Mid-Year Exams

We were delighted with the dedicated and focused manner in which our Year 11 students approached their mid-year examinations. These assessments provide an important opportunity for students to develop and refine essential exam skills, including:

Knowledge retrieval – recalling and applying content from across an entire semester of learning.
Writing under timed conditions – managing time effectively to ensure all questions can be attempted.
Question interpretation – carefully analysing what each question is asking. Students often lose marks due to misunderstanding the required response. For example, tasks that ask students to explain, describe, or compare each require a different structure and approach.

We encourage students to spend some time over the holiday break reviewing their Unit 1 examination results and feedback. Reflecting on strengths and identifying areas for improvement will help students build the skills needed for success in Unit 2.

General Achievement Test (GAT)

On 16 June, our Year 11 and 12 students studying a VCE Unit 3/4 subject completed the General Achievement Test (GAT). Students approached this full day of assessment with maturity, commitment and focus.

The external VCAA examination supervisors were highly complementary of our students’ behaviour, organisation and the respect they showed to staff throughout the day. While these standards align with the expectations we hold at Parkdale Secondary College, it is always pleasing to receive such positive feedback from external personnel.

Looking Ahead to Term 3

Term 3 is a significant and important term for our Year 12 students. By the end of the term, all formal classes and course content will be completed. Students will then transition to their next stage, whether that involves completing their secondary schooling or entering a period of focused revision and preparation for their final Unit 3/4 examinations.

This is the time for students to increase their study efforts and maintain consistent work habits. The extra commitment shown during Term 3 can have a substantial impact on confidence, achievement and final study scores.

Student Leadership and Co-Curricular Success

Our Senior School leadership team has been incredibly active throughout the term, helping to organise and lead a range of successful school events, including:

Parky’s Big Give
Mid-Year Music Concert
STEP Showcase Evening
Science Fair
Year 9 Course Selection Information Panels
Year 9 Drama Production
Yr 11 Lunchtime Basketball tournament

In addition, senior students have proudly represented the College in debating, cross country, AFL, netball and the Girls in STEM mentoring program.

These opportunities foster connections across year levels, provide younger students with strong leadership role models, strengthen our school culture and showcase the many talents and characteristics of our students within the wider community.

Congratulations and thank you to all students who have embraced leadership opportunities this term. Whether through formal leadership roles or by demonstrating initiative and service in everyday school life, your contributions are valued and appreciated.

Year 12 English incursion

The Year 12 English students had a short performance of Oedipus followed by a workshop by the Eagles Nest on in which key scenes were revisited for further analysis and interpretation. The presentation helps students understand the plot and explore whether Oedipus is a tragic hero brought down by fate, or a victim of his own unchecked arrogance and wilful blindness.

Year 12s finished the term with a trial exam for English and EAL, trial exams provide the students with practice in writing to time, which is a skill that can set them above other students in their final exams.

VCE VM Work Experience

Throughout June, our Year 11 and 12 VCE Vocational Major (VM) students participated in work experience placements. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for students to explore potential careers, develop workplace skills and gain important insights into future pathways beyond school.

We thank the many employers and staff members who have supported our students and helped make these placements successful and rewarding.

If you or your organisation would be interested in offering future work experience opportunities to our students, please contact the College Pathways Team. We are always grateful for the support of our local community in helping students prepare for life beyond school.

Course Selection Information

Year 11 students have started their course selection process for Year 12. Students and parents are reminded to access the VCE VET & VCE VM course handbook on Compass – School Documentation. This has important information about the selection process and individual subjects.

Prior to course selection meetings on Wednesday 15th July, students must:

Speak with key teachers ny new subjects they may be considering before their course selection meeting.
Speak with the pathways team if they are unsure of university prerequisites for their preferred study pathway.
Complete their course selection workbook and bring it to their meeting.
Enter their Year 12 subject preferences by Monday 13th July

Important dates

Wednesday 15th July

There are no scheduled classes for Year 11 and 12 students

Year 12 English students are to attend for their scheduled Oral presentation SAC
Year 11s to attend their Course Selection meeting
(times will be provided to students prior to the day)

Wednesday 22nd July

Year 12 P/T interviews 2.00pm -4:30pm

This will be a great opportunity to receive feedback and strategies as our year 12s work towards their final assessment.

Finally, we thank parents for their ongoing support during semester 1. Student reports will be published on Friday 26th June at 4pm. We encourage you to take a moment to sit with your child and reflect on their successes for semester 1 and identify some strong habits to work on in Semester 2.

History

by Carly Gaffney