Assistant Principal Report -Senior School 

Assistant Principal Report -Senior School

Firstly, I’d like to congratulate our graduating Senior VCAL students who have now completed their formal classes at the end of Term Three.  The final presentation evening was held Thursday 8th September and students presented to peers, loved ones and staff about their education journey to date and their hopes for the future.  To the VCAL class of 2022, we are proud of the contribution you have made to the College and look forward to hearing of your success in the future.  We will see you all soon at the official college farewell and Valedictory dinner.

Approximately 365 students completed the new format GAT, Wednesday 7th September.  The GAT now consists of two papers.  Section A, which assesses literacy and numeracy skills against the Australian Core Skills Framework, is sat by all students completing a unit 3/4 VCE study and all Senior VCAL students. Section B, which assesses skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities, with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills, which is sat by unit 3/4 VCE students only.  This test is an important moderator of school results and provides a ‘safety net’ of sorts for students in case their end of year exams are unable to be sat or are negatively impacted by a significant event.  This was big day for all involved with Section A running for 2 hours and 15 mins and Section B one hour and 45 mins, with very little turnaround time for rest and set up.  As usual, our students responded with excellent behaviour and effort which was pleasing to see.

Unit 3/4 practice exams will be held during the second week of the holidays.  This a good opportunity for a dress rehearsal of end of year exams and to identify areas in need of improvement in the lead up to formal exams. The practice exams are held over three days, and while this makes a tight schedule, it also means exams and feedback can be turned around and used by students and teachers for revision purposes. The schedule is available on Compass for these.

2023 subject allocations are largely complete.  These will be distributed early in Term Four to all students.

Finally, I hope the break is a restful one for students, as it has been a fatiguing term full of big events.  As always, we look forward to next term and hopefully a little more sunshine.

Mr Michael Tuck

Assistant Principal