Head of Secondary School

Reflection

This week students in Yrs 9 and 10 have been sitting their Yearly Examinations while students in Yrs 7 and 8 have begun to receive feedback on the examinations they sat last week. While the results will give students valuable feedback on their learning from this year, I believe the actual marks are not the most important aspect of examinations (despite what students may feel). While the preparation for examinations is important for students to develop the habits and approaches towards learning that are going to assist them in the future, I would argue that it is this period after the examinations that is in fact the most valuable time for students so that they can best develop their learning for the future.

Specifically, this is the time for honest, critical and thoughtful reflection. Honest and productive reflection can often be challenging for students because of their own insecurities. However, I would argue that this is one of the most important dispositions that will allow students to further develop a growth mindset and their life-readiness.

I have previously shared some of these questions below which I believe best assist students as they reflect on their learning. With Yrs 7-10 finishing their Yearly Examinations, I believe it is a good time to share these again.

How has my application, diligence and engagement in class been throughout this year? Have I maximised my use of class time for my learning? If not, what can I do differently next year?
How productively have I used my home learning time throughout this year? Are there strategies or approaches I could develop which would further assist my home learning? Are there distractions (television, music or social media) which are negatively affecting my home learning?
How effective was my preparation for assessments this year? Did I use my time wisely? Did I start my preparation early enough? Did I develop an effective study plan or revision timetable?
What revision approaches specifically work for me? For example, do I need to write out notes rather than just read them off the page or screen? Or do I learn better when I can collaborate with others as opposed to revise material individually?
Are there important skills or content areas that I need to review or revise further in preparation for my continued study of a subject?
How can I best develop a deeper understanding of a subject or topic instead of just a superficial knowledge?
What are some key goals or focus areas I should have in 2019 which are going to help to further assist and develop my learning for the future?

I would encourage all students to honestly reflect upon questions such as these, as well as others, and engage in these discussions with teachers, Tutors and parents over these next few weeks. In this way students will continue to foster a growth mindset and “own” their learning to that they can gain a stronger personal understanding of what works best for them in the future.

Speech Night

Wednesday 5 December is a pupil free day at the Secondary School; however, Speech Night is compulsory for all students in Yrs 7-11 that evening. Further details of student arrival times for rehearsals and the event itself will be published in Note Day and emailed to all Secondary School parents over the next few weeks. We look forward to our whole School community coming together on this special evening.

Remembrance Day

As most people are well aware, 11 November is a special day as we celebrate the centenary of the armistice which signalled the end of World War I. We will have a special Remembrance Day Assembly in the Secondary School on Tuesday 13 November to celebrate this occasion. In addition, this Sunday 11 November, there will be a service held at St Peter’s Anglican Church (29 Waters Rd, Cremorne) commencing at 8.30am. Various students and staff from Redlands will be assisting with this service and all members of our community are invited to attend.

Whooping Cough

We have been notified of a case of Whooping Cough in the Junior School with a student who has a sibling in the Secondary School. Please note we currently have no confirmed cases of Whooping Cough in the Secondary School. Please see the attached link for signs and symptoms: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/factsheets/pages/pertussis.aspx

Please remember to keep your child at home if they are unwell and are awaiting the results of any medical testing. If diagnosed with Whooping Cough they should remain at home until 5 full days of the prescribed antibiotic being given.

Mr Sean Corcoran
Head of Secondary School
scorcoran@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9870