Upcoming Examinations for Year 7–10 Students – Week 9

As we approach the final stages of Term 2, students in Years 7 to 10 will begin preparations for the upcoming examination period, scheduled for Week 9. These examinations provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their learning and develop the necessary skills for future academic success.

Please see the following document for all details:

However, below is a quick summary of the key details:

Year 7–9 (Middle School) Exams:

• Students will complete Mathematics and Humanities examinations during this period. English and Science exams will occur at the end of Semester 2.
• Each exam will run for 1 hour and will be conducted during regular lessons. Students will return to class as normal once their exams are completed.

Year 10 Exams:

• Year 10 students will sit 70-minute exams in selected subjects that have an examination component in Stage 1 or Stage 2, helping prepare them for the rigour of senior school studies.
• They will have a SWOT-VAC day on Wednesday of Week 9 and will then sit their exams on Thursday and Friday of Week 9. On this SWOT-VAC day, students are not required on campus and are encouraged to use the day for revision.
• Year 10 students are only required to be on campus for their scheduled exams and may leave the school grounds once their exams are completed for the day.

Adjustments and Extra Time:

Families will be contacted if their son is on a modified assessment plan or has been granted extra time for exams. These supports are designed to ensure equity and access for all learners.

Year 11 and 12 Examinations & Workshops – Week 10

• There will be no formal classes during Week 10. Students are only required to attend the campus for their scheduled exams or workshops.
• Students must be in full winter uniform for all sessions.
• Students are strongly encouraged to speak with their subject teachers to ensure they are well prepared for each examination or workshop.
• A full schedule outlining the details for each day has been distributed to families via email and is also available via the link in this newsletter below. Should any clarification be required, please contact the relevant Head of Learning or the Director of Teaching and Learning.

How to Best Prepare for Exams

Preparing for exams isn’t about last-minute cramming; it’s about reviewing, understanding, and practising what has been learned. Here are a few tips for effective revision:

1. Create a study schedule that breaks revision into manageable chunks across different subjects.
2. Use past papers or practice questions to simulate exam conditions.
3. Summarise key notes and test understanding by explaining concepts aloud.
4. Take short breaks to stay focused and avoid burnout.
5. Ask teachers for help on any areas that feel unclear.
6. Encourage your son to start revising early and to approach each exam with a calm and prepared mindset.

By engaging seriously in the exam process, students are preparing themselves for the demands of senior schooling, university, TAFE, or future employment. It’s a valuable part of learning to be challenged, reflect on one’s growth, and improve.

A Thought to Keep in Mind

We leave you with the following message, often attributed to a school principal, which beautifully captures what really matters during this time:

'The exams of your children are to start soon. I know you are all really anxious for your child to do well. But please do remember, amongst the students who will be sitting for their exams, there is an artist who doesn’t need to understand math… there is an entrepreneur who doesn’t care about history or English literature… there is a musician whose chemistry marks don’t matter… there’s an athlete whose physical fitness is more important than physics…If your child does get top marks, that’s great! But if he or she doesn’t… please don’t take away their self-confidence and dignity. Tell them it’s OK, it’s just an exam. They are cut out for much bigger things in life. Tell them, no matter what they score, you love them and will not judge them.'

Let’s support our students by encouraging effort, valuing their diverse strengths, and reminding them that they are more than a grade.

Mr David Salamone-Violi
Director of Teaching and Learning

Outdoor Education Excursion

Outdoor education goes far beyond the classroom walls, especially for our Year 11 and 12 boys. This year, the senior students have taken their learning into the wild, challenging themselves physically and mentally through immersive outdoor experiences.

Year 12 students dove into high-adrenaline activities like surfing and mountain biking, learning resilience, teamwork, and the power of pushing personal boundaries. Meanwhile, the Year 11 cohort explored the natural world through snorkelling and bushwalking, developing a deeper connection to the environment and sharpening their observation and survival skills.

These experiences are more than just adventures; they’re lessons in leadership, independence, and growth. For these young men, the wilderness has become both a classroom and a catalyst for personal development.

Ms Taylor Giatrakos
Outdoor Education Teacher

Year 11 and 12 Outdoor Education

Forensic Science Excursion

Year 12 Biology and Year 12 Chemistry students had a combined excursion to Flinders University to participate in workshops on Forensic Science and Analytical Chemistry. Students had the opportunity to work under the guidance of post-graduate students in the university laboratories to carry out procedures that they had only learnt about in theory. They were able to use very expensive, high-tech scientific equipment, which is not available in the school setting. The Flinders University staff were impressed by their high level of knowledge and understanding, and excellent engagement in the activities.

Ms Themis Zacharoyannis
Head of Learning: Science & Biology