Teaching and Learning Report

By Director of Teaching and Learning, Mrs Julia Petrov

Exam preparation

We have entered exam season with the VCE Unit 3/4 exams underway and the first of the Unit 1/2 exams on Friday, November 5.  All Year 12 and 11 students should now be actively preparing for these important assessment tasks.

Teachers have prepared information specific to each exam – the format, length, specific areas to be examined, equipment and materials that can be brought into the exam etc. This information is available through Learning Areas. We wish our senior students all the very best for their exams.

Exams for Years 7 – 10 students will be held in the last week of term commencing on Monday, November 29.

To further support your son in his preparation for these exams, teachers will be emphasising two key aspects of exam preparation – revision for the exam and exam technique.

Exam revision:

• Research has shown that regular revision, which builds cumulatively on increased levels of knowledge and understanding, is the most effective method of preparing for an exam. Developing a revision or study plan based on this is an important step to successful exam revision.
• Having a detailed key word list or glossary is another important revision tool. Exam questions typically assess a student’s ability to synthesise, analyse, interpret etc. However, this can only be done if the student has a clear and explicit understanding of the words or terms being referred to in the question.
• Attempting trial exam questions or papers is also beneficial. Having these papers corrected by the subject teacher and getting performance feedback helps the students set their revision plan.
• The subject teacher is an important resource at this time of the year. Students should be making every effort to contact and meet with their subject teachers as often as they can over the coming weeks.

Exam technique:

Much has been written and published about exam technique and students will have access to a range of techniques particular to each subject. However, there are several key techniques relevant to all subjects.

• Students must be familiar with the conditions for each of their exams. They must know the time and room for each exam, if they are permitted to use any other resources, and what equipment they are allowed to take into each exam.
• The reading time allocated to all exams is important. Reading the paper thoroughly will allow students to work out which questions can be answered easily and quickly, and which will require greater attention and take more time.
• Planning exam time is important. Students should factor in an appropriate amount of time at the end of each exam to read through and amend responses. Minor errors or misunderstanding can often be quickly amended during this part of the exam.
• Written responses need to be clear and legible. Teachers are required to correct many papers in a short period of time and appreciate students who take the little bit of extra time and care with their presentation.
• No student is allowed to leave an exam early. Teachers have constructed the exams under the assumption that students would be working throughout the entire time allocated. Students should be making the most of every allocated minute and be working through to end of the writing time.

Students with any concerns about the end of semester exams should see the relevant subject teacher or the Pastoral Care teacher as soon as possible.

Study skills/techniques tutoring

Learning about how to learn (metacognition and self-regulated learning) can have a positive impact on a student’s academic results. By spending ten minutes with a study skills coach, students can receive individual support to help manage their learning. Tutoring sessions will be available Thursdays during lunch and after school between 3.30-4.30 pm in the KRC.

These sessions will be for any Years 7-11 students who are needing assistance with:

* Study techniques

* Study organization

* Time management for study/homework

Maths, English and Humanities Tutoring

Students in Years 7 – 11 can get extra assistance with Maths, Humanities, English tutoring available during lunch and after school. Further details can be found in the Daily messages. Students don’t need to attend the whole time and there is no need to book.