Dear Carroll Community,

Friendly Reminder: Year 11, 2025 Subject Selection Information Evening (Tuesday, 11 June, 6pm) as previously mentioned in last fortnight's newsletter.

Year 9/10 2025 Subject Selection Information Evening (Monday 17 June, 6pm)

The Subject Selection Information Evening for Year Nine and Ten students 2025 will be held on Monday evening, 17 June at 6.00pm in the Carroll College Hall. Attendance at this evening is compulsory as it will be the best opportunity for you and your child to hear about the specific requirements for Stage Five (Years Nine and Ten) and the Record of School Achievement (RoSA).

The night will consist of a presentation by members of the school Leadership Team on the process for selecting subjects and demands of Stage Five study, followed by time for you to meet with KLA staff to answer any questions you may have about particular subjects and what they involve.

Next year, Year 9/10 students (2025) will be required to study TWO elective subjects. As each of the elective courses will be studied over one or two years, students will be able to develop extensive knowledge and skills in their chosen areas of study and while not essential, the electives they study will provide a solid foundation for similar courses in the senior school. Electives give students an opportunity to study a subject they enjoy and want to pursue. This is also a good lead-up to choosing subjects for the Higher School Certificate at the end of Year 10.

This year, students will continue to select their subjects online. They will be emailed a link and an access code by Tuesday 18 June to enable them to complete this process. All subject choices need to be finalised on Web Preferences by Friday Week 9 (28 June).

When considering subject choices:

· Students should select courses that they are interested in.

· Select courses that they believe they could be good at.

Although not essential, students may also wish to:

· Select courses that they can further pursue in Senior school.

It is important that students:

· Do not select courses only because their friends have chosen them.

· Do not choose courses because they think they know who will teach that course.

Important considerations when selecting Elective Courses

· That all courses initially offered, may not run in 2025 if student numbers are not sufficient

Overall Subject Selection Process for Students and Parents

The following process will allow information to be gained from several sources and ensure that many aspects are considered before students make their final selection.

· Reading appropriate material: The Stage Five Information Booklet will be provided on our Assessment @ Carroll website over the next week. Other information can be sourced through the NESA website http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/home

· Asking questions: To those who know your child’s strengths and weaknesses including Teachers and Leaders of Key Learning Areas.

· Attending the information night on Monday, 17 June (6pm).

· Making TWO elective choices in preferential order. Choices are due to be completed online by Week 9 (Friday 28 June).

· Assistant Principal, Curriculum, Learning and Innovation will follow up with students who may be required to reselect if students are not successful in getting their preferred choices. Students will be informed of their final choice by Week 3, Term 3.

I look forward to meeting all parents and students in Week 8 and ensuring all children are given every opportunity to excel.

Starting Assignments Straight Away: Why It’s Crucial for Success

This week I would like to share an article that focuses on Starting Assignments Straight Away: Why It’s Crucial for Success.

Ever leave your assignments until the last minute? Procrastination might seem harmless, but it can lead to unnecessary stress and lower-quality work. Here are four compelling reasons to start working on your assignments immediately:

1. Get Your Brain Thinking About the Topic

At the very least, read through the requirements of the assignment on the day you receive it. Even if you're not actively working on it, your subconscious will begin processing the information. This early engagement can help you come up with ideas and understand the scope of the assignment more thoroughly.

2. Find Library Resources

Although the internet offers a wealth of information, the school library is also a valuable resource. Drop in soon after receiving the assignment. Reference books, academic journals, and magazines are often in high demand and can disappear quickly. Relying solely on Google may limit the depth and quality of your research. Your librarian is a great ally in your research. Librarians can guide you to relevant books, journals, and digital resources that you might not find on your own.

3. Starting Early Means More Time to Explore & Ask for Help

Starting your research early gives you more time to dive deep into your topic. Use a variety of sources such as the library, teacher references, school textbooks, and reliable internet resources. If you start early, you can identify gaps in your understanding and have ample time to ask your teacher for clarification or additional help.

4. Create a Safety Net

Life is unpredictable. Starting your assignment immediately creates a buffer for unforeseen events like illness or emergencies. A well-planned schedule that allows for the unexpected ensures you have enough time to complete your assignment without unnecessary stress.

Additional Tips for Effective Assignment Management

Break Down the Assignment

Divide your assignment into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a timeline with specific goals for each day or week. This will help you stay organised and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Stay Organised

Keep all your research materials, notes, and drafts in one place. Use folders, both physical and digital to categorise information by topic or section of your assignment. This organisation will save you time and keep your work streamlined.

Set Specific Goals

Set clear, achievable goals for each study session. For example, aim to complete a specific section of your assignment or gather a certain number of sources. This focused approach will keep you motivated and on track.

Take Breaks

While it's important to start early and stay on task, it's equally important to take regular breaks. Short breaks can help you stay refreshed and maintain a high level of productivity.

Review and Revise

Once you’ve completed your assignment, take time to review and revise it. Check for any grammatical errors, ensure all your sources are properly cited, and verify that your arguments are coherent and well-supported.

By starting your assignments as soon as possible and following these tips, you can reduce stress, improve the quality of your work, and achieve better academic results.

Yours sincerely

Mr Andrew Kenneally
Assistant Principal (Curriculum, Learning and Innovation)