Learning & Teaching (AP)
Assessment Information
Students in Years 7 to 11 have recently been provided with information relating to assessment. Assessment is a process of gathering information about student achievement at various stages in a course. Assessment can be formative (ongoing) and summative (at the end of a topic or unit).
During the presentation, aspects of the Assessment Policy were highlighted to the students, including the task submission procedures (what to do if they missed a task and where they could seek support).
Students in each year group have been emailed their Assessment Handbook, which is also on the College Website under Learning and Teaching. The Assessment Handbooks contain assessment schedules for each subject studied, guiding students to the timing of formative tasks throughout the year. Students have been asked to read the handbook to ensure they are familiar with assessment requirements and processes. Thanks to Mrs Lee, our Curriculum Coordinator, for ensuring that our assessment handbooks are current and the information was disseminated to the students.
Interventions
We have completed the PAT R testing for our year seven students. Thank you to Mrs Leanne McLennan for her work in the external test organisation. The results of this test give some direction to support learning and are compared with a similar PAT test at the end of the year to determine individual student growth. In the meantime, if we see any areas of concern, there is further testing that the school has put into place.
The further testing method used to measure how identified students perform on essential reading skills in years 7 and 8 is DIBELS or Probe. These quick tests are “indicators” of the student’s progress and are not intended to be in-depth or comprehensive measures. However, the testing allows teachers to get valuable information about students’ skills without using much instructional time. Thanks to the inclusion and diversity team, particularly Miss Tahnee Joe and Mrs Bianca Crocket, for supporting the testing process.
If the extra test results indicate that students need small group support, letters will go home to indicate the intervention the school will offer. Selected year 8 students started their intervention program this week, and selected year 7 students will start week 6 or 7. Whilst the school is putting measures in place to ensure that all students are on track, encouraging regular and varied reading at home is a valuable way all families can continue to support their child’s reading development.
The EMU maths program for select year 7 students will take place after the first Mathematics Assessment for year 7 has been completed. Parents of year 7 students selected for the program will be informed via a letter home over the next few weeks.
Use of Electronics - Tips for Week 5
As we navigate through the academic year, it's crucial to prioritise our studies and well-being. One often overlooked aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is our sleep routine, particularly in this age of technology. In my last newsletter, I covered some tips about using Chrome Books at home. In today’s newsletter, I want to stress why turning off electronic devices at least half an hour before bedtime is essential.
Students may not realise that the artificial light emitted by electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, primarily consists of blue light. Despite its name, this light might not appear blue to the naked eye, but its effects are significant. Blue light, a non-visible light with a short wavelength, possesses considerable energy.
Research suggests that excessive exposure to blue light can disrupt our sleep cycle by confusing our body clocks and hindering melatonin production. During sleep, our bodies undergo essential physical processes, and our brains consolidate the day's learning into memory. Therefore, ensuring adequate quality sleep is vital for academic success.
Individuals with existing sleep disorders and adolescents, who often experience delayed sleep patterns due to biological changes, are particularly vulnerable.
Here are some suggestions to minimise our exposure to blue light at night:
- Spend time outdoors during the day to help regulate your body clock effectively.
- Turn off all electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
- Invert the colours on your smartphone, iPad, or Kindle, or switch to nighttime settings.
- Dim the brightness of your devices in the hours leading up to bedtime, as it's better than nothing.
By implementing these practices, we can support our bodies' natural rhythms and ensure our students are in the best possible state to learn and thrive academically.
Wishing you all restful nights and productive days ahead!
Di McGowan
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching