Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Report

Year 7 to 10 Student Progress Interviews, Tuesday 15 September and Thursday 17 September

For valuable, detailed discussion of your child’s progress, Year 7 to 10 teachers will be available by appointment on Tuesday 15 September and Thursday 17 September for the Years 7 to 10 Student Progress Interviews. The meetings will be held on Zoom. 

Unit 4 Reports

For Year 12 VCE students, the final school-based report will be available on PAM in the third week of Term 4. 

VCE Unit 3 and 4 Trial Examinations

Year 11 & 12 students studying VCE Unit 3 / 4 subjects have received a letter about the Unit 3/4 Trial Examinations and the Trial Examination schedule. Performance on these compulsory exams are the best guide to which areas of skill and content students need to focus on for Term 4 and leading up to the Unit 3 / 4 examinations. The importance of the final Unit 3 and 4 Examinations cannot be overstated, as all school-based results in every subject are moderated (changed) in line with the final VCE examination performances. The Trial Examinations, then, are invaluable in identifying areas that most need attention in studying from now until the final VCE examinations.

Supporting Your Child in the Lead Up to VCE Exams

As Year 12 students approach their final VCE examinations, many families are looking for ways to provide the right support at home. While this can be a challenging time, parents and carers play an important role in helping students stay focused, healthy and confident.

The good news is that support does not require expert knowledge of the subject content. Often, the most valuable assistance comes from creating a positive environment and helping young people maintain balance during this busy period.

🪄Help Establish a Realistic Study Routine

Encourage your child to develop a structured study timetable that includes regular breaks, revision across all subjects, and time for rest. Students are more likely to stay motivated when goals are manageable and achievable. Rather than focusing on long hours of study, encourage consistent and purposeful revision.

🪄Prioritise Wellbeing

Sleep, nutrition and physical activity are critical for learning and memory. During exam preparation, students can be tempted to stay up late or spend all their time studying. Encourage healthy routines by ensuring they get adequate sleep, eat regular meals and take opportunities to exercise and relax.

🪄Be a Calm and Positive Presence

The weeks leading up to exams can feel stressful. Parents can help by providing reassurance, listening without judgement and maintaining realistic expectations. Remind your child that their worth is not defined by a single exam result and that effort, persistence and growth are equally important.

🪄Encourage Effective Study Strategies

Students benefit from active revision practices such as completing practice exams, testing themselves on key concepts and reviewing feedback from teachers. Asking your child to explain a concept aloud can also help strengthen their understanding.

🪄Reduce Unnecessary Pressure

While it is natural to want the best for your child, excessive pressure can increase anxiety and reduce confidence. Focus conversations on preparation and effort rather than scores alone. Celebrate milestones and progress throughout the revision period.

🪄Help Manage Exam Anxiety

Feeling nervous before exams is normal. Encourage your child to discuss any concerns with you, their teachers, Head of House, or wellbeing staff. Simple strategies such as breathing exercises, maintaining routines and breaking tasks into smaller steps can help students manage stress more effectively.

🪄Keep Things in Perspective

The VCE examinations are an important milestone, but they are only one part of a young person's educational journey. Remind your child that there are many pathways to future success and that resilience, adaptability and lifelong learning are qualities that extend far beyond Year 12.

As a school community, we are proud of the hard work and dedication our Year 12 students have shown throughout the year. By working together to provide encouragement, practical support and perspective, we can help our students approach the exam period with confidence and optimism.

Ms Claire Nailon

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning