Teaching and Learning

VCE High Achievers

It was with great pleasure that the 2025 VCE High Achievers were presented at the 2026 Welcome Assembly last Friday 6 February. Our 32 students who achieved an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 90.00 or over were invited, marking the highest number of students in recent memory. This ATAR places them in the top 10% of students across Australia.

The individual achievements of each student were highlighted, particularly those who achieved study scores over 40. Any score over 40 places that student in the top 9% of that subject; study scores over 45 indicate achievement inside the top 2%. Of these there were numerous. There were also two perfect study scores of 50; Matthew Katrantzis in General Mathematics and Ben Evans in Geography. Congratulations to both students. 

What does become apparent when students are presented is that there is no one way to succeed academically. Some students undertook six subjects as part of their VCE, some undertook 5. Some students accelerated into Unit 3/4 subjects in Year 11, and others didn’t. VET subjects, Music and the Arts subjects, Computing, Outdoor and Environmental Studies, Product Design and Technologies and Systems Engineering featured alongside Physics, Chemistry, Literature, History, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics. Additionally, we had two students undertake University Extension Subjects; College Dux Piero Palleschi in Mathematics and Evan Bowles in Law. As a school, we are very fortunate to be able to offer the breadth of subjects that we can and provide opportunities for all students to achieve their personal best.

The achievement of our top two students, Dux Proximus Alex Calvi and Dux Piero Palleschi warrant particular mention. Alex achieved an ATAR of 99.75 and Piero 99.85, placing them in the top 0.25% and 0.15% of all students respectively. This is an outstanding achievement by both individuals.

As a community, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to acknowledge our high achievers publicly. We are very proud of what all of our class of 2025 achieved, and particularly recognise the achievements of those students presented at the assembly and congratulate them and their families.

Learning Habits Rubric

Late in 2025, we asked parents, students, and teachers for their feedback on the Learning Habits Rubric. Every student across the College is assessed against the rubric in every subject; it provides reinforcement to students who consistently display positive learning behaviours and identifies areas where students can improve. It is being reviewed as part of the Academic Progress Policy.

A number of consistencies came from the three groups' feedback, particularly the terms used to define the standards (‘Unacceptable’, ‘Minimum Standard’, ‘Commendable’ etc.), as well as the need for clarity in the descriptors. There were also some great suggestions people thought would be helpful, including acknowledging homework completion. 

A number of staff volunteers have been working together to make adjustments to the rubric and improve it such that it provides clearer direction and guidance for students and families alike. We are also aware that support is needed for students and families to better understand what is expected in every lesson such that learning is maximised. 

We are confident that the updated version of the rubric will be ready for distribution shortly. We will communicate directly with families and highlight the changes via the next edition of the College Newsletter.

2026 Unit 3/4 Compulsory Trial Exam Period

The Term 3 holidays is the time when Trial Exams for the VCE Final Exams take place. These exams are compulsory for all students undertaking a VCE Unit 3/4 subject. Commencing Thursday 24 September, the trial exams will run through to the end of the following week (Friday 2 October). There are no Trial Exams on Friday 25 September which is a public holiday.

The purpose of these Trial Exams is to prepare students for the final VCE Exams in late October/November. On completion of the Trial Exams, students receive important feedback on performance- affirmation, correction of misconceptions and areas of challenge to work on- to ensure they are prepared for the final exams. With final VCE Exams constituting around 50% of the total grade in most subjects, the importance of having students perform at their absolute best when the time comes cannot be overstated. 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us here at the College. 

Learning Diversity News

We are pleased to announce that we have welcomed a Youth Support Worker to our College who will be working closely with students involved in our Learning Diversity Program. The Youth Support Worker provides one-on-one wellbeing support for students, including mental health support, advocacy, emotional regulation skill-building, and classroom assistance to help students feel settled and ready to learn.

Students can also access the Chill-Out Zone, a quiet, supervised space located outside the Youth Support office. This space is designed primarily for junior neurodivergent students who may need time to regulate, and includes comfortable seating, sensory resources, and wellbeing information.

In addition, the Year 7 & 8 Lunch Club Program will run twice per week, offering a small-group, supportive environment where students can build friendships and social confidence through games, music, and interactive activities.

We’re looking forward to this role strengthening the Learning Diversity supports available to our students and helping them feel safe, supported, and connected at school.

Should you have any queries, please contact Anthea Scully, Head of Learning Diversity Department as@stbedes.catholic.edu.au or 9582 5999. 

Brenden Mair

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning