Year 11 Semester 1 Report
I am so proud of the committed and focus start that the Year 11 students have displayed over Semester 1. There was a mixed response to the Year 11 exam results which were distributed to students via their mentor in Week 10 of Term 2 – tears shed for joy and some disappointment. I was most encouraged by those students who commented that they could do better and would do better, showing a growth mindset. My message is clear, don’t stop until you are proud. I hope that all have now had a chance to examine their exams and to learn from them. There is of course an opportunity to build on this in the end of year examinations.
I also take this opportunity to warmly welcome our new Year 11 students who have started with us for Semester two.
A highlight of Term 2 occurred in Week 9 where students engaged in three days of activities. Our first day focused on Road Safety and the importance of looking after our mates. The message was strong but important. Our students learned that road crashes are one of the leading causes of death and permanent injury in the young. Young people, under 21, especially men, are at least 3-4 times more likely to be involved in a car crash than any other age group. We all know that you can choose to take a risk but you don’t get to choose the consequences. The Year 11 stusents learnt that through good attitudes and smart decision, safe behaviours will follow.
Day Two saw our Year 11 students invited to participate in an industry morning with The University of Adelaide. The focus was on giving students an opportunity to experience what Future Career pathways would be like. All Faculties within The University of Adelaide ran sessions for our students and this of course was followed by our first USC Career Expo in Gawler Place.
On our final day of Activities, the Year 11 cohort took part in a day of Service Learning, presented by Lynne Moten. With an introduction to different types of leaders and how service aids the community, our students learnt about selflessness and generosity. Lynne’s insightful presentation on the differences between self-serving leaders and servant leaders planted a seed of reflection for a lot of us, reflecting on how the students can serve the community more through the service of volunteering in a range of different areas. Through a volunteering activity involving the assembly of high-demand birthing kits, our Year 11’s actively put learning into practice. Lynne successfully highlighted crucial points for young and developing minds regarding service work and its importance to an ever-growing community.
Finally, I encourage all students to take some time out over these school holidays and reflect on their progress so far at USC. What is going well? What needs work? What new strategies could be put in place to ensure that they are getting the most out of their time at the College? I know that many students have put a considerable amount of hard work and effort to achieve their results and I look forward to seeing this effort and success continue in Semester 2.
Anna Bassani
Dean of Student Experience Year 11
