Learning and Teaching Update

Early Start Programme: 27 November 2023 to 6 December 2023

We are excited to bring you information about the upcoming 2024 Early Start Programme, scheduled to run from 27 November 2023 to 6 December 2023. This initiative aligns with our commitment to learner agency and the ongoing development of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) capabilities. Below is a comprehensive overview of the program, its rationale, benefits and essential details.

Rationale: A Focus on Continuous Learning and Connectedness

In our Strategic Directions document, the focus for 2022 to 2025 is on learners' agency for life at school and beyond, emphasising SEL capabilities. The Early Start Programme aligns with this direction by promoting continuity of learning, optimising valuable learning time, increasing organizational efficiency and fostering stronger student-teacher relationships.

Benefits of the Early Start Programme:

1. Improving Continuity of Learning: The program aims to enhance the connection between what students learn in one calendar year and the subsequent year, creating a seamless flow of knowledge.
3. Optimising Valuable Learning Time: Recognising challenges in the first semester, the program reallocates time to subsequent semesters, providing more effective learning opportunities.
5. Increasing Organisational Efficiency: By avoiding the complexities of running multiple timetables during transitions, the program streamlines organisational processes, reducing stress on both students and staff.
7. Promoting Connectedness: Early Start facilitates the building of positive student-teacher relationships, contributing to a sense of belonging and encouraging cooperative participation.

Communication Plan: Connecting with Families and Students

For Families:

• An email outlining the rationale and required resources will be sent to all parents.
• Multiple newsletter articles will be published to announce and update on the program.
• College social media platforms will be utilised for program announcements.
• The Events calendar on the College website will be updated to keep families informed.

For Students:

• Reminders during Teacher Advisory mornings leading up to Early Start.
• Emails to all students and messages on the Student Bulletin just before the changeover.

Task Types: Designing for Early Start

Tasks will be designed specifically for Early Start with an introductory unit delivered for each subject, linking to further learning in the subsequent term. Learning Areas will discuss and design appropriate tasks, ensuring all official assessment tasks and class work are recorded on SIMON.

Holiday Homework: Balancing Rest and Preparation

Tasks are designed to balance the need for rest with the preparation for the new calendar year. Requirements vary by year level, ensuring students can enjoy their holidays while being adequately prepared for the upcoming academic term.

Class Resources and Booklist Processes: Streamlining Access to Learning Tools

Efforts have been made to work with suppliers to ensure access to necessary learning tools. A special booklist for English texts will be generated, with texts collected by families before Early Start Week. The remainder of the booklist for 2024 will proceed as usual.

Costs on Families and Change Over of Devices: Minimizing Impact

Costs to families will be limited to VCE Texts and English novels (Years 8-10) and workbooks for each subject. Students moving into Year 10 will change devices during Early Start, ensuring they have access to necessary resources.

Assessment and Reporting: Managing Expectations

While not every class is expected to complete an assessment task during Early Start, the opportunity exists, particularly for senior students. Any completed tasks will be recorded on PAM.

We are confident that the 2024 Early Start Programme will contribute positively to the learning journey of our students, fostering a sense of continuity, connectedness, and academic preparedness. Thank you for your continued support.