Message from the Head of Secondary

Congratulations to students in Years 7 and 9 (and their primary schoolmates in Years 3 and 5!) who completed NAPLAN tests this week. Each year, NAPLAN connects our students to the Australian educational context and provides families with a snapshot of their children’s progress compared to school and national averages. Results will be mailed directly to parents mid-year and do not contribute to school grades or reports in any way.

To see our students striving so hard in the auditorium and taking the tests so seriously was very pleasing. Building confidence and developing skills working under exam conditions is a key part of achieving academic success in secondary school. It is worth noting that with the rise of A.I., old-fashioned pen and paper exams are arguably more relevant than ever, as they allow students to demonstrate true skills and knowledge without technology.

For our Year 12 HSC cohort, half-yearly examinations loom, set to commence immediately after Easter break. For our IBDP students, the short-term focus is internal assessment tasks and the extended essay – all due in coming months. While half-yearly exams do not count directly toward final HSC marks, they are an important milestone for students to build “match fitness” in exam conditions. The examination timetable will be shared with students and parents next week and Year 12 reports will be released in May once exams are completed.

Term 1 interim reports for Years 7 to 11 will be released in the final week of term, on the afternoon of Thursday 10th April. This report offers a snapshot of how your child is tracking in each of their subjects after first term. Based on work completed and learning behaviours displayed thus far, it indicates whether your child is Exceeding, Meeting or Below Expectations for their class or course. A student who is Meeting Expectations is satisfying course outcomes, participating in class appropriately and completing set work. More detailed reports with comments and subject grades are issued to all secondary students in terms 2 and 4.

Beyond the classroom, the last two Friday afternoons have been an absolute treat in terms of showcasing the breadth of opportunities on offer at AISHK. Last week saw the culmination of interhouse football under glorious spring skies in Kowloon Tong. Well done to the winning Houses and patrons and a huge thank you to Head of PDHPE, John Van Gaalen and the PDHPE team for their slick organisation of the event.

Today, we celebrated all the adventures and camaraderie of Activity Week with a special assembly featuring highly engaging student videos and presentations of all the trips. Activity Week is a unique and special part of an AISHK education that students keenly look forward to every year.

For secondary families attending the Hong Kong Sevens this weekend, have a fabulous and festive time and go Hong Kong China and come on Australia! For those having a more low-key weekend, enjoy your downtime with family and friends.

Peter Phillips | Head of Secondary