Friday May 14th, 2010
NAPLAN - Year 7 and 9 have navigated through the NAPLAN tests for the year. Those students who missed all or part of the tests will be asked to complete the tests on Friday (May 14th) morning before the tests are posted. As I have said in the past few weeks the results of the tests are important to us. The data produced by the tests is used to check on growth of students. Growth means normal improvement in literacy and numeracy according to the DET and the National Testing body. We use the data to try to ensure students who might be struggling are identified and specific programs produced to assist those students. I would like to thank Peter Govan for his great organisation. News of the moratorium being lifted came through last Friday. To his credit, there have been no hitches in the organisation or running of the tests. He did a great job.
Our Year 11 campers have returned (mostly in one piece!). They covered study skills whilst on the camp and hopefully have returned with more "tools in their toolbox" and hence be better prepared for future assessments. Thanks to Leigh Raynor for all her organisation. She does a great job.
Accelerated Class 2011: The Gifted and Talented committee is looking to invite a number of students in Year 9 2011 to begin the study of the Preliminary and HSC course. As yet, the subject to be offered has not yet been agreed upon. Subjects we are looking at include Aboriginal Studies, Society & Culture and Studies of Religion. Students will be invited to participate in this program. Students will do the Preliminary course instead of the 100 hours electives in Year 9 and 10. Then, in Year 11 the students will sit for the HSC exam. There will be more information about this process. This will free them up for concentrated study of the remainder of the HSC courses.