Year 11: Summer Term 2019
Year 11 first semester… done!
This term has certainly been a busy one for the Year 11 boys so far.
Social events
The social calendar has also been quite busy. Some of the boys were fortunate to receive an invitation to other schools’ Year 11 Dances. Liam Gollan organised for a group of boys to head off to Optus Stadium to watch a rare Scorchers victory earlier in the term. Others have made the most of the warm weather with regular trips to the beach, and Adventure World was also a highlight earlier in the term. Last Saturday evening saw a large contingent of our group head up to the Mackellar Hall for the Year 11/12 Boarding Social. The theme was ‘When I grow up…’. From all reports, a great night was had by those who attended.
As I am sure you are aware, a major item on the boys’ social calendar is the Year 11 Dance on Saturday 15th June. This may sound like quite a while away, but it is important that the boys start to think about who they will be asking to partner them. In the past, boarding parents have organised a gathering prior to the Dance for the boys and their partners (mainly for photos). If anyone would like to volunteer to take this on, then please contact me and I will be able to help with communication. Boys will be permitted to head straight back to the Boarding House at the end of the Dance, and once they’ve ensured that their partner has departed safely from the venue.
Studies
ATAR Students
The boys would now be aware that they are getting to the ‘business end’ of Semester 1. After the mid-term break in March, the ATAR and Diploma boys were fortunate to attend another Elevate session with a special emphasis on exam preparation. The goal of this session was to focus on study skills and help equip the boys with strategies to assist with their preparation for the first semester examinations, which will commence in Week 2 of Autumn Term.
I am aware that there are a number of other activities on the calendar that will compete with their time over the April holidays. However, it will be important for all boys who will be sitting exams early next term to use the break to organize their notes for each of their courses and to allocate some time to continue their exam revision before the start of the term.
We have been impressed with the number of Year 11’s who make effective use of the tutorial assistance that is available during Prep time each evening. As a consequence, more tutors have been rostered on to cope with the growing demand. There are many avenues for boarders to access help with their studies, both in the Boarding House and up at school, and I would urge you to encourage your sons to make use of these services if they have been reluctant to do so thus far.
All of the ATAR and Diploma students have been sent a daily planner which is designed to help them organise their study time over the holidays and during the exam period next term.
AAP Students
Many of the boys who are completing the Alternative Academic Pathway (AAP) programme have already undertaken work experience one day each week this term. Mr Gale has already been in contact with the boys (and parents) to outline the expectations for those boys who will not be required to complete examinations during Weeks 2 and 3 next term. I hope I am correct in assuming that all of the boys have organised their work placements for this period next term. I am sure it will prove to be a great opportunity for them to develop their communication, collaborative and adaptability skills, all of which are highly valued by employers.
The work experience will commence in Week 2 of Autumn Term (Monday 6th May) and continue into Week 3. Students who are not required to write any examinations will be required to complete a minimum of eight days of work experience. Students who are enrolled in one or more ATAR courses will be required to write their examinations on the specified day(s) before commencing work experience.
Bibbulmun Track
The next installment of the group’s Bibbulmun Track journey commences straight after the conclusion of the exam fortnight on Saturday 18th May (which falls on a Scotch Bye weekend). The 17 boys will be walking together as one large group for the first time. We will be walking from Northcliffe to just north of Walpole, returning back to the College on the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd May. It will be important that ATAR boys arrange times to catch up with their teachers to ensure that they receive detailed feedback on their exam performances (which they may have missed whilst out on the track). Here’s hoping for a week with easy walks and beautiful weather!
House events
The boys have also had the opportunity to participate in various House activities. The Year 11’s performed very well at the recent Inter-House Swimming Carnival – we even had an all-boarding team come first in the Div 2 freestyle relay. Congratulations to Tim Valmadre, James Rex, Reuben Westerman and Tom Graham for breaking down those old stereotypes about boarders’ swimming abilities! The Inter-House Cross Country event was also run this term and it was great to see some boarders place well – in particular, congratulations to Hamish Gooch for being the first boarder across the finish line. The boys have also had the opportunity to represent their respective Houses up at school across a variety of activities including debating, chess and basketball this term.
I wish you and your families a relaxing and safe Easter break.