Teaching & Learning

VCE Vocational Major

Coburg High School is part of the Northern Melbourne VET Cluster and this cluster provides an extensive selection of VET programs and any Year 9 student going into Year 10 is able apply to undertake a VET course. Year 9 students will learn more about the program during the upcoming subject selection towards the end of Semester 1.

Lydia Burns

Live FM

This term, our Year 11 Vocational Major Literacy students undertook an exciting project to create a radio show-style podcast tracking the history of all things Coburg High School. Working under the title Coburg Across the Ages, students developed the idea of tracing the roots of our current school and suburb back as far as oral history would allow.

The project originated from the school’s decision to use Ralph Barbara’s “Live FM” program for the first time. Ralph runs this program across Victoria, training young people in sound production and presentation through a day-long training session followed by another full day of recording.

Easily the biggest challenge for our class was deciding who to interview and what questions to ask them. We spent weeks approaching people, reaching out to former students and local identities, and learning what makes a really good interview question. All of this resulted in 17 guests visiting CHS, with the added bonus of our filming day taking place during the school’s Open Day.

Students from as far back as the graduating class of 1956 visited, and our current Mayor, Nat Abboud, dropped in for a chat, as did several more recent graduates who are now seemingly all studying law. We also interviewed a graduate from the class of 2009, when our current site operated as a senior-only school. He now owns and runs an architectural design firm and shared many happy memories of CHS Senior.

By far our most anticipated guest was Doug Morgan, famed bank robber and former inmate of Pentridge Prison. There had initially been some scepticism about our ability to find a former prisoner, but Billy A. believed it could be done and made contact with Doug, who was only too pleased to meet our class and speak openly about his wayward younger years as one of the two “After Dark Bandits”. While he may have robbed 25 banks during the 1970s and 1980s, his only offences this century have been for driving while using his mobile phone. Doug now donates his time speaking with current inmates about the consequences of their choices and encouraging people away from crime. He certainly did not disappoint and drew quite a crowd.

Yet again, our Year 11 VM group demonstrated the skills required to become professional tradespeople and future business leaders by looking after guests, creating quality content, and managing the logistics for the day. A special mention must go to Aidan C., who greeted guests and made them feel genuinely welcome. His people skills are first rate.

All students’ efforts were outstanding, and we are immensely proud of their finished work.

Listen / Watch Here

Gary Vella

(A very proud Year 11 VM Literacy Teacher)

Forensic Science - Year 9

Crime scenes in a shoe box

These are the crime scene boxes created by our Year 9 Forensic Science students in class. Students worked creatively to design their own crime scenarios, develop detailed backstories, and use props to create evidence that may have been left behind at the crime scene. Students applied their forensic investigation skills to this hands-on activity while demonstrating creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. Well done to all students for their effort and imagination!

Leona He

Food Technology

This term, Year 11 Food Studies students have been exploring the rich history of migration and its impact on Australian eating habits. This week, the classroom was filled with the aromas of the Mediterranean as students focused on Greek cuisine. Working in collaborative small groups, the classes produced impressive traditional Mezze platters, featuring roasted lemon potatoes, authentic Greek salad, marinated olives, lamb Kefthes, and dips. Beyond developing their culinary skills, students gained a deeper appreciation for how post-war migration reshaped Australia’s food culture from 'meat and three veg' into the vibrant, diverse cuisine we enjoy today. Well done Year 11 foodies!

Deborah Garlick

PE

High Octane Physical Education Classes - Junior PE class coaching experience

As part of the High Octane - Physical Education Sport Coaching Unit of study, both of the Year 10 High Octane classes ran coaching sessions for our wonderful Year 7 PE classes, throughout week two of term two. 

It was a fantastic opportunity for the High Octane students to apply the knowledge that they had learnt inside the classroom in a real life situation and to develop positive connections with our Year 7 students.

Many thanks to Tom Tellefson 7F, Brooke Wilson and 7D for taking part in this initiative.

High Octane Physical Education Classes - Coburg Primary coaching experience

Our Year 10 High Octane classes had the pleasure of attending Coburg Primary School to develop their coaching skills, working with primary school aged children.

The students successfully coached the Coburg Primary students in a variety of sports including Pickle Ball, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Netball and Football. 

It was truly remarkable to see the positive interactions, care and guidance being provided by each member of the High Octane classes.

On behalf of the Year 10 High Octane classes we would like to thank Jacob Bryant (Physical Education Teacher CPS) and the Grade 1/2 Teachers at Coburg Primary for allowing our students to have such a valuable coaching experience.

Kylie Saccone

Pre-Service Teachers at CHS

As Coburg High School's Placement Coordinator I organise and facilitate opportunities for pre-service teachers, from a number of universities, to experience the world of teaching under the guidance of our amazing staff. It has also been my absolute pleasure to be mentor to Emily, a  pre-service teacher, during her recent placement here at CHS.

I remember my own placements as a pre-service teacher and how they were equal parts daunting, inspiring, and absolutely exhausting - there is no subject that can prepare you for the realities of the classroom, you can only get that with experience. That’s what makes teaching rounds so valuable for our up-and-coming educators, but it’s also really valuable for our mentor teachers here at CHS. Mentoring a pre-service teacher necessarily involves close reflection on your own teaching practice, and it’s the hallmark of all passionate and caring teachers that we continually strive to improve.

As Placement Coordinator I often hear that pre-service teachers are specifically asking to do their placements with us, because of what they have heard from others - that our staff culture is supportive, professional and collaborative, and that we have some pretty great students ;-)

Emily is only on her first placement but already I can tell that she has what it takes to be a great teacher. She was quickly able to develop great working relationships with our students, and is always open to new ideas and suggestions. Emily was blown away by the kindness shown to her by the Year 7 Humanities students she was given the opportunity to teach - it’s been a really positive experience for everyone :-)

Amber Partington

Hear from Emily below:

I'm currently completing my first teaching placement at Coburg High School as part of my Master of Teaching degree. Before returning to study, I completed a degree in Marketing and worked in the industry for several years. Although I enjoyed the creative side of marketing, I realised I was looking for a career that felt more meaningful and fulfilling, which ultimately led me to pursue teaching.

Alongside my marketing background, I have worked extensively within the NDIS sector and as an integration aide, which further strengthened my passion for supporting young people and pursuing a career in education.

My first placement at Coburg High has been such a positive experience. The school community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and I have already learnt so much during my time here. My mentor teacher, Amber Partington, has been amazing and has provided invaluable guidance, support and encouragement throughout my placement.

I’ve genuinely loved my time at Coburg High and feel very grateful to be completing my first placement at such a great school.

Emily Arceri

CHS Visible Learning Plans - Helping Your Child Stay Organised

A common challenge in high school is getting on top of how much is happening across so many different subjects at once. A tool that can help with this are the CHS Visible Learning Plans, accessible by both students and parents. They are produced by our teaching team at the start of each semester and outline, for every subject your child takes, what topics they’ll be covering and when their assessment tasks are due, right down to the term and week.

Where to find it

Log into Compass → Star Icon [School Favourites] -

→ 7 - 10 Visible Learning Plans and Assessment Schedule OR

→ VCE & VM SAC & SAT Assessment Schedule 

* looking for it on your mobile? Navigate to ‘More’ in the bottom right corner, and then click ‘Star’

5 way to use the VLP & Assessment Schedule at home

When your child is stuck

If your child is unsure what to do for a task, point them toward these resources in order:

• COGS (Coburg Online Google Sites): accessible at school and from home
• Compass: official due dates, timetable, and teacher contact details
• Google Classroom: ongoing tasks and class resources
• Class teacher: asking in person (after class for example) or via email (teachers respond during school hours)

Need more support?

If your child regularly struggles with planning, organisation, or keeping on top of their workload, please reach out to their Coburg Connect teacher for additional support.

The Learning Plan is a simple tool that when used well, can make a genuine difference to how settled, prepared and confident your child feels each week.

Melanie Buscema-Moore

Assistant Principal (Operations & Inclusion)