Great achievements!

Congratulations to all international students who successfully completed their year twelve studies in 2009. Many international students achieved outstanding results. A significant number of students have been awarded subject merits and in many cases more than one.  You should all feel justly proud of your achievements.

First round University offers have been posted and many of you will be looking forward  to the  challenge of university study in 2010. Other students will be looking towards year 12 or year 11 entry in their secondary studies. Whatever your situation, now is the time to refresh your language skills. During the holiday break most students have been spending time with family and close friends which generally means communicating in their first language. This is a welcome break from the constant demands of learning and studying in English but as the new academic year approaches it is a good idea to start listening to more English.

You could establish a reading program over the next few weeks providing an opportunity to refresh and improve your reading skills. When communicating with friends,  speak in English as much as you can. Language skills, like all skills need to be practiced.  Listen to English on the radio or the television.Watch movies in English and read English newspapers or magazines. Spending as little as thirty minutes a day will make a difference.

When you return to school in a few weeks time your English skills will allow you to make a strong start in your secondary studies. Some students choose the holiday period to focus on practice and improvement of their English. Whatever approach you choose you can be sure that your time and effort will be rewarded.  If you know that you have a particular area of weakness allocate some time to work on it. It may be reading or writing; it may be speaking. Remember language is a skill and a skill that responds to practice. Being prepared for the 2010 academic year will give you increased confidence to meet the challenges that a new year of study will bring.