Director of Learning and Teaching

Bringing VCE Physical Education to Life

On 10 August, we welcomed Tyler from METS Performance Consulting, who ran an afternoon incursion bringing our Unit 3 and 4 Physical Education curriculum to life. Students observed two live testing demonstrations.  In the VO2 Maximum Test, they tracked oxygen consumption, respiratory variables and the Lactate Inflection Point (LIP) as the incremental test progressed.  The Wingate Anaerobic Test — a 30-second maximal effort — generated real-time data on peak power, anaerobic capacity and the onset of fatigue.

This interactive experience allowed students to apply and consolidate their understanding of core VCE concepts including energy system interplay, fatigue mechanisms and acute physiological responses.  Seeing this data generated live, rather than in a textbook, is invaluable preparation for the end-of-year examination.

A New Look Year 8 Start Up Program

Across Terms 2 and 3, the Year 8 Start Up program has been substantially revamped.  In this unit, students investigate what constitutes genuine and meaningful contribution to the local community.  Working collaboratively, they have rotated through four authentic community challenges within the Hamilton area: Cooking for Community, Caring for the Environment, Supporting Young Learners, and Art in the Community.

Students engage in an inquiry process that moves from deep listening and needs analysis, through to proposal design, implementation and reflection.  The emphasis throughout is on responding to real community needs rather than completing simulated, school-based tasks.

Along the way, students explicitly develop skills in research, collaboration, communication and project management.  They also examine what it means to contribute ethically and effectively — distinguishing between performative acts of “doing good” and actions that create sustainable, community-informed impact.

The unit is grounded in the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 General Capabilities, with particular focus on Personal and Social Capability, Critical and Creative Thinking, and Ethical Capability.  Students apply these competencies in practical contexts while developing a deeper awareness of local opportunities and of their own values, strengths and emerging identities at a pivotal stage of adolescence.

Year 12 Trial Examinations — Week 10

A reminder that Year 12 Trial Examinations will take place in Week 10 of this term.  A full examination timetable will be distributed to families shortly.

The trial examinations are a significant milestone in our students' final year.  Conducted under the same conditions students will face in November, they provide an authentic rehearsal of examination timing, structure and expectations, and give students and teachers precise feedback on where revision efforts are best directed in the weeks that remain.  We ask families to support their young people in treating these examinations seriously.  Students should be establishing consistent study routines now, prioritising rest, and attending every scheduled paper.  Students who engage fully with the trial process consistently perform with greater confidence and composure when it matters most.

Mrs Heather Balkin

Director of Learning and Teaching