Reflecting and growing: the importance of end-of-semester reports

Each Senior School report includes the subject’s Observable Learning Continuum (OLC) report, subject grades and personalised feedback from teachers. The OLC shows each subject teacher’s observations of the student in eight specific areas that demonstrate a progression of learning behaviours. These skills are fundamental for students as they work towards becoming independent and motivated learners. While grades offer a snapshot of achievement, it is the feedback that plays a central role in promoting meaningful growth. Thoughtful teacher comments help students understand what they have done well, where they may have encountered challenges and, most importantly, what they can do to continue improving. 

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools in education. At Carey, we believe that learning is a journey, and that students grow most when they are guided to reflect, set goals and take ownership of their development. Feedback gives students the language and direction they need to take their next steps – whether that means refining a study habit, approaching a problem differently or pushing themselves beyond their comfort zone.

A key feature of our reporting process is the inclusion of student reflections. By reflecting on their own learning, students are encouraged to think critically about their efforts, strategies and progress. Reflection helps students recognise their achievements, take responsibility for their learning and identify practical steps for improvement, and it helps them develop a deeper understanding of themselves as learners.

Reflection is an essential part of learning, because when students take time to pause, think about what they’ve learnt, how they’ve learnt it and what they could do differently, they build important skills such as self-awareness, critical thinking and goal setting. This habit of self-reflection fosters greater independence, resilience and motivation – essential qualities for lifelong learning.

At Carey, structured reflection is woven into programs and reporting processes to help students build these lifelong skills. It’s not just about asking,

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All Senior School students meet with their mentor to reflect on the Semester’s achievements. Year 10 students meet their Carey Zero Mentors to complete their reflections. Year 11 and 12 reflections will be finalised at the start of Term 3. Parents and guardians will receive an updated link then to access the Year 11 and 12 reports with the added student reflections and their mentors’ comments.

The end-of-semester report is not just the end of a chapter – it’s the beginning of the next. With guidance from their teachers and the support of their families, students can use their feedback and reflections as a roadmap for continued learning, growth and confidence in the semester to come. We encourage all students to read their reports carefully and celebrate their efforts and progress. Parents and guardians also play a key role by taking the time to review the report with their student(s), discuss successes and challenges and support goal setting for the semester ahead.