Late Arrivals & Absences

As we start to enter the Term 3 assessment period, I have been spending time looking through absence and late arrival data. There has been a spike in students arriving late to school, particularly those students who are driving themselves to school. While this may happen once in a while, when you add up the missed minutes, this can equate to over 80 minutes… the equivalent of a double period of Maths for some of our students

Recent research shows that there is a negative correlation between attendance and academic success at school. In addition to missing minutes in the classroom, non-attendance has also been shown to link with:

• early school leaving
• leaving school with fewer qualifications
• reduced opportunities for students to learn and access educational resources, further limiting achievement
• further absenteeism in higher year levels
• increased alcohol, tobacco, and substance use in adolescents.

The development of positive attendance habits is a priority for students in the Senior Years. Students need to arrive on time, ready to learn!

Assessment & Exam Dates

A reminder that parents and students can find the assessment and examination calendars on our College website. Now is the time to start mapping out how students will schedule their independent study time in the lead up to final submissions and exams.

By the time of this newsletter going out, our Year 12 cohort would have completed all internal assessment for their General subjects and teacher will be engaging with QCAA through the process of Confirmation. This means that for these subjects, only the external examinations remain. In Weeks 7, 8 and 9, students will sit mock exams to provide an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the examination format, timing and types of questions. For Applied and Applied (Essential) subjects, student continue to have internal assessment for the remainder of the year. The mock exam timetable has been published to all families through the Sentral Portals.

https://www.dalby.catholic.edu.au/assessment

Ace Your Assessments with Determination

As the term reaches its peak with an array of assessments, it's essential for students to harness their inner determination and focus on their academic goals. The path to success is paved with hard work and dedication, and now is the time to showcase your potential. Remember, each assignment and exam is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and growth. Set achievable study goals, create a well-structured study plan, and maintain a healthy integration between school work and family time. While the road might seem challenging, your commitment and perseverance will undoubtedly lead you to triumph. Stay motivated, believe in your abilities, and watch as your efforts culminate into success.

Year 12 External Examinations

The external assessment timetable for 2025 is located here and can be updated with notice. It is important that all families keep track of this timetable in a digital format.

QCAA external assessment timetable 2025

QCAA has an excellent resource on the myQCE website called the “External Assessment Guide for students”. This is found on the website https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/external-assessment.html 

How can I prepare?

Senior syllabuses

General senior syllabuses provide information about external assessment for each subject.

Sample papers

View the sample papers for the subjects you study, to get an idea of what external assessment will be like. You can find them in the Assessment tab on each General syllabus page on the QCAA website.

Equipment

Each syllabus details the equipment you will need for the external assessment. It may include:

• Blue or black pens
• Pencils (2B)
• A sharpener
• A clear plastic ruler
• An eraser
• Approved calculator
• Specific equipment

On the day, students may bring your equipment in a clear container or zip-lock bag.  Students may also bring water in a clear unlabelled bottle.

Mobile phones, smart watches and/or other electronic devices will not be permitted in the examination room.

The External assessment equipment list (PDF, 175.3 KB) contains information about the approved equipment for all assessments, including calculators, student devices, subject-specific equipment and prohibited items.

Directions for students

External assessments are administered by schools in line with the QCAA’s requirements. Students must also follow the requirements outlined in the Directions for students (PDF, 243.1 KB).

Assistant Principal Senior Years