If you walk around at this time the College is a hive of activity. Last night the ASSA Speed Program was underway with a full contingent of participants. Expert training to increase the speed and agility of each athlete. This process also aims at maximizing each athlete’s explosive speed and changing direction in a way that is safe and minimizes risk of injury. Some of our best athletes were present and this input will further hone their skills. Basketball and soccer sessions were underway at the same time. On other nights the dance program is in full swing with students happily engaged in various styles of dance from hip hop to jazz and modern. I see many smiling faces after students exit the dance studio. On any given afternoon the various music ensembles meet or groups engaged in extension classes, construction or co-curricular activities that include debating. Thank you to the parents who are able to support the College and their children in these activities.
The academic year is well underway and very soon there will be a flow of assessments due to be handed in, topic tests to be studied for, and a number of competing interests in the lives of our students. Despite the rise in stress levels and more focused activity, it is fair to say that this assessment is part of school life that is here to stay. Assessments indicate to teachers, students and parents just how the student is going in that particular subject or unit of work. It is an indication of the mastery of skills and knowledge or an understanding of the complex concepts that students have accumulated over a period of time. However, for some student’s assessment are very challenging; the degree of difficulty might even affect the way in which they engage, or disengage, with school. If students are struggling then it is very important to find strategies and opportunities to support them. For a student learning to swim we don’t ask them to jump in the deep end and expect them save themselves. If that were the case it would be very difficult to get that student back into the pool. Dealing with challenges at school can be very similar. We have a number of structures in place to support students, but we are best served when there is a team approach. This includes, College staff, parents at home and the student themselves, committing to a program of improvement that will overcome the barriers and enable success over time. This is not easy fix; it takes patience and perseverance. Assessments and test results give each stakeholder important feedback that can be used to make adjustments. It is very sensible at this point for parents to sit down with their child to ensure that they are on top of all of their assessments and homework. One of the very important resources provided from the College are the Assessment Booklets provided for each Year Group. These booklets outline: each major assessment task for each subject area; the week that the assessment is due and the weighting of the task. Keeping on top of the work may mean that students keep to a study schedule or alternatively make a commitment to attend our Study Centre. Using the feedback effectively does take a commitment to work. Working consistently helps to lay down a solid foundation for the future.
As I walk across to the Study Centre I am pleased to see the number of students accessing assistance from the various tutors. The commitment to the Study Centre is one of the important resources that the College provides on behalf of our community. If you have concerns or questions around any of these topics then please bring these to the scheduled parent teacher nights and we will try to assist you as best we can. Look forward to having you join us on these nights.