End of Term

It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of another term! This is also the time of year when parents and students receive Semester 1 report cards. This is an opportunity for celebration and reflection. I encourage all parents to take a moment and read the report card with their student and set goals for the remainder of the year.

Celebrating the C

For a long period in Australian education, there has been a fixation on using a 15-pont scale (A+ - E-) when making judgments on student achievement in Prep to Year 10. The use of this scale has placed more value on an A result instead of highlighting the importance of the C result. The Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) outlines the importance of a C result, stating that “in Queensland, the [Australian Curriculum] achievement standard represents the C standard — a sound level of knowledge and understanding of the content, and application of skills.” The P–10 Australian Curriculum achievement standards describe what students typically are required to demonstrate at the end of each teaching and learning year. Therefore, when a C result appears on a student’s report card this means that the student is progressing towards the standard (Semester 1) or achieved the standard (Semester 2). This is something to be celebrated!

Students who are judged at the A or B standards are demonstrating their knowledge and skills at more discerning, effective, purposeful and consistent levels beyond the achievement standard.

From Semester 2, our Year 9 and 10 teachers will be using the standard elaborations created by the QCAA to assist in making judgments with assessment. These standard elaborations are directly linked to the achievement standard for each subject. Additionally, they provide a consistent language across all subjects which increase the familiarisation of ‘above’ C standard quality assessment. Students will also be assessed using a 5-point (A – E) scale. This will assist teachers and students in understanding what is expected at each standard and provide a more simplified marking system that will provide further clarity for students surrounding assessment.

So, at this stage of the year let’s celebrate the C and use it to set academic goals for the remainder of the year.

Date Claimers

QCS Practice Exams - Friday 19 July (PAC)

QCS Intensive Day - Wednesday 24 July (Blue 1)

Year 9 in 2020 Parent/Student Information Night - Tuesday 16 July 6pm (PAC)

Year 9-11 in 2020 Subject Selection Night - Wednesday 7 August (Times/Venue TBC in early Term 3)

Year 10 SET Plan Interviews - 12 – 16 August

Enjoy the break!

Pax et Bonum

Matt Hodge

Assistant Principal Senior Years