Year 12 Final Weeks

Year 12 Final Weeks

Our Year 12 students are fast approaching the business end of 14 years of schooling with the mock Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) examinations in the coming holidays followed by a short period back at school with seminars and then study time for the final WACE examinations. This is an exciting time for them but also a challenging time as they prepare for exams and to move into the world beyond the security of school. Graduation is a very special time and a significant milestone in a student’s life.

Details of the programme for Year 12 students as they prepare to graduate from the College are listed below:

House Farewells: Monday, 18 September 2017

Year 12 students will be farewelled by their Houses during House Tutor Group on Monday, 18 September 2017 followed by lunch on this day. Students will be required to complete a Clearance Form before this day to ensure that all administration requirements have been met; this includes approved notifications of all absences.

Finish Of Classes And College Exams

Year 12 students have their final day of classes on Monday, 18 September 2017. The following day is a home study day after which students move into their final timetable of College exams. Providing students have been cleared from the College as having satisfactorily completed all assessments, they do not need to attend school except for exam times during the examination period; however, students may wish to study in the San Salvador Building and staff will be available to assist them if required. Students still requiring to complete assessments will be required to attend school as normal until all assessments have been completed. When sitting exams, students need to wear their College Winter Academic Uniform and may wear their Leavers Jackets; this also includes exams during the holiday period.

 

WACE Written Exams (1 – 21 November 2017)

Students will receive a personalised timetable detailing their examination times and locations. They must bring this timetable to all written examinations.  Most written examinations will be at the College with external supervisors undertaking the supervision.  Student must wear their College Summer Uniform for all written examinations.   

ATAR Tutorials

Between Tuesday, 10 October 2017 and Wednesday 18 October 2017 revision seminars will be run for all ATAR subjects.  Students sitting ATAR exams must attend these tutorials.

Students Not Sitting Atar Exams

Students not sitting ATAR examinations need to attend school for their examinations and return to school for their final day on Thursday, 19 October 2017.

Final Day Of School: Thursday, 19 October 2017

The final day of school for Year 12 students will be Thursday, 19 October 2017.  Students must arrive at the College promptly at 7.15am ready to depart via the College bus to travel to the Novotel Vines Resort where students will enjoy breakfast with College staff. Students must not drive directly to the breakfast and will need to leave their cars at the College.

There will be a rehearsal for the Graduation Mass at the Parish Church. Students will return to the San Salvador Building for a College Farewell Assembly commencing at 10.00am, which parents/guardians are invited to attend. Students will be honoured in a farewell fanfare and procession as they leave the College at approximately 11.00am.

Dress for the day is the College summer academic uniform. Students will receive their transcript of results on this day.  

Graduation Mass: Thursday, 19 October 2017

The Graduation Mass will be held in the evening of Thursday, 19 October 2017 commencing at 6.30pm in the Parish Church.  Students will need to arrive by 6:15pm wearing their formal academic College uniform. Families are invited to join us for the Graduation Mass which will be followed by a light supper in the College Café.  This is a very significant ritual in the life of the Year 12 students and all Year 12 students are required to attend.

Annual Celebration Evening: Thursday, 26 October 2017

Year 12 students are required to attend the Annual Celebration Evening where they will be presented with their College Graduation certificates. This will take place at the College on Thursday, 26 October 2017 commencing at 6.30pm; students need to arrive by 6.00pm. Students need to wear the College Winter Academic uniform including the College jumper, ties for the boys and tights for the girls. There will be a rehearsal in the morning at 10.00am which all students are required to attend.

We pray that our students find the inner strength to “knuckle down” and work to the best of the ability as they study and prepare for their exams.

Some people wish their children and students the “best of luck” when sitting exams, but success in exams is not about luck; it is a result of sound preparation and study prior to the examinations.

Inadequate preparation for exams simply creates unnecessary anxiety and worry. The Dalai Lama has been quoted to say; “If there is no solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don't waste time worrying about it.” – Solve it!

There is a solution to improving your exam results, and that is sound preparation and study. By now students should have already developed good study habits. However, I have included a few tips below to remind students of the most important strategies.

Ten Tips - Studying

Make studying a part of your everyday routine and don't be limited to 'cramming' for exams and tests.

1.          Establish a routine

Set aside a particular time each day for study and revision and stick to it.

2.          Create a study environment

This should be away from interruptions and household noise, such as the television. Ensure there is adequate lighting and ventilation, a comfortable chair and appropriate desk.

3.          Set a timetable

With a timetable you can plan to cover all your subjects in an organised way, allotting the appropriate time for each without becoming overwhelmed.

4.          Look after yourself

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat healthy foods. Keep sugary foods to a minimum. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Regular physical exercise makes you feel great, boosts your energy and helps you relax. So try to keep up regular sporting activities or at least fit in some regular exercise as often as you can.

5.          Reward yourself for studying

Watch your favourite television program, spend time with your friends, walk to the park and play sport throughout the week.

6.          Have variety in your study program

Study different subjects each day and do different types of work and revision in each study session.

7.          Avoid interrupting your concentration

Have all the appropriate materials with you before you start a session of study to minimise distractions.

8.          Test yourself on what you have studied

Ask your parents or family members to quiz you on what you have learnt, use draft questions from books, past assessments or major exam papers.

9.          Don't panic at exam time

If you have followed a study routine and have been revising your class work, there should be no need to worry. Try to keep yourself calm, positive and confident.

10.       Ask your teachers for guidance

Especially if you're having trouble - whether it's grasping a new concept or understanding something you learnt earlier in the year. They will be happy to help.

Tips for Families During the Examination Period

Families too, can assist greatly by their love and support during this critical time in a student’s life. This is a time when the family needs to fit in with the student’s routine. A few tips on how families can help their child through their exams are listed below:

a)    Be caring and affectionate, but don't make the student uncomfortable with over-attention.

b)    Spend some light moments with your child. It could be sitting at the dinner table and sharing some jokes with the family.

c)    Forget about an exam as soon as your child has completed it, ruminating over it is not going to help you or your child with the next exam. Inculcate the same in your child.

d)    Reward your child every day for good effort by doing something that they enjoy.

e)    Do not set onerous or unachievable rules or goals for your child; let the child follow his or her routine while studying. Nevertheless, you can always assist your child in coming up with a routine.

f)      Ensure good nutrition for your child.

g)    Provide guidance when it comes to your child's social interactions during the examination.

h)    Be a good listener.

i)      Help your child with positive thoughts.

j)      Keep the atmosphere at home stable and congenial.

k)    Encourage discipline in your child. Guide him or her in maintaining a timetable.

l)    Remember to reinforce your child's confidence if he or she is going to face or has faced a tough paper.

m)   One of the most important facts to reinforce to your child is that the exam is not the end to everything.

While hard work is the key to success we do wish our students the best of luck too, as a little bit of luck can be a blessing.

Mr Peter Collins - Acting Principal