One of the many ways our school supports the development of independent learning skills is through providing access to the online study skills handbook. Parents should encourage their students to sign up for the tracking system in the handbook so they can easily keep track of the units they have completed. It is a good idea for students to choose different units to work on over time (maybe try a new unit each month?) so they can develop their understanding of these important skills and reflect on the areas they need to work on. This specialist resource complements the skill development that takes place in our classrooms.

The study skills tip for this month is taken from the unit, AFTER TESTS AND EXAMS. It looks at the reflection process after a test is returned to students. One of the concepts outlined in this unit is that of ‘kaizen’.  The word Kaizen itself is derived from two different Japanese words, ‘kai’ and ‘zen’. KAI, meaning: to change or modify; and ZEN, meaning: to improve. Small constant changes can make a huge difference to students’ results. Only by reflecting on the way they learn and making changes can students improve the way they approach their work for school. The study skills handbook is a great tool to assist in this process.

This month’s new resource is a handout – Student Holiday Planner. This helps students determine what work, if any, they need to complete in the holidays. You will find it at the bottom of the THINGS TO PRINT page.

Another handy resource to assist in the preparation for exams that are looming after the holidays for our senior girls is the Exams after Holidays.

We have a direct link from our school library site, Destiny Discover (in the links section), that will take you straight through to the handbook without the need to enter the user name or password.

Happy Reading and Learning,

Michelle Feely - College Librarian