Gleeson College has been pioneering in this space since 2020, exploring capabilities as a far better representation of a student’s abilities than grades or a GPA/ATAR number. Since then, we have continued to evolve our Learner Profile and Conversation.
 

Year 7-9 students have been preparing their Learner Profile in Faith & Living this term. A Learner Profile represents students’ holistic growth and development of capabilities, rather than subject grades. Students present and discuss their Profile with a parent or guardian at their Learner Conversation in Term 4

Families nominate a preferred time span for their child’s 15-min conversation, noting that supervision is available for students whose appointments are 4pm or earlier.

Students with an appointment 4.20pm of later will need to return home at 1.05pm.

We recognise early dismissal and pickup arrangements can be inconvenient, but it is the only way for us to fit all Year 7-9 students' conversations in, so we thank families in advance for their understanding. 

NOTE: the Kanga buses run to their normal schedule as the service is co-run with Pedare.

Homework Club, sport and music ensembles will not run on the day.

Please note Learner Conversations are compulsory.

What does my child need to prepare?
Students will bring their profile and pieces of evidence to discuss on the night. Time will be given in Faith & Living in Term 4 to prepare for the conversation.

What if we are away, absent or sick on that date?
Students will complete their conversation with a staff member at another time. Unfortunately we cannot arrange a substitute out-of-hours conversation

Which teacher will my child have their conversation with?
Students will be allocated to any one of their teachers from this year, in most instances. As the conversation is student-led, it focuses on students’ reflection on their learning and growth, rather than a teacher’s comments on their academic progress in their specific subject.

Families can check their child’s academic progress on SEQTA at any time, and are welcome to contact their child’s teachers via email or phone to discuss specific subject areas, concerns or learner progress at any time throughout the year.

My child has additional learning needs or wellbeing concerns, what support is available?
Students with additional needs will be supported to have their Learner Conversation with an appropriate staff member, for example Inclusive Ed staff or Wellbeing staff, with additional scaffolding and support provided prior to the conversation. The conversation is designed to be a positive experience.

I can come on the night but need to change my time - what should I do?
Email keycapabilities@gleeson.catholic.edu.au