Issue 3 2025 - Teaching & Learning
Teaching & Learning
Jessica Lewis
Year 12 Assessments and Exams
The Year 12s and I are breathing a sigh of relief after completing a gruelling set of assessments. It began in Week 4 with General students sitting their Externally Set Tasks (ESTs), which seemed particularly challenging this year. Congratulations to those who performed well!
These assessments, written by the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), are distributed to schools across the state and must be completed within a short timeframe. Teachers are not permitted to view them prior to test day, meaning no hints or revision tasks can be tailored for students. Only consistent hard work throughout the first half of the year provides adequate preparation. The marking process is highly rigorous and reviewed by SCSA, but ultimately, ESTs contribute only 15% of the school grade. If your student didn’t achieve their desired result, there is still plenty of time to catch up.
ATAR students are wrapping up their Semester 1 exams, and I am sure they enjoyed their well-earned long weekend break last week. Most exams were three hours long this time. While that may sound daunting, the time tends to pass quickly with approximately 150 marks available.
While Year 12 students finally have a chance to relax, spare a thought for our teachers, many of whom have just finished marking ESTs before spending the entire weekend grading exams. The feedback from these assessments will be crucial in preparing students for their final exams. Can you believe the school year is already halfway done for Year 12s? With only 13 weeks of teaching and learning time remaining, I hope they continue to give their best effort in their last semester of school ever!
Year 11 ATAR Exams and Study Skills
Meanwhile, Year 11 ATAR students have commenced their exams this week. Sitting still for three hours is no easy feat for most people, and we wish our Year 11s the best of luck!
A few weeks ago, our multi-talented school psychologist, Abi, ran a study skills session for interested Year 11 ATAR students. The session covered a variety of topics, including understanding individual learning styles and practical approaches to studying. If your student missed out, Abi has kindly provided a summary sheet of the key tips and strategies, which I can share with students. Additionally, we plan to run this session with all Year 10 students in Term 4 to ensure they are well-prepared for Year 11.
Important Reminders
Students must bring their own corded headphones to school. Bluetooth headphones are not permitted due to interference with mobile phone usage. Allowances may be made in exceptional circumstances.
The school initially provided four class sets of headphones last year, but they were not well maintained, and we are unable to continue supplying them moving forward.
If your student requires additional classroom support - whether they have a diagnosed learning difficulty or not - our Education Assistants (EAs) are here to help. Please get in touch so we can understand their needs and provide the necessary assistance to ensure their success.
Jessica Lewis
Program Coordinator - Teaching and Learning
WACOA – Denmark