Teaching and Learning

Semester 1 Reports & Parent / Term 3 Student Teacher Conferences

Teachers are currently preparing Semester 1 reports, which will include a summation of all learning tasks (including end of Semster Exam results), Outcome and Unit results and Homestead Learning Behaviours.

These reports will be available to view via Compass on Friday 17th July (Week 1 Term 3), with our second cycle of Parent / Student / Teacher Conferences scheduled to occur in Week 10 Term 3. Information on booking into these conferences will be made available mid-Term 3 on Copmass and will again feature a combination of online and face to face meeting options. 

Aimée Thorpe

Assistant Principal 

Teaching, Learning and Student Outcomes

Year 12 VCE - StudyPulse Platform

StudyPulse is an AI-powered exam preparation platform, it functions as an intelligent study companion that provides instant, VCAA curriculum-aligned marking, personalised study plans, and an AI tutor. All students enrolled in a Unit 3 & 4 subject now have access to this platform, including Year 11 VCE Access students. 

On Monday of Week 9, both teachers and students engaged in presentation by one of the co-developers of the platform to assist in understanding the functionality and user interface of the program. 

StudyPulse is available for all Units 3 & 4 subjects offered at Homestead. For students, it provides on demand tutor-like support for Unit 3 & 4 subjects, where students can receive feedback on practice questions or seek tailored support on a particular concept or key knowledge area. Students can access this anywhere, anytime. 

For teachers, it is an assessment tool that can be used to support their work in providing timely feedback consistent with VCAA Study Designs, VCAA Examinations and Chief Assessor reports. 

We are excited to embark on this journey with StudyPulse. As an early adopter school, we will also have the ability to contribute the development of new features to suit the needs of both students and teachers. 

Whilst the platform is  only available for Year 12 VCE subjects, it is currently in development to be extended to Units 1 & 2 subjects at some stage in 2027.

Aimée Thorpe

Assistant Principal 

Teaching, Learning and Student Outcomes

Year 10 - Sound. Screen. Design. Showcase

On Tuesday, 9 June, our Year 10 Music, Visual Communication Design and Media students participated in the inaugural Sound. Screen. Design Showcase. Students proudly presented their original music videos, songs, and album artworks to an enthusiastic audience of staff and students.

The showcase highlighted the creativity, technical skills, and collaborative efforts of our students, who worked hard to develop and refine their projects throughout the semester. 

From original music compositions and engaging video productions to innovative album artwork designs, the event celebrated a diverse range of creative talents. 

Congratulations to all students involved for their dedication and outstanding work. You should be proud of the creative

 and engaging projects you produced. 

Jack Fillmore

Art & Technology Domain Leader

VCE Chemistry Excursion - University of Melbourne

Our Year 11 and Year 12 Chemistry students recently visited the University of Melbourne to explore the use of advanced analytical techniques in modern chemistry over two exciting days of learning at the University.

Despite an unexpected interruption to the program on the second day, due to a fire alarm in the Chemistry Building, students demonstrated exceptional maturity and flexibility. They followed instructions promptly, remained calm and respectful throughout the evacuation process, and resumed their activities with enthusiasm once it was safe to do so.

During the excursion, Year 11 students participated in activities involving UV-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, investigating how light can be used to analyse and quantify chemical substances. 

Year 12 students explored Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, developing their understanding of how chemists identify and determine the structure of organic compounds.

The excursion provided students with valuable insight into the practical applications of VCE Chemistry and exposed them to university-level scientific equipment and facilities. Students also had the opportunity to collaborate with research students (into the PhD) from the university, who generously offered guidance and support during the program. These interactions deepened students’ understanding of the equipment and analytical techniques used in chemistry, while also providing a valuable glimpse into university study and scientific research. We were particularly proud of the way our students represented the school, displaying curiosity, engagement and exemplary behaviour throughout the day.

It was a fantastic day of exploration, inquiry and inspiration. We thank the staff at the University of Melbourne for hosting us and providing such an engaging and memorable learning experience. This memorable experience would not have been possible without the preparation, organisation and support of our Chemistry staff, Jack, Teresa and Nasser.

Jack, Teresa and Nasser

Chemistry Team