ERC Updates

From the Director of Learning & Teaching

Students in Years 7 to 10 are currently engaging in an Examination Block and students in Years 11 and 12 will be sitting assessment tasks in the coming weeks. When students receive feedback on their assessments, this is an opportune time for learning. Following are some actions for students to make the most of the feedback they will receive.

When your test is returned to you in class:

  • Check your marks carefully
  • Look at the things you answered correctly and did well.
  • Now look at the questions you answered incorrectly and see if you understand what you did and how to do it properly.
  • Ask your teacher about anything you didn’t understand or can’t work out.

That night when you get home:

File your test away with your notes from this topic or in a folder where you keep past tests.
Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What sections do I need to improve in and why?
  • What had I forgotten that I needed to review more in-depth?
  • Are there particular types of questions (e.g. multiple choice) that I am weak on?
  • Are there sections of the course I need to review and re-learn?
  • Are there questions I still need to ask for help on as I don’t know what I’ve done wrong?
  • What worked well in my preparation for this subject?
  • What changes should I make when preparing for this subject?
  • Was the way I studied effective?
  • Did I do enough preparation for this test?
  • What examination techniques do I need to improve?
  • What strategy did I use in the way I approached the examination? Was it effective? What changes do I need to make to the techniques I use in examinations?

The aim is to keep trying to improve on your performance and keep looking for ways to learn from the experience.

If not happy with your result, what could be the reason:

  • I didn’t do enough study.
  • I had exam nerves on the day.
  • I had missed some of the work and didn’t catch up.
  • I didn’t study effectively.
  • My exam technique needs to improve.
  • I spent too long on some questions and not enough on others.
  • I studied the wrong things.
  • I should have done more actual practice not just reading it.
  • I ran out of time in my study time.

Within a week of receiving your test:

  • If you answered a particular section poorly, redo it and ask your teacher to have a look and see if you have improved.
  • Rewrite and resubmit essay questions you did poorly in.
  • Update all your study notes and summaries with things you need to remember for next time based on what you learnt from the exam.
  • Write a list of what you need to remember for next time.
  • Check you really understand the things you got wrong. Don’t just leave them as they will come back to haunt you one day! Instead, ask your teacher to help you understand them.
  • Make a list of the topic areas you are weak on or will need to review again. Many of the subsequent topics you study will build upon these so it is important that you build a solid foundation of knowledge.
  • Talk with your teacher about what you could do to improve.

STUDY SUMARAI LIBRARY

All families have access to the Study Samurai Library. The Study Samurai Library includes the Study Skills Module website which provides advice and resources on developing essential skills for academic success. To access the Study Samurai Library website, go to www.studysamurailibrary.com and login with these details:

Username: edmundrice
Password: 13achieve

This week, families are able to spend time reviewing the Study Skills module: Reading Skills. Click here to access the resources.

Please do not hesitate to make contact if you have any questions.

Gerry Sozio
Director of Learning & Teaching