Teaching and Learning
Teen Boys and Gaming - an article by Maggie Dent
Following the theme of 'a culture of distraction' which was presented in The Thistle previously, the article which can be found here by Maggie Dent offers some practical strategies to assist in a conversation with your son to ensure a healthy balance is maintained in relation to their technology usage. The ten essential agreements suggested by Dent are:
- No computer or device in his bedroom - without permission.
- Be actively engaged in outside of bedroom/home activity that builds emotional and social competence at least twice a week - preferably group activity.
- Be playing some form of sport/martial arts/surfing at least 3 times a week.
- Complete normal chores around home.
- Ensure his school grades are maintained.
- Be at family meal times and have an agreed bedtime.
- Have a friend/mate visit or he go visit weekly
- Be responsible for any excessive data expenses.
- Not disable the parental controls that are in place.
- Avoid adult sites and viewing MA15+ or R18+ movies or showing anyone else.
Certainly parents should discuss their concerns with their son and their classroom teacher or house head if they feel the problem is starting to have a detrimental effect on their school life.
Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessments (OLNA)
The OLNA process is now a part of what all students in Western Australia need to complete as part of their WACE graduation requirements, which are stipulated by the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). Students have to demonstrate that they meet minimum standards in Reading, Writing and Numeracy assessments. In 2015, 93% of our Year 10 cohort met the OLNA requirements by the end of the year. The SCSA indicate that most students through natural maturation will meet the minimum standard required in Year 10 without intervention or specific study plans for the OLNA assessments. The best course of action is for students to continue their education and simply become familiar with the testing format prior to sitting the OLNA.
The school will be providing some preparation sessions for Year 10 students in the lead up to the Year 10 OLNA to ensure students are familiar with the assessments.
In Years 11 and 12, the College will develop individual plans to ensure we are supporting boys who still have not met the minimum standards in Literacy and Numeracy.
The OLNA assessments occur twice each year. Once in March and the second in August/September.
More information on OLNA can be found by clicking here.
Career Voyage - Year 10
Year 10 is a very important year to start making decisions that will influence the future career plans of students. Mr Frusher will soon be commencing a 4-6 week programme with all Year 10 students that will help to guide them in exploring future career options. For the student, knowing where his career is heading makes subject choices and post-school study/training options easier and more rational.
Initially all students will complete an online programme, Career Voyage, that will help students to find jobs that are suitable for them. Based on eighty job factors (including working conditions, health, talents, etc.) the system will generate twenty job suggestions. Students can then explore related job information, add jobs to their Notepad, look at similar jobs, start an action plan and a resume. It will also provide reports including personal profile information, pros and cons of different jobs, and lots of other useful information to stimulate career exploration.
Students will be given the opportunity to explore courses that are offered by universities, TAFEs and various private providers as well as alternative career options.
All of the above activities are designed to lead into subject selection for courses of study in Year 11 which will take place during Autumn Term.
Mr Peter Allen
Director of Teaching and Learning
