Ms Lynsey Porter, Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning
Maintaining Good Learning Habits
As we have passed the halfway point of the Term, some students may experience a dip in motivation and focus. This midterm slump can make it tempting to let good learning habits slide. However, this is the perfect time to reaffirm a commitment to effective learning practices and set yourself up for success.
In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear emphasises the power of small, consistent changes. By refining daily routines and fostering positive habits, students can create a strong foundation for academic success. This is why we have our Waverley College Learning Routines in every classroom:
Using these guidelines can really help with self-regulation in the classroom which is a crucial component of maintaining good learning habits. This involves managing your own behaviour and emotions to stay focused and productive. Also, this involves adhering to lesson routines, participating actively, and managing distractions. It’s important that everybody works together with peers and teachers to create a supportive learning environment where everyone follows established routines and respects classroom norms.
Another effective strategy to maintain and enhance learning habits is to use the feedback and reflection activities in our Learning Checkpoints. These provide opportunities to assess progress and set new goals. By evaluating assignments, understanding strengths and areas for improvement, and setting specific, achievable targets, you can stay on track and make adjustments as needed.
Incorporating these practices not only helps in managing academic responsibilities but also builds resilience and self-discipline. Remember, maintaining good habits isn’t about perfection but about consistency and adaptability. As you continue through the term, keep these strategies in mind to finish strong and reach your full potential.
Year 12s
ACU | Year 12 Revision Webinars
19 August to 12 September 2024
Join ACU for a series of free online webinars run by experienced Year 12 exam markers and assessors. They’ll guide you through how to respond to possible exam questions, help you get your head around the class content to deepen your understanding, and offer plenty of tips and strategies along the way.
WSU | Free Online HSC Study Sessions
30 September to 4 October 2024
Western Sydney University will be offering a range of online study sessions to assist Year 12 students in their preparations for the HSC. Delivered by highly qualified senior teachers with 24 free sessions across 15 key HSC subject areas.
University of Sydney | 2024 School of Project Management
Spring Camp 4 October 2024
The School of Project Management at the University of Sydney is hosting a Spring Camp on Friday 4 October 2024, for students in Years 10-12. This in-person event provides a deep dive into project management, career paths, and degree insights. Hear from industry experts, academics, students and alumni. Past programs included tours to Google, Atlassian, and Western Sydney Airport.
NIE | Future Doctors Australia, Sydney 10-13 October 2024
Gaining medical work experience is essential for young people considering a career in medicine. It provides insight into the field, helps develop skills and attributes, and provides networking opportunities. However, obtaining medical work experience can be challenging due to various restrictions such as limited opportunities, safety concerns, and confidentiality issues. That’s why NIE has developed the “Future Doctors Australia” program. It is an engaging and high-impact four-day program that provides young people with a unique opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment.
Early University Course Closing Dates
Please note there are early closing dates for some courses. Some of the most popular courses in NSW are listed below.
- 8 September – UTS Bachelor of Cybersecurity – Industry Degree Academy program
- 13 September – CSU Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science
- 27 September – CSU/WSU Doctor of Medicine (Joint Program)
- 27 September – CSU Bachelor of Dental Science
- 30 September – Notre Dame Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Assured pathway to Doctor of Medicine)
- 30 September – UON/UNE Joint Medical Program
- 30 September – UNSW Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine
- 1 December – USYD Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- 13 December – UTS Bachelor of Accounting
- 15 December – USYD Double Degree Medicine Program
- 15 December – USYD Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Dental Medicine
Scholarships at Sydney University Webinar – Wednesday 18 September 5pm-6pm
At the University of Sydney, they offer over $135 million worth of scholarships and prizes every year. To make the process easier and more accessible, they have created a centralised form where students can be considered for a scholarship through one simple application.
Some of our scholarships require no application at all! In this webinar, you will learn about the scholarships they offer, find out about your eligibility, get tips on writing a strong scholarship application and have your questions answered by our team. Register here
Tax File Number (TFN)
Please note that if you are applying for a Tax File Number (TFN) you should use the Australian Tax Office website – the link is here. It is free to apply for a TFN.
There has been some fraudulent activity reported regarding applications for TFN so please be vigilant.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 11 Writing Workshops
We are running a series of workshops designed to enhance English and writing skills as Year 11 students work toward their Preliminary Examinations. All students in Year 11 Standard and Advanced English courses are expected to attend these workshops at least once.
Students must register for these workshops which will be conducted in P6 on Thursday afternoons. Registrations will be capped at 20 students per workshop.
*Students are advised to sign up using the spreadsheet which has been shared.
Many students are on a waiting list and we will accommodate them over the next two weeks.
If students sign up, it is essential that they attend. Otherwise, it is requested that they remove their names from the spreadsheet to allow other students to register.
Details of the workshops are as follows:
Effective Academic Writing
Facilitator: Ms Mary Ryan – English Teacher and Head of Literacy
Time: P6 Thursday
Venue: K23
This workshop is relevant to all subjects which require the writing of long answer responses and extended responses.
Focus will be on the following:
- Maintaining an academic tone through nominalisation
- Effective sentence and paragraph structure
- Expansion and precision using appropriate vocabulary.
Ms Mary Ryan
Head of Literacy and English Teacher
mryan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Making a Difference in Engineering Studies
As part of the Year 11 Engineering Studies Biomedical Engineering Module, students got to work with medical grade components and built artificial hands that will be sent to “an amputee land-mine victim that would not otherwise be able to afford a prosthesis” (Helping Hands Program).
This was a very enriching day as it was not just about learning but that students made a significant difference to another person’s life.
“Creating the robotic hand was an insightful and practical way for us to learn how engineering can change peoples’ lives. It was also good to know that through gaining practical skills we would also be helping disadvantaged individuals from around the world.“
“It was a great hands-on experience where we learnt to put together an engineered product that was used to help people missing a hand to be able to perform everyday tasks, such as writing and eating food… all essential functions of life.”
“It was great to see how engineering can change someone’s life for real.”
Students of the World Ecology Group’s Walk on Burnum Burnum
This week, Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) had the unique opportunity to participate in a “Walk on Country” with Uncle Dean Kelly. This enriching experience was part of an effort to deepen students’ understanding of ecology through the lens of Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices.
The Walk on Country Experience
The Walk on Country took place on Burnum Burnum, where students were guided by Uncle Dean through various natural landscapes. This immersive experience allowed students to connect with the land in a meaningful way, learning about the intricate relationships between the environment, flora, fauna, and Indigenous cultural practices.
During the walk, Uncle Dean shared stories and teachings that have been passed down through generations, highlighting the deep respect and care for the land that is integral to Indigenous culture.
Reflection and Learning
The Walk on Country was more than just an educational outing; it was an experience that encouraged students to reflect on their own relationship with the environment.
By learning directly from Uncle Dean, students gained insights that go beyond what is typically taught in the classroom. This experience emphasised the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge and incorporating it into modern ecological studies.
“Uncle Dean walked us through the land of Burnum Burnum, teaching us valuable lessons along the way. Lessons that extended beyond just Indigenous culture, educating us on issues of ecology, climate change and our moral responsibility as caretakers of the planet. I particularly valued his lesson on the liveliness of nature. Whether it’s a bird soaring through the sky or a stick laying in the earth, all of nature is alive.” – Archie
“It was an incredibly informative and immersive experience on Country at Burnum Burnum where we learnt about how Indigenous people used plants and nature to build their society and for use as medicine, food, and tools. Uncle Dean taught us how things never die and everything can be re-ignited as seen with Indigenous culture, as well as the respect Indigenous people paid to their Elders and the knowledge they had. Overall, I have gained a new perspective on nature and the world as a whole, and found this to be an amazing way to learn about the amazing things Indigenous culture can teach everyone.”– Luke
“The excursion was incredibly inspiring for me, and my views on the ecosystem and life itself changed for the better. Uncle Dean and his cultural view of life is a new insight – that everything is alive and has a meaning and impact on the environment, an example being that fire is alive, and changes the environment so that it can thrive more, and pieces of wood that fall off trees house various creatures and make an impact on the ecosystem. Towards the end of the excursion, Uncle Dean showed us a gigantic tree that had a huge part of it hanging off a ledge. The tree was surrounded by huge boulders and was held down on the back by a large rock. The rock and tree were maintaining a mutual relationship, by supporting each other and making sure nothing falls. Such are the teachings and views of the First Nations people of Australia.” – Ari
Moving Forward
As we continue to explore the intersection of ecology and culture in our curriculum, we are committed to providing more opportunities for students to engage with Indigenous knowledge. These experiences are vital in shaping well-rounded, environmentally-conscious individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to our community and the world.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Uncle Dean for extending his warm welcome and sharing his wisdom. We look forward to sharing this wisdom and insights with other students from schools near and far at our very first ecology symposium on 31 October.
Ms Silvia Baylie
Engineering and Science Educator
Ecology Coordinator
