This week, we extend our best wishes to all students undertaking the HSC Language Speaking Examinations. We also acknowledge our Dance, Drama, and Music students who are preparing for their upcoming practical assessments.

While the media spotlight will shine in October when the written examinations commence, many of our students are already deeply engaged in finalising their major projects. These include Industrial Technology, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, and Textiles and Design.

The quality of work being produced—guided by the dedication and expertise of their teachers—is truly impressive, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship, creativity, and commitment.

Reflection and Renewal

Last week, Emma Bennis, Leader of Learning English from Catherine McAuley Catholic College Medowie, initiated a review of current programming in Stage 6 in preparation for the implementation of the new English Syllabi in Stage 6 2026.

The opportunity to delve deeply into text choices, as well as forms of Assessment and delivery of curriculum, was an evaluative moment to interrogate the quality of teaching and learning, which was especially important as the College entered its first full cycle of 7-12 instruction.

During the day, I was reminded of the passion of teaching, the spark that ignites when students engage in a text and explore its meaning, bringing their own interpretation and world view to the conversation, or when the imagination is nurtured in the classroom by wonderful educators. The English Faculty at CMCC have been deliberate in their delivery of pedagogy, and this level of intentionality was evident in a range of learning experiences for students and in a cycle of continuous review and renewal.  Thank you for a very rich opportunity to be part of this process.

Secondary Pedagogical Mentor Professional Learning Opportunity

Pedagogical Mentors from across our secondary schools met to share practice, spotlighting the sentence writing focus of Trinity Catholic College Adamstown, led by Rachel Logan.  Trinity Catholic College has developed a School Improvement Goal in relation to sentence structure. The ‘Bubble Sentence’ method is targeted at improving the overall quality and sophistication of sentences across all Key Learning Areas.  The student work samples showcased sentences featuring increasingly complex verb choices coupled with the expansion of ideas.  Pedagogical Mentors were also treated to the opportunity to put this learning into practice. A similar initiative has been adopted at St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm.  There were many moments of sharing throughout the day, with each school highlighting their current focus within the Pedagogy space.

In addition, Education Officer Lauren Carlson led a session entitled, ‘Leading with Insight,’ focused on the research of William Moulton Marston, a physiological psychologist with a Ph.D. from Harvard.  This work was pioneered by Marston in 1928 and has been expanded upon by the work of many others throughout the years.

Liz Stokes

System Lead – Curriculum and Pedagogy Secondary