Year 11

Redlands University and Careers Advisors

We encourage all Year 12 students to organise a meeting with our University and Careers Advisors, as this is a valuable opportunity to receive expert guidance on students post-school pathways. Our experienced advisors offer tailored advice on university courses, vocational training and career planning, providing students with the clarity and direction needed to make informed decisions about their future.

If students haven’t yet scheduled a session, please do so by booking through Pulse. Don’t miss this important chance to prepare for your next steps with confidence.

Year 12 Study Centre Update

The Year 12 Study Centre is temporarily closed. Year 12 students are not permitted to study in the Learning Hub after school until Tuesday 19 November. Once reopened, the Study Centre will be accessible Monday to Thursday from 3:30pm to 7:30pm.

If students are staying back at school over the next week, they should be working under supervision in the School Library.

Currently, only the Illuminate program is running on Level 3.

Attendance

We want to emphasise the importance of consistent attendance for student overall learning experience and success. Regular attendance not only supports their academic progress but also helps students stay connected with their classmates, teachers, and school community.

We understand that there may be times when absences are unavoidable. However, to ensure everyone is on track, we are committed to closely monitoring attendance and addressing any concerns. Moving forward, students with frequent or unapproved absences will be receive detentions and be required to meet with their Year Advisor to discuss support strategies. If attendance does not improve following these discussions, further steps may include meetings with parents or guardians and additional follow-up actions.

We’re here to support students in achieving their best, and to make sure everyone has a successful and fulfilling end to the year.

Student Driving

This week in our year meeting, students engaged in an important discussion about driving safety, a timely reminder as many will soon be on the roads independently, if they aren’t already. The presentation highlighted the serious responsibilities that come with driving and the potential consequences of risky behaviour on the road. Here are the key points we shared, which you may wish to reinforce at home:

  1. Road Safety Statistics:
    • Road crashes are the second leading cause of injury and death among young Australians.
    • Young drivers (ages 17–25) make up only 15% of licensed drivers but account for 25% of road fatalities.
    • Speeding is the leading cause of fatal crashes among young drivers, with males being especially at risk.
  2. Understanding the Risks:
    • Young drivers face heightened risks when they first receive their P-plates, often due to inexperience.
    • Unlike learner drivers, who typically stick to familiar routes and safer conditions, P-platers are more likely to face challenging and unexpected driving situations.
  3. Passengers and Peer Pressure:
    • The presence of friends in the car can increase the likelihood of risky behaviour. With passengers, a young driver’s chance of being involved in a crash can increase by five times.
    • Peer pressure can lead to distractions and impulsive decisions, which are especially dangerous behind the wheel.
  4. Brain Development and Risk-Taking:
    • The part of the brain responsible for decision-making and assessing consequences, the prefrontal cortex, continues to develop into the mid-20s. This delayed development can make young drivers more prone to impulsive and risk-taking behaviour.
  5. Real-Life Consequences:
    • Recently, a Redlands staff member reported an incident involving two vehicles driven by our Year 12 students. The young drivers were observed engaging in dangerous manoeuvres, which nearly resulted in an accident. This incident highlights the immediate and potentially life-altering consequences of risky driving.
  6. Encouraging Responsible Choices: We encouraged students to see driving as a responsibility to themselves and others, not just a personal freedom.

Here are a few ways you can support this message at home:

  • Discuss the importance of staying focused and minimising distractions while driving.
  • Encourage open conversations about handling peer pressure, especially when passengers are in the car.
  • Remind them to obey road rules and avoid risky behaviours, such as speeding or showing off for friends.
  • Emphasise the impact of their choices on family, friends, and the broader community.

Ms Lisa Vale
Yr 11 Advisor
9968 9837
lvale@redlands.nsw.edu.au