Teaching and Learning
Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews: Monday, 7 October
Term Four commences with a normal school day for Years 7-12 on Monday, 7 October. Students will finish the day at 3.30pm and interviews will be held from 4.00pm to 8.00pm. The booking portal for interviews will open on PAM on Friday, 20 September.
Term Three Reports
Term Three Reports for students will also be released on PAM on Friday, 20 September, and we encourage parents to discuss the comments, results and learning behaviour indictors listed on the reports with the students in their families. Year 12 Semester Two Reports will be available on Friday, 25 October.
VCE Unit 3-4 Practice Examinations
The Unit 3-4 Practice Examinations commence this week with the English and EAL examinations.
The examinations continue for the first two days of next term, and students who do not have an exam will be in normal classes. Subjects that are not part of this timetable will hold Practice Examinations in their regular class time.
All students are expected to attend school on these days and they have been briefed about VCAA examination procedures. These procedures will be enforced for the Practice Examinations so that our students have an appropriate rehearsal prior to their final examinations. Students who are unable to attend a session for any reason should see Mr Carolan.
Ralph Carolan
Director of Teaching and Learning
VCE Biology Experience in Melbourne
All Year 11 and 12 Biology students had the pleasure of enjoying a full day experiencing Biology in action in Melbourne last week. The Year 11 students participated in an educational session at Melbourne Zoo. Our Zoo Educator outlined the need to understand the biology of an endangered species when developing strategies to improve their numbers. The students asked insightful questions and certainly made the most of the opportunity to gather information. Throughout the day, the students were able to observe the adaptations of a variety of animals that we had discussed in class.
The Year 12 students visited GTAC (Gene Technology Access Centre) to complete practical course work for their final assessment. The ultimate outcome of the experimental research being conducted was to create transformed bacteria that are being used to develop a Hepatitis Vaccine. The laboratory environment was outstanding and the students gained an excellent understanding of the DNA manipulation techniques scientists use.
VCE Science Expo
The Science Centre was full of exciting discussion between VCE Science students and visitors about their Practical Investigation Posters. The students were very proud to explain to onlookers what their investigation involved and what their conclusions were. I am hoping everyone picked up some real-life tips, such as: the type of soap or natural ingredients that prevent bacterial growth, the nuts and chips with the highest energy content and how high should you drop a water balloon for maximum speed?
Thank you to all of the students, teachers, parents and visitors for your support.
VCE November Examination Timetables
This week, students sitting a Unit 3&4 Examination will have received from their mentor an individual timetable outlining the dates/times of their VCAA examinations in November. Please ensure that careful note has been taken of the details and the final date for Derived Examination Score applications.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the upcoming examination period.
Mrs Rebekah Bonnett
Head of VCE Studies and Head of Science