Media releases
Students prepare for final exams over school holidays
Dean Logan (Physics teacher from Mary Mackillop Catholic College), Paul Herbert (EEPP Coordinator), Coleby Keogh (St Mary's College), Juliana Cruda (Assumption College) and Dr Pat Coughlan at an EEPP Physics lesson
This week students from across Toowoomba Catholic Schools have gathered in the Micah Centre at the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office to prepare for their upcoming external assessments.
Over 100 students from Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Warwick, Dalby and Roma are participating in the program.
The Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, External Examination Preparation Program (EEPP) aims to give students the edge in their preparation for the external exams which begin in October.
There are ten subjects covered in the EEPP including English, General Mathematics, Mathematics Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Study of Religion, Legal Studies and Modern History.
EEPP Coordinator, Mr Paul Herbert said, “we have recruited a range of expert teachers from within our Catholic schools and are hosting the students across six days and ten subjects.”
“As a diocese we are committed to excellence in student achievement, and this program is a testament to this commitment.”
As part of this program the teachers act as mentors to students and develop and lead sessions on specific subject exams and guide the planning and writing of responses to practice questions.
They also provide specific examples of how to 'break down' what is expected in answers and give clear guidance on what the examiners are looking for.
The students undertake mock exams and are given written and verbal feedback to enable them to grow their knowledge and skills.
Juliana Cruda, a Year 12 student from Assumption College in Warwick, said that the program was a great opportunity to network with other students in the Toowoomba Diocese.
“I am here to expand my learning and focus on how I can improve my performance in my exams,” said Miss Cruda.
“There have been a lot of great hints and tips I have learnt today that I will definitely be using in my exams and I would recommend this program to other students.”
There are also additional resources for use after the program and the mentors assist students in preparing their study regimes for the coming four weeks.
St Saviour’s College teacher, Mr Cameron Love, said that he was proud to be a mentor as part of this program.
“As a teacher, I am committed to every student achieving their potential and the EEPP program encourages every student to strive for personal excellence.”
“I am privileged to be working with other incredible teachers who are assisting students in their preparations for these exams,” said Mr Love.
Dr Pat Coughlan, Executive Director: Catholic Schools said, “The External Examination Preparation Program is a wonderful opportunity available to students to help achieve their best results.”
“The program is an opportunity for Year 12 students to refine their considerable skills and talents in preparation for external assessments.”
“Some of our best teachers have made themselves available for the week of intensive preparation with students,” said Dr Coughlan.
“The secondary principals’ group was instrumental in promoting the program and encouraging students to get involved.”
“Both groups should be applauded for this timely opportunity for students,” said Dr Coughlan.
Last year, students in Toowoomba Catholic Schools attending the program excelled in their external exams, with some students scoring above the coveted ATAR rank of 99.
