AROUND THE COLLEGE

GAT 2023

Senior Students will be sitting the GAT on 15 June 2023. The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills taken by students in the course of completing their senior secondary studies.

The GAT plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments and also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards expected at a senior secondary level.

No special study is needed. Past study of subjects like English, Mathematics, Science and History prepares students for the GAT by building their general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy and reasoning.

Who sits the GAT

Both Sections A and B:

• Students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence, including students not planning to undertake scored assessment
• Includes students who have met the literacy and numeracy standards in a previous year

Section A only:

• Students enrolled in one or more VCE Vocational Major Unit 3–4 sequence or Senior VCAL studies but who are not enrolled in any VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequences
• If a student has already met the standards in a previous year and they are enrolled in VCE Vocational Major but not in any VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequences, they will not be expected to sit Section A. However, they may opt to do so if they wish

Students will be given their GAT Timetables when they become available.

The GAT is structured into Section A and Section B, with a range of question difficulties.

Marks are not deducted for incorrect answers. Time allocations are provided for each component to make sure students attempt all sections of the GAT. Even if one section is not completed within the suggested time allocation, students should move on to attempt the next section. Students can return to any incomplete questions at the end of the test.

Section A: Literacy and numeracy skills

Section A is a literacy and numeracy assessment comprised of:

• a 2-part writing task – 30 minutes
• 50 numeracy multiple-choice questions – 45 minutes
• 50 reading multiple-choice questions – 45 minutes

Writing task

Students are presented with a stimulus (for example, an image or text) and asked to respond to 2 prompts. The first part is a short-answer type (10 minutes). The second part (20 minutes) allows for a more detailed response. Students are assessed on the effectiveness of the writing for the audience and purpose, ideas, and structure and cohesion. In addition, mechanical aspects of writing, including grammar, punctuation and spelling, are assessed.

Multiple-choice questions

The multiple-choice questions cover numeracy and literacy (reading). Questions are based on a range of contexts including those you may encounter in daily life. Each part is allocated 45 minutes.

Section B: General knowledge and skills

Section B is comprised of:

• an extended writing task – 30 minutes
• 25 mathematics, science and technology multiple-choice questions – 30 minutes
• 25 arts and humanities multiple-choice questions – 30 minutes

Writing task

Students develop a piece of writing presenting a point of view in response to several prompts. In addition to the information provided, students can draw on their own ideas to communicate clearly and effectively to the reader.

Multiple-choice questions

The multiple-choice questions cover mathematics, science, technology, humanities, the arts and social sciences. This section consists of groups of questions or units. Each unit offers one or more pieces of information with several questions relating to that information.

Warwick Lamb, Assistant Principal

WHC Positive Behaviours

After Barton (Blue) House students won the WHC Positive Behaviours competition for Term 1, the counter has been reset for Term 2.

Students and their Houses are awarded points on Compass when they display any of our three school values: Community, Integrity and Courage. Barton House has taken the early lead again this term, with Quamby House a close second.

The Positive Behaviours system has also seen us recognise individual students and classes at assemblies, such as 7E which topped the Year 7 leaderboard. Keep up the great work, everyone!

SSV Barwon Division Athletics

Today we had a great day out at the Barwon Division Athletics! With over 120 competitors from WHC we came in 4th place overall!

The icing on the cake was winning the Most Improved School for the second year running!

Pictured here with the pennant is Kiara Woods, Caitlin Charles and Rhianan Woods, our representative Sports Captains on the day.

More results and details to come in the next newsletter!

Joey McArlein

Congratulations!

Last week, Caitlin Charles of Year 11 received the Marrung Education Scholarship. The Marrung scholarship is awarded to First Nations students who demonstrate high potential to succeed in their chosen pathway. Caitlin is a kind, caring and studious young person who excels in both academics and sport. The Western Heights College community is so proud of Caitlin’s achievement, and we can’t wait to see Caitlin continue to grow as a student, individual and sportsperson. Congratulations Caitlin! You are so very deserving.

Lily Fowler, First Nations Inclusion Coordinator

Anzac Memorial Service

On the first day back at school for Term 2, we came together as a whole school to pay our respects at our Anzac Assembly. It was great to see all our students unite in reflection. The assembly featured John Young playing the bagpipes, the Principal's Address, readings by students, a wreath-laying by our College Captains, the Last Post played by Christina Bowden and the National Anthem sung by Kathleen Tout. Thank you to all students and staff involved.

Conveyance Allowance

The conveyance allowance is a contribution towards transport costs and may be available to students if Western Heights College is the closest Government School to their home, and

• they reside 4.8km or more from the school, and
• if their nearest school is not serviced by a free school bus provided under the School Bus Program

For more information, please contact our College Business Manager, Kerri Dale.

Canteen orders

A reminder that the Canteen will be ORDER ONLY for all main food items, such as salad rolls, sausage rolls, schnitzel burgers etc. The first 10 minutes of recess and lunch will be allocated to collection of food orders only. The canteen will then be open for any additional purchases of drinks, snack items, yogurts, sugar-free icy poles, sorbet etc.  

Canteen Menu Term 2