From the Head of Teaching & Learning (Senior School)
I would like to extend a warm congratulations to Senior School students for their dedication to learning and assessment during semester 1. I want to also acknowledge the dedication of teachers in the classroom and parents/carers and siblings on the home front who have given of themselves and their time to support our students to finish the semester well.
Academic reports provide students and families with valuable information as to how the student is accessing learning and assessment for each subject. I am often surprised the number of students who return to College after the holidays, unaware of their semester 1 reports. I would encourage students and families to positively engage with academic reports to celebrate student achievement, application, behaviour and engagement with homework and revise study plans as needed for the next semester.
Responding to Year 10 Unsatisfactory Results:
The Semester 1 2024 Academic Reports provide vital feedback on your son’s suitability to continue their subjects into Year 11 and 12. Any student receiving unsatisfactory results in general subjects should consider what improvements they may need to make to their homework and study plan, or if that subject is the correct fit for them. This would be a good discussion point for Parent Teacher Interviews next term. Year 10 students will finalise their Year 11/12 subjects during SETP August 1 &2 next term. If your student is seeking advice regarding subject selection and pathway planning, I would encourage them to revisit the Senior Curriculum Handbook or reach out to Careers Counsellor Amy Dyer: adyer@slc.qld.edu.au or the Head of Teaching and Learning Senior School: Stacey Tait: stait@slc.qld.edu.au.
Responding to Year 11 Unit 1 Unsatisfactory Results:
As Year 11 Unit 1 results are included towards QCE attainment any Unit 1 unsatisfactory results are a key indicator that a student is yet to develop the study and organisational skills required to succeed in the subject or is experiencing significant challenge in accessing the learning. Any unsatisfactory results should be followed up by students/home with the subject teacher to understand if the student is recommended to continue in the subject. Unsatisfactory results for multiple subjects can put a student at risk for their QCE. This should be followed up with an appointment with Head of Teaching and Learning Senior School: Stacey Tait: stait@slc.qld.edu.au.
Year 12 Finishing Strongly:
Semester 2 sees the commencement of the Year 12 Finishing Strongly Program. The intent of this program is to prepare year 12 students in their final semester of schooling for a strong finish to their secondary school education and successful transitions post schooling. The program includes external exam preparation Masterclasses, opportunities to complete VET studies, QTAC and QCE application and portal set-up support, and guest speaker presentations from a range of universities. I want to acknowledge the significant investment from our Careers Counsellor, Heads of Faculty and teachers into this program to support our year 12s as they prepare for external exams (term 4) and a successful transition to their future pathway.
While all students will receive a hard copy QTAC guide next term, you and your student may wish to access the online version: Download QTAC Course Guide | QTAC for discussion and consideration over the holidays.
QCE Refresher:
Finally, I wish all Senior Students a refreshing and safe semester break.
MS STACEY TAIT
Head of Teaching and Learning (Senior School) (Acting)