Preliminary Yearly Examinations Term 3

Year 11 students have had their Yearly Examination Timetable for a number of weeks. 

It is important that every Year 11 student has a study timetable to effectively prepare for the upcoming Yearly Examinations. Students need to ensure they consistently adhere to their study timetable. At least 3 hours each night should be allocated to study and any allocated home learning. 

Students have been asked to submit one piece of writing each week to their teacher for feedback. Practising writing for each subject is an excellent way to get feedback that you can actively use in your study sessions to improve. In particular, the Yearly Examinations is the first rigorous examination period students will have undertaken, therefore practising physical writing under examination conditions as part of their home study plan, will support students during the examination period.

Being prepared for the examinations is essential. All exams are conducted in a week. Therefore each student may have multiple exams in one day. 

Year 11 End of Course Considerations:

At the conclusion of Year 11 students are able to reduce the number of subjects they are studying for Year 12. This means that students may wish to study a minimum of 10 units of study. In this way students are able to concentrate on their best units of study. It is important to consult Ms May and Mrs Deschamps before making any decisions, so every student has the right decision for their HSC success.

A number of students have had meetings with Mrs Deschamps over the last two terms. The meetings have been focused on addressing learning needs and improvement. Many conversations have included the best Year 12 pattern of study. These conversations will continue at the conclusion of Year 11 after the students have completed their Year 11 Examinations.

It is important that students understand that it is not always possible to drop a subject at the end of Year 11 due to a number of reasons, such as ATAR requirements, the need to have at least 10 units of study and the subject the student may wish to drop may not be the best option. 

The best way to gauge the best pattern of study for Year 12 will be the students' achievement in the Year 11 Examinations. So every student needs to demonstrate their best effort and ability in every examination. 

Trial HSC and Student Study

Every Year 12 student should be studying hard every night as they approach their examinations. Practising past HSC examinations which can be found in the NESA site, under exams conditions and with pen and paper, and submitting your practice to your teacher for feedback, will enable every student to have the ability to apply your feedback and address any gaps in learning. 

Whilst the Trial HSC Examinations have been postponed by NESA already, if there are any further changes, students will be notified straight away. 

Students are encouraged to take this time to be prepared and achieve their best!

NESA ADVICE

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is reassuring HSC students that arrangements are in place to ensure no student is disadvantaged by COVID restrictions.

NESA CEO Paul Martin said NESA is supporting HSC students and schools as COVID impacts NSW particularly those in Greater Sydney.

“Right now, our attention is on plans for the HSC oral language exams on 31 July and dance exams which are due to start on 2 August and we will issue further advice about these exams mid next week,” Mr Martin said.

“At this stage, we are planning for the drama, music and written exams and the marking of major works and projects to go ahead on schedule in a COVID safe way.”

NESA is continuing to work closely with NSW Health and the school sectors to plan contingencies for HSC exams, and will always follow the Health advice to prioritise the safety and health of students, exam staff and school communities.

While HSC trial exams are a school-based assessment activity that are not conducted by NESA, NESA has made some changes to their rules to help schools respond to the evolving COVID situation.

“I want to say categorically that students will have the opportunity to receive the HSC this year,” Mr Martin said.

“Students should continue to focus on their studies and prioritise looking after their wellbeing.”

Teachers and schools are absolutely focussed on supporting HSC students whether they are learning from home in the Greater Sydney region, or at school in regional NSW.

Current advice for HSC students includes:

• Your school will advise you about arrangements for trial HSC exams.
• HSC students in Greater Sydney continue to be able to access school to prepare for the HSC where they cannot do so from home, including to use specialist equipment to work on major projects or rehearse for performance exams.

• As per broader NSW Health advice, HSC students in Greater Sydney are asked to learn from home where possible.

• All HSC students must follow COVID safe practices at school, including wearing a mask.
• The COVID illness/misadventure process is available for students whose ability to work on their major project or performance has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

NESA is regularly updating the advice for HSC students.

  Year 9 2022 Student/Parent Elective Evening

Year 9 Electives Subject Selection will be conducted online in Week 3. It is important to attend the Principal’s address as there is an exciting announcement with regards to new options for electives. 

Students are encouraged to ask their teachers questions and students undertaking particular subjects to ensure they choose the right subjects for them. 

Parents will need to accompany their children during the course of the online sessions.

Year 11 2022 Subject Interviews

The Subject Selection Process for 2022 has been an improved process to ensure every student has the right pattern of study for their success. Initially students had individual interviews to discuss their achievement to date and subjects they are thinking of undertaking for Year 11 2022. Next students had the opportunity to attend the Subject Market Evening to receive further advice and then make their choices. Following selections, every student’s pattern of study has been looked at in conjunction with their achievement in Years 9 and 10 and the parameters for each subject. Finally every student and their parents will have an interview in order to discuss the student’s choices. In many cases student’s have selected good patterns of study, however in some cases there may be a subject or subject pathway where students need to be guided to make the right choice. Parents and students are encouraged to be open to the expert advice from subject Learning Advisors. The HSC is about EVERY student making the RIGHT choice for their SUCCESS!