Academic and Pastoral Care - SMART Goals
At Marist, academic and pastoral care are intertwined. To build on this connection at the beginning of each Semester the boys are required to write SMART Goals. This process is based on reflection of their previous report’s academic achievement and level of engagement. Following their written reflection and through consultation with the House Group Leader, House Dean, and parents the boys are asked to write specific SMART Goals that are designed to increase their academic performance and target ways they can achieve purposeful study habits.
Throughout the course of the semester the boys are encouraged to make sure that the SMART goals are lived ones, by using them as a tool to ensure they are striving to achieve their full potential. The intention is for the goals to be specific with clear strategies to allow the boys to reflect on their path to accomplishment through House Group activities during the semester.
An imperative part of the process of writing and actioning SMART Goals is to have parents, House Group Leaders, and the boys all actively involved. Upon returning to school this week, we dedicated the first two periods to the boys drafting their SMART Goals. The boys have been encouraged to discuss their SMART Goals with their parents.
Next week as part of our Parent/House Group Leader interviews, there will be an opportunity to discuss your son’s intended SMART Goals and ensure that they are best designed to meet his individual learning needs.
SMART Goal Process:
Semester 1 Report: Students are encouraged to have a conversation with their parent/s or carer/s and identify key areas for improvement. For example: a drop in GPA, grades or marks from the previous semester, or a decline in their learning engagement rubric.
Draft three goals and strategies: using the SMART Goal template, and in consultation with their parent/s or carer/s, students are to set three new or refined SMART Goals for Semester 2.
Return to school: During Periods one and two the boys with work with their Marist Mate and House Group Leader to draft their SMART Goals. House Group Leaders will check and, if needed, help refine the three goals.
Parent/House Group Leader interviews: During the interview there will be an opportunity to discuss the SMART Goal to ensure they are meaningful in best meeting the student’s needs.
Reflection: Students will reflect on their goals and the path to accomplishment through House Group activities during Semester 2.
"Personal learning goals are the behaviours, knowledge or understandings that students identify as important to their own learning. They may relate to general work habits, specific subjects, domains of learning, or a combination of these”
Sarah Mahar
Assistant Head of School - Wellbeing and Engagement