths and challenges, setting new goals and employing effective strategies that will help them achieve these goals. Educators, as adult learners, are continually striving to update, develop, expand, and deepen their professional perspectives of both their subject area and on their goals and roles as educators. 

It is with this perspective we are diving into the term. Please join us on this journey!  

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum