Adam Majsay – Director of Studies 7-12

3-Way Learning Conversations

Years 8 and 9 parents received a letter this week outlining the details of the upcoming 3-Way Learning Conversations (3WLC) that will take place in December. The 3WLC is a new initiative we are implementing, designed to provide a forum for students, parents and teachers to engage in an active discussion, led by the student, about the student’s learning goals. By providing an opportunity for rich, reflective dialogue, we hope to build our students’ self of agency in their learning. 

Much academic research has identified that when students need to exhibit and discuss their learning, they take a greater role in thinking about their learning, and it means more to them. One of our aims is for students to develop more independence in their learning and the 3WLC will provide the opportunity for this. Emanuel School promotes approaching life with a growth mindset, and with students identifying what went well and what they need to improve on, this attitude is reinforced. 

 Anticipated outcomes:

• Greater student ownership of their learning
• Promotion of student independence in planning for the conversation
• Enhanced student thinking about their learning
• Clearer development of students’ learning goals
• Student acknowledgement of and pride in their learning
• Greater parent knowledge and understanding of student learning
• Stronger teacher understanding of students’ learning
• Information to support the evaluation of teaching programs

Years 9 and 10 Examinations

What do you do in the few days before an examination? 

At least a few days before the examination, make sure you do the following: 

• Plan out how much time you should spend on each section of the test.
• By looking at past papers, get a feel for the types of instructions that will be on your paper.
• Do some exercise so you can burn off the pent-up energy that can come before exams.
• Look after your body – lots of water to hydrate your brain, healthy food, decent sleep.
• To calm nerves, make mental pictures of yourself sitting down and doing well in the test.
• Organise any equipment you may need: extra calculator batteries, pens, rulers and so on.
• Ensure you know what equipment is allowed in the test or exam.
• Focus on reviewing the key points, perhaps a condensed version of your summaries.
• Practise as many past test papers as you can get your hands on.
• Check the timetable to ensure you have a clear picture of when each exam is being held.

 The night before the test or exam:

• Pack your bag with everything you will need for the next day, ensuring you have all necessary equipment.
• Plan what time you need to leave to ensure you have plenty of time for unexpected delays.
• Don’t go to bed too late – you need to make sure your brain is fresh and alert.
• Spend some time looking through your notes briefly.
• If you have a number of exams, check the timetable to doubly confirm the date, time and location of the exam.

The morning of the test or exam: 

• Visualise success. Before you get out of bed close your eyes and picture yourself going into the exam, doing well and coming out pleased with your efforts.
• Review your notes. You are not doing intense study at this stage, just looking through and reminding yourself of the main things you want to remember.
• Eat breakfast. Your brain needs fuel so eat a hearty breakfast so you can focus and concentrate in the exam.
• Be on time. Make sure you leave enough time for contingencies so you won’t be late.
• Avoid negativity. Don’t stand around in the group discussing what you did and didn’t study.

You can learn more about exam techniques  at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with these details:

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