Senior School Report

The three guiding principles in the Senior School during the challenging Term 3 that we have experienced have been to encourage students to remain as positive of possible, encourage students to focus on what they can control and for students to continue to move forward with their studies in the effort to be prepared for their eventual return to school and future studies. The Senior School co-ordinators are committed to supporting student wellbeing and academic success. Please ensure you contact the relevant co-ordinator with any queries and requests for support.

It will be important for students to ensure they get some well-deserved rest and leisure time during the term break. Our Year 11 and 12 students in particular will still need to schedule revision time to be prepared for their end of year exams. The Head Start program for current Year 10 and Year 11 students will be conducted later in Term 4. This program will further support our students to be prepared for success in their 2022 VCE or VCAL programs.

Year 10 and 11 Semester 2 Exams

The college is planning to conduct Year 10 and Year 11 exams in Term 4.

It is important for the Year 11 students to consolidate their subject knowledge and skills, and gain important exam practice in the lead up to their 2022 Year 12 studies. Year 10 students will complete exams for the subjects of English and Maths only. Year 10 students studying a VCE subject will also sit the exam for that subject. Reducing the number of Year 10 exams due to pandemic interruptions will provide time for Year 10 subject classes in Term 4. Conducting the Year 10 and 11 exams in Term 4 is dependent on the students being back on-site at school and subject to the health advice at the time.

Resources for Parents

Andrew Fuller is a clinical psychologist who is renowned for his work in the wellbeing of young people and their families. His website contains a number of excellent free resources for parents/carers. I recommend parents/carers take a look at the resources available, including articles on ‘How parents can help students in the senior years of school’, ‘How to increase your marks’ and ‘From can’t do to can do’. https://andrewfuller.com.au/free-resources/#parents

Knox Schools’ Revision Program-VCE Units 3 and 4

During Week One of the Term 3 School break ( The program will consist of online lectures by expert presenters for many of the VCE studies our school offers. The students will receive excellent revision resources in the form of information packs prepared by each of the presenters.

The final program session times and Webex links have been distributed this week to students. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to access the highest quality of VCE revision support at no cost to parents.

Past VCE Units 3 & 4 end of year exams (and examiner reports) can also be accessed from: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/past-examinations/Pages/Index.aspx

General Achievement Test (GAT)

All students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE, VET Unit 3 and 4 sequences must sit the GAT.

The GAT is scheduled to be held at the college on Tuesday 5 October 10.00am–1.15pm.

Students must arrive at school no later than 9.15 am.

The GAT is an essential part of the VCE assessment procedure. Although GAT results do not count directly towards VCE results, it plays an important role in checking that school-based assessments and external assessments have been accurately assessed. GAT results can also be used in the calculation of the Derived Examination Score for students who are ill or affected by other personal circumstances at the time of a VCE external assessment.

Elevate Parent Workshop

On Tuesday the 24 August, a small but enthusiastic group of parents participated in the Elevate Parent Workshop. The workshop focused on:

• How parents can help their child manage their time effectively, so they can maintain a balanced routine, not leave tasks to the last minute, and avoid distractions.

• The kind of work that is most valuable in helping achieve higher marks.

• Motivation methods

Mr Tony Stirling

Head of Senior School