Curriculum Matters

Welcome to 2020, especially to those who are new to our College community.

Throughout the year we will keep you abreast of Curriculum issues across the College, along with links to current educational research and advice.

On Tuesday 11th February, we hosted two Parent seminars, presented by Elevate Education’s Sarah Lhuede. We hope those parents who attended gained some insight into how they can support their children in developing effective study habits.

The following day Year 11 and 12 students participated in workshops run by Sarah Lhuede and her colleague Jasper Heaton. These workshops provided opportunities for our students to develop a deeper understanding of what constitutes effective study habits and what strategies have been proven to work.

As was the case in 2019, we have access to the Elevate Education Student Portal. This online platform contains resources and useful study tips that all SJPC students will find effective. We encourage them to access this Student Portal and try some of the strategies. Students have the password to this site. The password can also be found on the Curriculum Noticeboard.

Time management is one of the first of many study habits that will lead to improved outcomes, especially for those Year 11 students who may be struggling with the increased workload Stage 6 requires. Remember….

It is vital that students maximise the effectiveness of this time at this early stage of their senior study regime. If they are still struggling to dedicate this amount of time to their school work, please seek support.

2020 has already been a testing year for many in our community. It may be timely for all of us to remember the advantages of approaching our lives with a growth mindset.

This video gives some insight into what we mean by a Growth Mindset.

Our new Assistant Principal for Learning and Teaching, Mr James Furey, along with myself and our Curriculum Officer Mrs Reeves, have met with Year 10 and Year 11 students to outline the College’s Assessment Policy and Protocols, and the NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority) requirements for obtaining RoSA and HSC qualifications.

We were impressed by their positive attitude and respectful behaviour at these meetings. It can be a challenging time for Yr 10 and 11 students as they develop the improved study habits needed to cope with the increased rigour required by the courses they are studying. The College offers many support structures, all of which the students can access with ease. Years 10, 11 and 12 have access to their own Curriculum Matters Google Classroom in which all matters regarding Curriculum can be easily accessed.

Please encourage your children to access all the support structures available at the College.

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum