Learning Pedagogy and Innovation

Understanding High School Assessments: A Guide for Parents

 As we navigate through the academic journey of our high school students, we often encounter a barrage of acronyms that may leave us feeling bewildered. Therefore, we have decoded some of the most common terms you might hear from your Year 11 and Year 12 students.

SAT (School-Assessed Task)

SATs are assessments conducted internally by the school. They cover a range of subjects and are designed to evaluate students' understanding and mastery of the curriculum. SATs can take various forms, including essays, projects, presentations, and practical tasks. These assessments carry significant weight in determining students' final grades, making them a crucial aspect of their academic performance.

It's essential for parents to understand the requirements and deadlines associated with SATs, as they often contribute a substantial portion to students' overall marks. Encouraging your child to stay organised, manage their time effectively, and seek assistance when needed can greatly alleviate the stress associated with SAT preparations.

SAC (School-Assessed Coursework)

Similar to SATs, SACs are assessments administered by the school. However, SACs are more continuous and can occur throughout the school year. These assessments allow students to demonstrate their ongoing progress and understanding of the subject matter. SACs may include tasks such as essays, tests, quizzes, or practical exercises, depending on the subject.

As parents, staying informed about the SAC schedule and requirements enables you to support your child's learning journey effectively. Encourage regular study habits, provide a conducive environment for study, and offer assistance or guidance when necessary to help your child excel in their SACs.

GAT (General Achievement Test)

The GAT is a statewide assessment administered by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). It is typically undertaken by Year 11 and Year 12 students who are completing a Unit 3 and 4 VCE subject and Year 12 VCE VM students. It serves multiple purposes, including providing a benchmark for schools and assessing students' general knowledge, skills, and abilities across various subjects.

While the GAT does not contribute directly to students' final subject scores, it plays a vital role in ensuring fairness and consistency in the assessment process. Additionally, GAT results can influence the calculation of students' Study Scores and contribute to their ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) calculation, which is crucial for tertiary education admissions.

Understanding the significance of the GAT and its implications for your child's academic journey can help you provide appropriate support and encouragement during their preparation. Emphasise the importance of familiarising themselves with the test format, practising time management, and seeking guidance from teachers or tutors if needed. The GAT will be held on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.

Students can prepare for the GAT by accessing the Sample GAT papers available on the VCAA website https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/general-achievement-test/pastGAT/Pages/index.aspx 

Familiarising yourself with these acronyms – SAT, SAC, and GAT – empowers you to better support your child throughout their Year 11 and Year 12 journey. By staying informed, offering encouragement, and providing assistance when needed, you play a pivotal role in helping your child achieve their academic goals.

Study Habits to Achieve Goals

Success in academics often hinges on the habits we cultivate. Establishing effective study habits is key to achieving our goals. Here are some tips to help you maximise your study sessions:

• Create a designated study space free from distractions.
• Break down your study material into manageable chunks.
• Use active learning techniques like summarising, teaching, and self-testing.
• Maintain a balanced schedule that includes regular breaks and sufficient rest.
• Stay organised by using planners or digital tools to track assignments and deadlines.
• By adopting these habits, you'll not only enhance your learning experience but also alleviate stress by feeling organised.

Year 10 and 11 Midyear Exams

At our college, all year 11 and year 10 students sit mid-year exams. Midyear exams are important for secondary students because they help assess what students have learned during the first half of the school year. These exams give both teachers and students a clear idea of progress and highlight areas that may need improvement. They also prepare students for final exams by helping them develop study habits and manage exam stress. Exams play a key role in supporting academic growth and success.

Year 11 exams will take place from June 12-18. You can access the dates via the SIMON calendar.

Year 10 exams will take place from June 16-19, you can access the dates via the SIMON calendar.

Elevate

We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting their next parent webinar on supporting your child during exams on June 4th.Elevate works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.Sign up for the session below to learn how you can help your child succeed in exams by establishing an effective routine in the days before.  

Live Parent Webinar: How You Can Support Your Child During Exams

Wednesday 4th June 6:30-7:30 pm (AEST)

Click here to register for free  

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:  

• Helping your child prepare in the week before an exam  
• Establishing a good routine for your child the night before 
• Helping your child to optimise their exam performance