CHIEFLY ABOUT EXAMINATIONS
The sight of mildly nervous students throughout the secondary school these past few weeks reminds me that it is examination time again. I thought I might share a few observations about the place of examinations in contemporary school education.
Why have examinations?
Examinations chiefly test the ability of students to recall content that has been taught during course work. In some circumstances the ability to recall information is very important. For example, no one would want to have a surgical procedure from a medical doctor who constantly had to refer to anatomical textbooks. Virtually all of the professions require a core of content or information that readily can be accessed through memory. Examinations play an important part helping students by assessing their knowledge of a topic under pressure of time. They require students to develop retrieval mechanisms within minds so that they can recall important information when it is really needed.
Examinations also promote logical thought and coherency in written communication. They require students to exercise intellectual discipline as they read questions, interpret the rubrics of each question and provide answers to the questions that have been asked. Examinations cannot measure all the information that a student knows about a topic. Each question will focus on a specific portion of the overall course content. In that way, a well-constructed examination will test how well the student knows the material being covered in the course.
Although it is not fashionable to raise this issue, I believe that there is a case to use examinations as a means of developing stress management strategies amongst students. Despite the fact that high stakes examinations can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety to no good purpose, a well constructed and balanced approach to assessment, which includes an examination, will allow students to gain a better understanding of their own personal response to stress and how it is successfully managed in their experience. These same strategies can be enhanced over time and will eventually become good habits of mind that will serve for a lifetime. I write as one who avoided examinations through University and had to develop techniques for managing my own reactions to pressure.
Not the “be all and end all”
Examinations, therefore, have their place in a well-balanced assessment system., They do not, however, represent the highest order of reasoning, nor are they the ultimate measure of student performance. There seems little point in forcing students to endure numerous tests and exams in younger years because it distorts the learning process. There is a great deal of research that highlights the benefits of diverse assessment strategies that include pencil and paper tests with timed tasks, as well as assignments, oral tasks and group work. The important thing is that schools provide a variety of tasks to enable students to demonstrate what they know and can do.
There is a measure of public confidence in tests and examinations. It is felt that such tasks reduce the subjectivity of markers and provide a generally objective measure of student performance. This is why some states elect to have high stakes public examinations that are externally set and marked as the final step in schooling. It will be interesting to see whether the proposed Australian Curriculum favours such an approach. We will know in a few months time.
After a year in the ACT system, I have come to appreciate the dexterity and finesse of our approach here. At Radford, students have a well-constructed assessment program that involves a wide variety of strategies delivered over time. The emphasis in the Junior School is on building confidence and competence. Students are encouraged to approach tasks with a sense of expectation that celebrates what they know and can do, rather than underscoring their deficits. This is very important because so much of success in school depends upon confidence and self-awareness. In the High School, students build on these foundations by ensuring continued reference to core skills in literacy and numeracy, in the context of more challenging abstract reasoning tasks. Throughout Senior School, students will face quite complex assessment events that require careful analysis. I have been quite impressed to see the standard of work that the students present right across the College. At the risk of using a cliché, at Radford, it is cool for students to learn and cool to care about doing well.
My thoughts are with all students in the College who are preparing for and writing exams at this time. My prayers are also with the staff that they mark with clarity and justice. I know they do.
Peace
From COMMUNITY RELATIONS
APFACTS (Association of Parents and Friends of ACT Schools)
Transition to High School Workshop - Wednesday 16 June, Radford Pavilion, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
APFACTS (the Association of Parents and Friends of ACT Schools)
proudly presents “Keep that B.O.A.T. afloat” - a workshop for parents
of children in Year 6. Help your child become a more confident student and YOU a less stressed parent!
Flyer, presenter biography.
For RSVP or further information: ph 6287 3538 or email apfacts@bigpond.com by COB Friday 11 June 2010
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School Exams – Semester I, 2010 Mr Michael Lewthwaite
These exams will be held in the Hall between 9/6/10 and 16/6/10. Students are expected to attend normal classes right up to the exam period.
Each student has been issued with a personal exam timetable with full details of their exams, via their school email account. It is advisable that students print out one for the “fridge”, to ensure they do not miss any exams.
Yr 11 Exam Timetable
Yr 12 Exam Timetable
Upon completion of exams, students do not need to return to school until Wednesday 23 June (9am – midday) for Unit Score Checking. This is compulsory, and is the last day of term for Senior School students. Students do not need to wear school uniform for Unit Score Checking day.
Head of Junior School: Mr Paul Southwell
JS Reception: Ms Kerrie Shevlin
Catch up with the latest Junior School News
Access all the latest information on university courses, scholarships and admission information, further training, Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASBAs), apprenticeships, Gap Year opportunities, job vacancies and more. . .
It is strongly recommended that ALL students and/or their parents from the High School and Senior School regularly check this section of the bulletin.
A full list of the items included in this week's Student Pathways bulletin appears below:
New to the Careers Room |
Mr George Huitker
A Very Special Event at Black Mountains School - Friday June 18
Team SUPPORT 10 are running a Black Mountain School / Radford themed‐activity day with an animal theme on this day!
BMS principal, Mr Frank Fogliati, has made this activity day coincide with the opening of a new school gym/hall to celebrate our schools’ special friendship – all on an important
day in BMS school's history.
My hope is that all Radford students, past & present, who have received the privilege of doing Community Service and/or teamSUPPORT work at BMS (and interested parents) will attend the Gym Opening at 1.30pm at Black Mountain School, Cockle Street, off Miller Street, O’Connor.
Shuttle bus from Radford will be available!
RSVP: Mr George Huitker
This week's article Love is staying up all night with a sick child…..
Fr Richard Browning
Dr Pene Brook
Reflection
In Chapel we are have been celebrating how God meets us where we are but challenges us to continually reach beyond ourselves to a bigger understanding of God’s love and of each other as loved and created by God. Jesus challenged Mary Magdalene to move beyond her small understanding of love. He challenged Thomas to move beyond his disbelief and his small notion of God. God also challenges us on a moment by moment basis, usually through others, to open our minds and lives to new possibilities of knowing ourselves, others and God.
St Sarapion, a Desert Father of the 4th century, was famous for his pilgrimages in devotion to God. He once made a pilgrimage to Rome where he was told of a celebrated recluse, a woman who lived in one room and spent her time in prayer and meditation. Being a man who viewed action as service, he was skeptical of her way of life. He paid her a visit and asked,
Why do you just sit here all day?
To his question she replied,
“I am not sitting. I am on a journey.” God give us the wisdom to know, accept and celebrate who we are in God’s love and the ability to let others be who they are also.
A prayer:
God, all that I am and do I place in your hands.
God, all that others are and do I also place in your hands. Amen
RAS - Radford Awareness and Service
The main idea: being human with others, flourishing together.
Refugee Simulation experience
The plight of the refugee has returned as a political football. On Saturday, 19 June, Radford will once again help out at the Refugee Soccer Day at the AIS. It is a terrific experience cooking for people from all over the world. This year we will get the chance to play as well. This is in partnership with Companion House. Oxfam have set up a camp simulation experience at Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, northern foreshores of Lake Burley Griffin. This is a good opportunity to experience something of the kind of deprivation so many people experience.
This week, ten Yr 10 students attended the World Vision Global Leadership Conference.
On World Environment Day. Our task is to keep doing all that we can. Eating kangaroo sausages on Friday tasted wonderful . . . but pig or cow meat remain more appealing than kangaroo to many. The ideas that possess us shape our choices. Challenging and changing those ideas is the challenge before us. Eating kangaroo meat is not answer global sustainability issues, but it can be a part of the process of challenging the ideas that dominate our choices.
On June 20, 13 senior students will be travelling to Timor Leste with Tina Landos, Tanya Stevenson and Richard Browning. They will be immersed in a rich cultural experience. Some of the tasks that they will undertake: organizing the distribution of 10 000 dictionaries (funded through the RAS Charity Fundraiser and the Junior School); completion and installation of the 42 Footsteps Documentary; further develop the Home Language curriculum model; create Tetum early readers; classroom teaching; filming Chapter 2 of the 42 Footsteps Documentary – the search for Coli Mau. This is a lot for ten days. The relationship with the school and the office of Kirsty Sword Gusmao continues to blossom. We look forward to grows out of this expedition. Remember, all ‘aid’ is not about helping, but about being with others in a way that enhances their own autonomy, freedom and independence.
Prayer Group - now Mondays and Wednesdays 8am in the Chapel
Everyone is welcome!
FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER
Ms Jocelyn Martin
Tax deductions - Building Fund Contributions
Families who have yet to make the Building Fund contribution for 2010 are reminded that the contribution is tax deductible. Making a payment before 30 June will enable you to take advantage of this within the current financial year.
FROM THE YEAR 9 COORDINATOR
Ms Linda Milligan
Anglicare Winter Appeal
This week, Year 9 students are asked to contribute to the Winter Appeal to help fill Anglicare’s Pantry and to support families in need. Students have been given a list of items which are needed. These include: tinned food such as fruit, vegetables, soup, fish; cereals; pasta; pasta meals and sauces; spreads such as jam, vegemite; longlife or powdered milk. Toiletries are also required. We hope that each family will be prepared to donate to this very worthwhile local cause.
Other year groups will be involved over the coming months beginning with Year 8 next week.
FROM THE YEAR 10 COORDINATOR
Ms Beth Roberts
Support for students/families who are touched by Cancer
Next semester, staff at Radford College are looking at the opportunity to become trained support personnel for students in their care, and also for colleagues, whose lives are touched by cancer.
After speaking with staff at Calvary Breastcare, I have become aware of a need fabric pieces to make Headscarves & pillows for those have chemotherapy treatment, and also polyester pillow stuffing (for temporary prostheses). Should anyone have polyester filling or pieces of fabric that they no longer have a use for, they may be left at the Main Reception, marked for the attention of Beth Roberts, who will take them to Calvary. Opportunities also exist for students (Community Service) who may be interested in making headscarves etc. Please see Ms Roberts for further details.
Administrator: Mrs Bronwyn Brown
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Junior School Drama
Dates: June 15 at 6pm, June 16 at 6pm and June 18 11.30am and 6pm
Venue: RA Young Hall
Tickets: $10.00 each, available from Mrs K Shevlin at the Junior School Reception
HOD:Mr Mathew Irving
Administrator: Mr Allan Pennicook
Jazz Café
Our congratulations go to all the students, conductors and managers of our Jazz Bands and Ensembles for their wonderful performances at last Saturday’s Jazz Café. Our sincere thanks to the ANU School of Music Big Band for their fabulous last set of the night, to Ian Gordon and the Friends of Radford Music for managing the evening, and to Peter Crossing for his wonderful hosting of the night.
Upcoming Music events
Junior School Years 1 - 4 Recital – Wednesday 9 June
A warm invitation is extended to parents, students and friends to attend the Year 1-4 Recital to be held tonight Wednesday 9 June at 5.30pm in the RA Young Hall. (More details in JS Bytes!)
Evensong - Sunday 20 June, Radford Chapel, 3 pm
For a wonderful afternoon of Choral Music and Lessons, please join the Chapel Choir at Radford’s inaugural Evensong, on Sunday 20 June at 3pm in the Radford Chapel.
Junior School Concert - Wednesday 23 June, TB Millar Hall, 6.00pm
This year's Junior School Concert is to be held on Wednesday 23 June at in the TB Millar Hall. Further details available soon.
Canberra Symphony Orchestra Noteworthy Program
The CSO will once again be running its very successful Noteworthy Music Education Program on Thursday 29th July and Friday 30th July at Llewellyn Hall. Further details available soon.
Choral Concert - Sunday 8 August Radford Chapel, 3pm
Our annual Choral Concert featuring all of our Radford Choirs, will be held on Sunday 8 August at 3pm in the Radford Chapel.
A must for all lovers of choral music!
HOD: Mr Peter Haynes
Administrators: Mr Brad Luhrs, Mr Peter Wallensky, Mr Anthony Pardy
For latest Sports News, please visit the cocurricular Intranet link at http://intranet.radford.act.edu.au and enter your user ID and password.
Snowsports
The Friends of Radford Snowsports (FORS) Team has a invitation for you:
Are you a middle distance or Cross Country athlete representing the School or a Club who’d like to try something new?
Are you a keen and capable Snowboarder looking for an opportunity to race and represent the School?
Are you an experienced Alpine skier who has other sporting commitments through winter?
If you’ve answered YES to any of the above, read on…
FORS invites expressions of interest from any Radford students from Years 4 – 12 who may otherwise not be available for our complete winter programme, but would be available for one or multiple discipline events. Competing in the ACT and Southern NSW Interschools Championships as part of our school Team, there are both individual and team-based events in each discipline. It’s as much fun socially as it is in competition – and a perfect opportunity for a first time ‘look-in’ to what Interschools Snowsports is all about, and the consistent competitiveness of the Radford Team.
Interschools Cross Country events - Perisher Valley on Sunday July 11.
Snowboarding events - Wednesday July 28.
Alpine skiing events - Thursday and Friday July 29 & 30.
For more information, please contact Jonathan Mandl jmandl@gillianbeaumont.com.au
Netball
Netball skills and fitness is now run on Friday mornings in the school gym, from 7am-8am. Any netballer who wants to improve their game is welcome to attend.
Ice Hockey
Congratulations to Christopher Lee (11SLG) and Jack Lee (5TL) have been selected to represent the A.CT at the national ice hockey championships for 18yrs and under (Tange Trophy) and 11 years and under (McRae-Williamson Cup) respectively, in Adelaide at the end of June.
Football
Congratulations to Ashleigh Palombi (12 CJW), Brittany Palombi (9CAW) & Grace Field (11DEF) who have been selected in the Girls ACT Football (soccer) team, to compete in the Schoolgirls' Football Championships in Melbourne in August.
Rugby
Congratulations to Thomas Cullen-Magor (9TMG) on being selected in the ACT U15 Schoolboys Rugby Team.
Community Relations Manager: Miss Celia Lindsay
P&F President: Mr Brett Morgan
Collegians President: Ms Kate Potter
FROM THE P&F Login to visit the P&F page on the Radford College Intranet
Next Meeting - Thursday 5 August 7:30 pm Radford Boardroom.
Entertainment Books
Thanks to all those who have purchased Entertainment Books. The school receives $11 for every book sold.
Due date to return payment for books was 21 May. Please note that any payments outstanding after Monday 7 June will be added to the Term 3 account.
If you have any queries about Entertainment Books, please contact Alison Wilson by e-mail or by phone on 62314543.
TWILIGHT FETE - Saturday 6 November
Fete Convenors: amelie.barry@gmail.com or 0404 832 988 and Sean.Harvey@defence.gov.au
Set this date aside!
November and Spring will be here before we know it! Sean Harvey and Amelie Barry are this year's fete co-convenors. As we are new to the task, we are still trying to piece together the enormous effort that Radford students, parents, teachers, and staff put into the Radford Fete. If you have volunteered in some aspect of the fete previously, or if you are new to the Radford College Community and would like to help this year please contact Sean and/or Amelie. We look forward to the fun and challenge of this year's fete and working with all of you!
RADFORD COLLEGE MONSTER RAFFLE 2010
Raffle Convenor: Chandima de Silva
Calling all members of the Radford Parent and Business Community...
The Radford Parents & Friends Association coordinates a range of major fundraising activities to support the College including our famous Art
Show, the Radford Fete and the Monster Raffle.
In 2009 P & F raised $80,000 to purchase a bus, and this year we are raising funds for refurbishment of the Lecture Theatre. We have been fortunate in the past by gaining donations and support for our Monster Raffle from within the Radford College parent and business community.
In 2010 we are looking to build on this generous foundation of support and are calling for donations of products and services. This may take
the form of goods, vouchers or donations of services (eg landscaping, personal care, photography, painting and maintenance services, IT
services and so on). All businesses who donate products or services will be acknowledged on raffle tickets, Fete promotional material and
via our Sponsors Board at the 2010 Fete.
If you feel you may be able to contribute to the 2010 Monster Raffle please contact me!
Chandima de Silva, phone: 62164475 (work), 62517734 (home), 0433965618(Mob)
Craft Group
The Craft group meets weekly in Terms 2 and 3 to make items to sell at the school fete. It is quite informal, and you are welcome to come along as often or infrequently as you like, and check out what we do. We do something different each week, and all materials are provided.
We would love to have some new people join us for a chat and a cuppa. Please come along when we are in your area.
If you can't make it along in the evenings, but would still like to help, we also need some straight machine sewing done. If you can help in this way, please contact Jean Anderson on 6241 2117, and I can arrange to get some pieces to you.
Wed 9 June Christa Culley - 20 Mayne St, Chifley - ph 6281 1352
Thurs 17 June Jean Anderson - 5 Dickinson St, Watson - ph 6241 2117
Wed 23 June Vicki Shaw - 7 Holley Pl, Kaleen - ph 6241 0767
Wed 30 June SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Jane Vickers 66 Lexcen Ave, Nicholls, ph 6242 7002
Contact Jean Anderson ph 6241 2117 with any questions.
CRANLEIGH SCHOOL TRIVIA NIGHT
Cranleigh is holding a Trivia Night later this month, and has asked us extend a warm welcome to Radford Community members to join them for this occasion.
When: Thursday, 24 June
Time: 7pm
Where: Belconnen Leagues Club,
Hardwick Crescent, Holt
Cranleigh Trivia Night Booking Sheet
LOST
Radford sports shirt belonging to Jack Kennedy (8LB). It has his name on it and the number 22 on the back. If found, please hand in to Main Reception.
POSITION VACANT
Anglican Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn
Permanent part-time Finance/Administration Assistant, to join the Diocesan Office team located in Reid, Canberra. More details...FROM ACT POLICING
School Security - Vigilance over the School Holidays
Anyone who observes anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity around schools is urged to report this to police immediately on 131 444. This includes suspicious persons or vehicles seen at odd hours of the night, and any signs of potential criminal activity such as the sound of breaking glass, spray cans or electrical equipment being used at odd hours.
| College Street, BRUCE, ACT 2617 - Telephone: (02) 6162 6200, Email: CommunityRelations@radford.act.edu.au |