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The Curve of Forgetting – It’s More Important Than You May Realise

German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus (1850-1909), conducted the pioneer study on the pattern of memory retention. His ‘forgetting curve’ hypothesised the decline of memory retention over time. Although Ebbinghaus’ research dates back to the 1880s, it is still widely used and highly regarded. In 2015, a research team led by Murre and Dros, successfully reproduced his findings and concluded that his methods and theories still held true.  

The Forgetting Curve, or the Ebbinghaus Curve of Forgetting, shows how learned information slips out of our memories over time – unless we take action to keep it there.

The steepest drop in memory happens quickly after learning, so it’s important to revisit the information you’ve learned sooner rather than later. After that, regular reviews will help to reinforce it. But you can leave longer and longer gaps between these review sessions. This is known as ‘spaced learning.’

Doing this, will help to reinforce your learning, and improve your power of recall, so that you can remember what you’ve learned in the long term. Other strategies you can use to improve your memory are: overlearning information, making what you want to learn meaningful, and challenging your memory regularly.

Why Do We Forget Information That We Hear in Class?

Curve of Forgetting

What Can We Do To Help Us Remember?

Curve of Forgetting 2

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with the problems longer.” Albert Einstein.

 

Mrs Elizabeth Watson

Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning

E: ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au

The Year 12 Academic Tutorial program will commence in Term 2, Week 2. Topics covered during the tutorials include content revision, study skills, exam preparation and practice papers. These tutorials have proven extremely valuable and, while not compulsory, are strongly encouraged.

It is important that we know attendance numbers so teachers can prepare accordingly. To that end, the expectation is that students register for the tutorial and attend. Rolls will be taken to assist us to manage the program. Should numbers fall below five, we may not be able to run that particular session.

Mrs Lauren Ryan has emailed an updated Tutorial schedule and registration sheet to students and parents today. I look forward to seeing a large uptake.

 

Mrs Elizabeth Watson

Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning

E: ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au

The College Library is open for Senior students from Tuesday, 19 April – Friday, 22 April (inclusive) from 8am – 4pm.

The Library is rich in resources and is a quiet space, conducive to productive study.

Additional NESA Exam workbooks across the KLAs are available for loan and day use.

The Library has recently installed new soundproof study booths with Vivi screens, which are ideal for students to work collaboratively, or alternatively, for individual quiet study.

I encourage you to mix up your study environment and utilise this space. 

New study bureaus in Senior Library Term 1 2022

 

Mrs Elizabeth Watson

Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning

E: ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Year 12 PDHPE Excursion Information

When: Friday, 20 May 2022

Where: Year 12 PDHPE students will attend a PDHPE seminar at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in Narrabeen. This session will be theoretical and practical in nature, and will reinforce the components discussed in class.

Departure: students are required to assemble in the Centenary Quad at 7:45 am.

Transport: students will be transported by bus with Year 12 PDHPE teaching staff.

Return: students will return to the College by 3:15 pm. 

Dress: students are required to wear full school uniform.

What to Bring:

Cost: the amount has been charged to student’s school fees.

Do parents/carers need to give permission?

Yes. Please complete the TWO forms below.

>>> Click here to view and complete the Sydney Academy of Sport Online Medical and Consent Form by Tuesday, 26 April.

>>> Click here to view and complete the Waverley College Online Permission Form by  Friday, 13 May.

Any Questions?

Please do not hesitate to email me at the College.

 

Mr Patrick Darvill

Head of PDHPE

E: pdarvill@waverley.nsw.edu.au

What to do if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact and are unable to complete an assessment task or you require an extension:

The following evidence is acceptable:

Once you (or your household contact) have registered your positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result with Service NSW, you should receive a Medical Clearance certificate. Attach this to your application.

Or

Take a screenshot of your (or your close contacts’) Positive PCR test. Attach this to your application.

Once you have completed the illness/misadventure form, send the form and accompanying documentation to the Head of Department for the assessments that are affected by your absence.

It is advisable to also inform your Head of House, who can contact your teachers to request work be sent home for you to complete during your absence.

 

Ms Kath Knowles

E: kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Years 11 and 12 Design and Technology students will attend a stimulating excursion at the Powerhouse Museum, to see a selection of incredible Band 6 HSC projects, presented by students from around the state, from the 2021 HSC.

When: Friday, 18 March 2022

Where: students will assemble in the Braidwood area at 9am. We will walk to Bondi Junction to catch the train to Central Station, and then walk to the Powerhouse Museum located at 500 Harris Street, Ultimo.

Clothing: full school uniform must be worn.

Food: students are required to bring a packed lunch to eat during a break outside the venue.

Dismissal: students will be dismissed from the Powerhouse Museum around 2:15pm to make their own way home. It is your son’s responsibility to ensure he completes the work from classes missed on the day. Any student who has Cadets must inform us, so that they can be released early, to get back to school by 3:15pm.

Excursion cost: approximately $35, billed to your account.

Parent/Carer permission: parent/carer permission is required. Please complete the permission slip below by Friday, 11 March.

>>> Click here to view and complete the Powerhouse Museum excursion permission slip.

 

Ms Holly Medcalf

Assistant Head of TAS

TAS Teacher

E: hmedcalf@waverley.nsw.edu.au

A reminder to Year 12 parents and carers to please complete the Year 12 Senior Retreat permission form and requirements.

If you have not yet completed this form, it is contained in the link below.

>>> Click here to view the Year 12 Senior Retreat permission form.

The retreat departs on Monday, 28 March and all documentation is required by Monday, 14 March.

Many thanks for your help with this.

 

Ms Suzanne Walsh

Director of Identity and Student Formation

E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Parents and Carers can make bookings for the Year 12 Teacher Parent Student Interviews to be held on Tuesday, 15 March, 3:30pm-7pm.

Bookings

Bookings need to be made through the TASS Parent Lounge, and bookings will close on Monday, 14 March at 5pm. It will not be possible to open the bookings after that time, so please ensure that you access the system by this date.

Interviews

The interviews will be held via Zoom. Iassist will email instructions and individual Teacher Zoom codes on Monday, 14 March.

In order to have staff available to as many families as possible, interviews will be of five (5) minutes’ duration.

To make the process as efficient as possible and to minimise lost time, we are requesting that parents:

Book Via The Parent Lounge 

>>> Click here to view the Parent Lounge.

User ID = your son’s student ID

Password = if you cannot remember your password, you can reset by selecting ‘forgot password.’

Technical Issues? Need to confirm your son’s ID?

For any technical issues, or if you need to confirm your son’s ID, please contact iAssist at iassist@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 

Mr Chris Soden

Assistant Director of Curriculum

E: csoden@waverley.nsw.edu.au

The Uniform Shop will be open for two weeks only, from Friday 18 February, for Year 12 Jersey fittings.

Year 12 Jerseys will carry the student SURNAME only.

Orders and payment can ONLY be made at the uniform shop at the time of fitting. We are unable to accept any late requests for jerseys.

Orders closing end of Wednesday, 2 March.

 

Uniform Shop

P: (02) 9369 0709

E: waverley@noone.com.au

Location
Level 3, Centenary Building,
Senior School Campus
(Enter via Reception and take the lift to the 3rd Floor)
131 Birrell Street

Year 12 students will have the privilege of working all day with a wonderful group called ‘Character Builders’ on Friday, 18 February.

Students are requested to wear their PE uniform on the day and to bring a pen.

The workshop will provide valuable insights and opportunities into developing servant leadership skills, and will be held in the Gym.

Normal school times apply. 

 

Ms Sue Walsh

Director of Identity & Student Formation

E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Year 12 House Retreats will take place on Monday 28 – Wednesday 30 March.

Permission notes will be sent in the coming week. 

 

Warm regards,

Ms Sue Walsh

Director of Identity & Student Formation

E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Years 11-12

Assessment Schedules and Information Booklets for 2022 are now available here, and on the College website, for students in Years 11-12. Students should download a copy of their schedules, and add the dates and study plans to their College Diaries.

>>> Click here to view the Preliminary Assessment Booklet.

>>> Click here to view the Year 11 Assessment Schedule.

 

>>> Click here to view the Higher School Certificate Assessment Booklet.

>>> Click here to view the Year 12 Assessment Schedule.

 

>>> Click here to view the Year 11 Higher School Certificate Assessment Information. 

>>> Click here to view the Higher School Certificate Assessment Information.

 

Ms Lynsey Porter

Director of Curriculum

E: lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au