Trial HSC Examinations

Year 12 students are currently in the second week of their HSC trial examinations. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all students on the way they have applied themselves throughout this period so far. Students are arriving on time, organised, and prepared for their examinations. The current process in place mirrors the HSC operation, that will be taking place next term. Once the examination period is over it is paramount students enter into the last few weeks of their schooling in a meaningful and purposeful manner.

I encourage students to consider the following suggestions when it comes to after examination review/reflection.

Analyse and Understand the Feedback

When you receive your examination back, take the time to review the feedback provided by your teacher.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Did you meet all the criteria outlined in the examination?
• What specific feedback did your teacher provide?
• Do you fully comprehend the feedback given?
• Can you identify the reasons behind the mark you received?

If you're unsure about any aspect of the feedback, don't hesitate to ask your teacher for further clarification. Understanding where you went wrong is crucial to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the HSC examinations.

Choose to Accept or Challenge

Once you've gained a clear understanding of the feedback, you have two options: accept the grade or challenge it.

Accept: If you realise that the mark reflects your performance accurately, don't dwell on it too much. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and view this experience as an opportunity for growth. Embrace the mindset that successful individuals use failures as stepping stones toward improvement.

Challenge: If you genuinely believe that the mark awarded does not align with your efforts and adherence to the criteria, approach your teacher respectfully and express your viewpoint. Politely ask if they would reconsider the mark while providing evidence to support your case. Remember, advocating for yourself should always be done with respect.

Learn and Adapt

Improvement comes from learning from your mistakes and taking action to rectify them. Make a conscious effort to identify where you went wrong and devise a plan to correct it. Consider these steps:

• Re-do the Examination: If you have the dedication and time, consider revisiting parts of the examination. Revising your work not only demonstrates your commitment but also helps you apply the feedback effectively.
• Seek Inspiration: Ask your teacher if you can examine the marking guidelines. Analyse the guidelines to understand what elements contributed to your success and identify areas where your marks fell short.

Remember, your academic journey is about learning and growth. Embrace every examination, whether successful or disappointing, as a chance to hone your skills and become a better student. Stay persistent, and don't let setbacks define your capabilities. With a positive attitude and willingness to learn, you'll be better prepared to face future challenges and achieve your goals. Keep striving for excellence and improvement.

Academic Care – Semester 1 Student Report Reflection

This week during Academic Care, students in Years 7-10 took the opportunity to complete an online student survey. The “Academic Care Self-Reflection” survey was designed to gather student thoughts, insights, and feedback on various aspects of student educational progress for the first semester. The survey allowed students to provide their honest responses to assist in understanding strengths, challenges, and overall growth, enabling teachers to provide better support and resources for the next semester. The survey focused on the following main concepts:

• Academic Progress
• Personal Growth and Development 
• Learning Environment
• Extracurricular Activities
• Goal Setting
• Self-Motivation and Ownership

Academic Care teachers will have the opportunity to review their class’s feedback over the next few weeks in academic care lessons. It was pleasing to unpack some of the following findings from the survey.

Academic Progress

1. How would you rate your overall academic progress in Semester 1?

The ultimate goal of exam and report reflection and feedback is improvement. Armed with insights from your reflection and insights, our students can take proactive steps toward enhancing their academic journey.

 

Andrew Kenneally

Assistant Principal - Curriculum, Innovation, and Improvement