Head of Secondary School
Welcome back to Term 2! I hope that you and your family were able to enjoy the holiday period, and spend some time resting and renewing.
Learning
This week Yr 12 have approached their examinations with good humour and positivity. I reminded them recently to be kind to themselves and remember that they are only partway into their Yr 12 journey. They still have a long way to go, and a lot more learning to do. Feeling unprepared or ‘not ready’ is pretty normal at this stage in the journey and framing the examination experience as a time of personal learning is the best approach. The personal learning that takes place during an examination block is about self, about study habits, and about what works and what doesn’t. Indeed, this kind of personal learning mindset can be applied at any age or stage and is the best way to view a challenging period.
Last week during the holidays, many Yr 12 students took the opportunity to attend course workshops, seek assistance from their teachers, and use the Learning Hub to study. Students converged on Level 2 and 3 of the Learning Hub, camped out in particular rooms and took full advantage of the whiteboards and writeable desks and walls. They worked independently to represent their understanding visually on whatever they could write on (most surfaces!) and also in groups, teaching each other, by way of explaining, elaborating and questioning. We also had clusters of Drama students collaborating on group work together and then attending subject-specific workshops in the latter half of the week. The Textiles students told me that their two days with Ms Alan in the first week of the holiday proved worthwhile and enabled them to focus on some of their other subjects in the second week. Overall, Yr 12 used their study time judiciously and still managed to make time for regular breaks, to buy sushi rolls/Chargrill Charlie’s and feel the sun on their faces in the Fahl Garden.
During the holidays, I was able to spend time with some Yr 12 students talking about ways to deepen their learning and enhance their study via targeted strategies. We spent time considering the different types of independent learning – how weekend or holiday study can be more intensive than weekday study, when it’s often enough just to spend a few hours in the evening getting organised, making lists, prioritising and engaging in basic revision. We explored the difference between spaced and mass practice, rehearsal, and transformation – that is, converting in-class study notes into new forms and then back again, via a cyclical process of refinement and elaboration, in order to encode and embed learning so that we can move from simple retrieval of knowledge to transferral of skills and understanding. Many Yr 12 students are already confidently practising study strategies which enable them to transfer their learning, such as testing an essay thesis against a new question or engaging in timed-conditions practice. Over the coming months, we will support them to introduce desirable difficulties such as changing their learning environment and study strategies so they can really test whether their learning has deepened. A real positive that emerged from my conversations with the students was their self-awareness and relationship skills. They felt more than able to approach their teachers for support and extension and were continuing to take advantage of getting up early in the mornings (thank you early morning Sport) to study and make the most of the day.
Student Planners
One really great aspect of Yr 12 study that the younger years can learn from is their effective use of Study schedules and planners which backward map the revision they need to engage in, prior to a test or assessment. This term at Redlands the teaching staff will be insisting that students in Yrs 7-11 more regularly and effectively use their Student Planner. The Planner should be an important tool for all students, and one they carry with them to all lessons. Despite their expertise in the digital space, traditional forms of notation are still important and a balance is necessary. Effective students use both paper and digital tools to manage their learning, shifting between the two. The Redlands staff appreciate your interest in your child’s Student Planner – students should be recording all assessments, events and activities here. They should also be detailing their planning of study and revision, even if it only represents a snapshot of a much more detailed version which is on their laptop or stuck to their bedroom wall. If your son or daughter needs support with something like this, their Tutor is the first person they should speak to. You can also email the Year Advisor for support.
Participating
Our Monday ANZAC Day Assembly was a wonderful community event in celebration of the ANZAC spirit and legacy. Not only were we treated to some beautiful music by way of talented singers and the Advanced Concert Band, we were privileged to hear inspiring reflections, thoughtful prayers and touching stories from students, staff and invited guests. The Program for the assembly can be found here.
Yr 10 students Lucy Horton and Jamison Houchell spoke personally and powerfully. They effectively worked together to deliver a message that was both relatable and inspiring to the students and staff. You can read their speech here. If you have time, I strongly encourage you to read their speech, and learn about Jamison’s relatives and the impact of war on their lives, and Lucy’s insights into the psychological toll on veterans and how we can embody the ANZAC spirit into our lives.
It was also lovely to enable so many of our students, from Yrs 7 to 11, to take part in the ANZAC Assembly, which they did with pride and respect. I hope you enjoy the photos.
Performing
Over the holidays Yr 10 student Emma Mahon achieved a fantastic result in the Australian Track and Field Championships 5000m race. She came 4th, which is an exceptional result as she made a significant accomplishment. In Mr Walker’s words, ‘To run under 18 minutes is flying and to run a 64 second PB is impressive!’ A big congratulations to Emma!
Change Rooms
Over the holiday period, our Facilities team led the refurbishment of two spaces, which have been converted into Change Rooms. The Girls’ Change Room is located inside the Gym and the Boys’ Change Room is located near the Top Court. We are currently finalising the Terms of Use for these Change Rooms and next week, the PDHPE teachers will induct the students into their use. These Change Rooms do not have bathroom facilities but they do provide a private, safe and warm space for the students to change into, or out of, their PE uniform. And just in time for Winter!
Ms Gemma Van de Peer
Head of Secondary School
gvandepeer@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9870