Leading Teachers Report 

Leading Teacher: Junior School Report

Dear South Oakleigh College community, 

It's remarkable to think that we are already at the end of Term 1. A term that has been extremely busy and hopefully rewarding for all of our students. The Year 7 students have now well and truly become a part of the South Oakleigh College family and together with their parents and carers we sincerely hope we have made their transition into secondary school a positive one. Recently we had a number of our Year 7 students deliver a speech in front of the entire cohort as part of our student leadership selection process. Congratulations to all of those students. 

Our Year 8 students had a fantastic time at camp and used the time away from school to build on their relationships as a cohort. Students have also been busy completing assessment tasks and other activities, such as heart dissections in science, as the term draws to a close. I encourage all parents to discuss with their children their learning goals and what they have achieved in Term 1. Interim reports will be released at the end of this term and will give you a valuable insight into how your child is progressing.

Throughout the term, I have been taking Year 7 and 8 students to our local primary schools to give their senior students an insight into how secondary schools operate. I am so proud of the way our students have conducted themselves on these visits and have been great ambassadors for our College.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Junior School team of Ms Hoernel, Mr Fernandes and Ms Boxell for all their hard work throughout the term and wish all members of our school community a restful and enjoyable break. 

George Tzimourtas 

Leading Teacher: Junior School

Leading Teacher: Senior School Report

As we approach the end of the term, many students are already thinking about how they can prepare themselves for the upcoming VCE exams. Fortunately, there are many free holiday study programs available that can help students improve their performance and boost their confidence. 

The ATAR Notes holiday lectures are an excellent opportunity for VCE students to gain insights and tips from experienced teachers and high achievers. The lectures cover a range of subjects including English, Maths, and Science, and are available online from the 11th to the 14th of April.  

The Monash Virtual School is another valuable resource for students, offering revision sessions for all sciences and maths at unit 1-4 levels throughout April and onwards. These programs provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their learning, clarify their doubts, and develop a deeper understanding of the curriculum. 

In other news, the year 12s are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the newly designed VCE jacket for the next term. The designing process involved students working collaboratively with the school Leadership Team to create a modern and sleek design that represents the spirit of Year 12. The presentation ceremony will be held in early term 2, and students are looking forward to receiving their jackets with great anticipation. 

Recently, the school had the privilege of hosting Ross Huggard, an experienced VCE teacher, Chief assessor for VCE and author of" several English textbooks. Ross delivered a session on exam skills and knowledge, providing students with valuable insights and strategies for tackling the VCE English exam. Students were able to engage with Ross and ask questions, gaining a better understanding of the subject and how to achieve their best. Ross has also provided students with invaluable resources focused on exam preparation.  

In addition to the upcoming holiday study programs and events, our Year 11 and VCE students are also busy preparing for other significant milestones. The Vocational Major students are working towards finding a work placement that aligns with their chosen career path. This is an essential step towards gaining practical skills and experience in their chosen field and enhancing their employment prospects. 

"I am currently studying year 11 Vocational Major. I am undertaking VET Dance and VCE Music as part of this program, as I hope to pursue full-time dance once I graduate. Studying VM as opposed to VCE has allowed me to prioritise honing my industry-based skills. And this isn't to say that my academic education is being compromised. As well as letting me focus on my career trajectory, I have continued building my English and Maths skills. I have also gotten to really build my teamwork skills in PDS. 

It has been very rewarding getting to see our vegetable garden flourish, and despite differences we have all come together as a class to be productive and efficient in our project work. I have also begun to fully explore the industry and careers that I would like to pursue in Work Related Skills. From financial security, to job shortages and growth, I have researched into my industry, coming out with a stronger knowledge on the more logistical side of the work, as well as the more day to day work I would be doing in the job. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my choice to follow the Vocational Major stream, and I am really happy with the progression in my learning this year."

Genna Windsor: VM Student

Year 11 students will also have exams in June, which will be a crucial opportunity for them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and prepare them for the upcoming VCE exams. It is important for students to start preparing early and establish a consistent study routine to ensure they are well-prepared for these exams. 

Furthermore, the General Achievement Test (GAT) will be held on June 15th. The GAT is a crucial exam that is used to moderate VCE results across all subjects. It is important for students to take the GAT seriously and do their best, as it can have a significant impact on their final results. All students completing a Unit 3 and 4 subject – scored VET included and even if the subject is through VSL or VSV must sit for the GAT.  

Finally, it is crucial for students to maintain a good study routine during the holidays and complete their holiday homework. Establishing a consistent study routine allows students to stay focused, manage their time effectively, and reduce stress. Completing holiday homework is also vital, as it helps students revise and consolidate their learning, prepare for the upcoming term, and develop good study habits. 

The VCE program is an essential aspect of a student's academic journey, and holiday study programs and good study habits are crucial for success. The school is committed to supporting students in their VCE journey, and we encourage all students to take advantage of the available resources and opportunities. 

Grace Terdich

Leading Teacher: Senior School

Reporting Feedback

Earlier in Term 1, an opportunity to provide feedback on the Reporting process at South Oakleigh College was provided to a cross-section of the families. Thank you to the families who took the time to provide feedback. 

Overview of Feedback

Pluses 

• Semester reports were identified as providing valuable insight into academic progress
• The majority of families access Learning task data and feedback during the semester 

Delta’s (Areas to improve)

• Greater clarity around the grades and ranking system used in Semester Reports
• More detail is to be provided on student progression in individual subjects.

We are working towards enacting reporting changes based on the feedback provided with a reporting trial in Mathematics occurring in Semester 1, a further opportunity to provide feedback will be provided later in 2023.

Louise O'Neill

Director of Curriculum Innovation, Pedagogy, Assessment & Reporting