Teaching and Learning: Assessment

Term 3 Assessment

As we approach the start of a busy assessment period of Term 3, it is crucial for all students to focus on developing strong time management skills. With multiple take home assignments and in-class assessments scheduled, effective planning will be important in ensuring student success. Students have been reminded of the importance of scheduling study time along with their extracurricular activities and personal commitments, as being disciplined and following a study schedule will set them up for academic success. By prioritising tasks and breaking them into manageable parts, students can reduce stress and ensure they stay on top of their workload. A reminder to students and families that the assessment calendars for all year groups are available on the College’s website under Term dates & events.

Extension Process

The extension process at St. Franics Xavier College is designed to provide extra time for those who may need it in the event of an unforeseen circumstance (illness or misadventure). Where a student is encountering challenges in meeting an assessment deadline, a Request for Extension of Time can be submitted. These requests must be made in writing, using the correct form available via the Director of Junior/Senior Studies no less than 3 school days prior to the task due date. The procedure for submitting an extension for all year groups is as follows:

• Student completes a Request for Extension of Time form, and this is signed by parent/carer.
• The student submits the signed form to the classroom teacher, explaining the request and providing the required documentation, such as medical certificates.
• The class teacher discusses the request with the student, and with the relevant Study Coordinator, and the request is approved or denied. The result is communicated to the student in a timely manner.

The Request for Extension of Time form is submitted electronically, on Canvas, with their assessment task. (This can be uploaded prior to the task submission).

Supporting a Positive Culture of Learning at Home

At St Francis Xavier College, we value the partnership that we share with parents and carers in cultivating positive learning behaviours. As the primary educators of your children, there are many ways that you can support your child’s learning at home and help them to create habits that will assist them in their educational journey. Here’s some top tips!

• Make conversations about learning part of your daily interactions: ask questions like, “What classes did you have today?”, “What are you learning about in ___?”, and regularly encourage discussions about assignments and progress in classes.
• Support your child to set up a dedicated study space at home: help them to consider what they need to create an environment that supports their time for revision, homework and assignments.
• Help your child to build their resilience: talk to them about the challenges that they may be experiencing in their learning, and then help them to consider strategies to overcome these. These might include re-reading and making notes about their assessment task notifications or rubrics, writing a list of questions that they can take to their class teacher, or identifying opportunities for extra practice like Homework Helpers (Mon – Thurs from 3-4pm in the Resource Centre) or specific subject tutorials.
• Encourage device and screen-free time each evening: encourage reading for enjoyment, physical activity, and prioritising sleep as part of healthy habits that cultivate well-rested and rejuvenated minds that are ready for a new school day.
• Cultivate positive partnerships with SFX staff: foster relationships and seek support from your child’s Pastoral teacher, class teachers, Year Coordinator, or the relevant Director of Studies, Wellbeing or Inclusive Education if you or your child needs additional assistance.

Article supplied by Mrs Edghill and Mrs Duffy, Directors of Junior Studies and Senior Studies