Beyond the Classroom

Students report on opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom this term.

CHES

CHES (Centre for Higher Education Studies) empowers high-ability students to reach further, connect deeply and understand more through a forward-thinking learning community that inspires excellence and curiosity.

Six Year 10 participated in CHES programs in Semester 2 and proudly participated in a presentation of their work for parents and school representatives in November at Melbourne High School, where CHES is based. 

Tayla Abrahams shares their experience:

My experience at the Centre for Higher Education Studies was invaluable. We worked with a university-style outline that required genuine discipline and independence. You had to be confident in your abilities and sure of yourself. The material encouraged me to develop independent study habits, and this preparation proved essential for VCE Literature and English, where critical analysis matters more than following formulas. I received the opportunity to learn from and meet with students from regional Victoria and selective schools—people I might not have encountered or studied with otherwise. Despite the emphasis on independent learning, the group discussions were frequent and substantial. We learned to unpack our thoughts constructively, to test ideas against each other. 

For high-achieving students considering the VCE pathway, CHES offers practical advantages. It establishes senior learning habits early. It creates pathways for students who want to accelerate into university courses during Year 12. Most importantly for me, it gave me access to a Unit 1 & 2 subject that interested me personally but wasn't offered at MGSC. The real value was simpler than any of this suggests. I learned what it felt like to be responsible for my own education in a concrete sense—not the abstract responsibility teachers talk about, but actually having to show up for yourself when no one is checking. You either care enough to do the work or you don't. 

Lucille Burden

Disability Inclusion Learning Specialist

ADF Work Experience

Karen Garton, Careers & Pathways Coordinator, spoke with Chiara Garufi-Byrne (Year 11) about her opportunity to spend a few days with the Australian Defence Force at Puckapunyal.  

Karen: Chiara, you recently completed a work experience placement with the Department of Defence for three nights and four days at the Puckapunyal Army Base. We’d love to hear about your experience so anyone else thinking of joining the Defence Force can get an insight (and maybe decide to do work experience there too!)

How were your days structured? Was there a timetable you followed?

Chiara: During my time at the ADF work experience we had structured days which included starting at 06:00am followed by breakfast, then an activity and information session at either the School of Artillery or Armour. For example, at the school of armour we were able to view different tanks and go inside them. After we had completed a short presentation we were then allowed to talk to current ADF members about their different jobs, careers and overall experience as being a member. Then lunch arrived where we had to complete the drill we had learnt (marching combination), once lunch was complete we completed PT (personal training) sessions which included a circuit as the main part followed by an activity e.g. one day we completed the push-up test, beep test and sit-up test which you need to accomplish in order to join the ADF. Then we were handed over to the night staff, who took us to play games or go swimming at the pool they have on base. Following this ‘free time’ we went to dinner, once dinner was done we were given more leadership and teamwork focused games which challenged our communication skills and encouraged us to work together more effectively and efficiently to complete our set task. Then, it was lights out at 21:30. 

Karen: What sort of cool stuff did you do while you were there? Was there a highlight?

Chiara: Over the four days I was there on base we did so many interesting things and got to see cool stuff. For example, on my secondary day there at the School of Artillery, we got to complete a driving stimulation task where we were able to pretend to be driving certain types of vehicles and use weaponry through a stimulation. 

Another cool thing I was able to take part in was at the School of Armour where we were able to explore the different types of vehicles they use in the ADF and even go inside them (which I wouldn’t recommend if you are claustrophobic) However, I am not and had a blast looking at the different interiors for each vehicle and how they different vehicles are used. 

Another amazing adventure was on our last day when we were able to see the different parts of Puckapunyal, such as the warehouses where the ‘civilians’ work. For example, where they service the different types of vehicles or supply certain parts for vehicles to the army. I thought that it was interesting how many people it takes to run a base and how many career opportunities there are to work on an Army base. 

Karen: Were there any boring bits or things you didn’t really want to do?

Chiara: Yes, there were some boring bits, however they were interesting too. For example, on our first day we had a massive 2 hour long talk and presentation about the different branches within the army, such as the Army band or the intelligence unit who spoke with us about possible career paths within the army. One of the most interesting things I discovered that day was that the Army band plays at heaps of ceremonial and private dinners, which makes being part of it so versatile and exclusive because they visit so many different places, unfortunately I can't play an instrument, so that's off the table for me. 

Something I did not want to do but had to do was the beep test as a part of PT. I think everyone hates the beep test but somehow after doing it I can’t wait to do it again and try to beat my score of level 6.0. Plus now I hate it a little less and next time I am not doing it just after I ate lunch and a circuit, it makes it hurt so much more. 

Karen: You stayed at the Puckapunyal Base, what was your accommodation like?

Chiara: The accommodation was just standard cabins, we stayed where the cadets usually do. It was a large cabin which held roughly 32 people (I believe), as there were only 12 girls it meant we got heaps of space to ourselves. Also, the food at the mess (dining area) was amazing, the hashbrowns in the morning were the best, so overall the accommodation was fantastic. 

Karen: The meals were all provided, did you have to help with the dishes like on school camp?

Chiara: No, we didn’t have to help with any dishes as they had civilian employees who work there and do the dishes/cleaning of these facilities.

Karen: Was it hard to get a Work Experience placement with the Department of Defence? How did you apply?

Chiara: Yes and no. I simply applied through the Australian Defence Work Experience program and waited until an experience became available. Then I simply filled out the questionnaire and waited to hear back from them. The hardest part about this process for me personally was waiting for spots to open up in areas that were easily accessible to me, so I could get to and from there easily. Although they also offer programs which are interstate, these you can apply for, however you must pay for your flight/drive there, which can be difficult.

Karen: Do you want to join the Defence Force for your future career? Did this work experience placement help you with that decision?

Chiara: This work placement allowed me invaluable experience and insight into what it meant to be a member of the Australian Defence Force, however I have not decided yet whether or not I will join in the future. Though I believe the experience allowed me to really think about what I want to do in the future and maybe I will join the ADF, I’m just still a bit unsure.

Karen: What would you say to another student considering work experience with the Department of Defence?

Chiara: DO IT!!!!! PLEASE!! My time doing work experience was one of the best times I have ever had. It is like going to a school camp but knowing no one there, which sounds scary but trust me it is amazing. By not having any one with me this forced me to talk to people and practise my socialising skills, this allowed me to create friendships with individuals who are from all over Victoria who I still talk to and will always share memories with. Further, this experience allowed me to expand on my people skills and I learnt a lot about myself during the program, mainly what I am good at and what I need to improve on. This program allowed me to explore leadership, teamwork and communication through leading my group to win one of the activities or communicating without talking, this taught me to be patient and kind to everyone I interact with and has changed the way I view my future career goals and dreams. 

Karen: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about?

Chiara: No, but I do just want to shout out to the cooking staff because the food was immaculate and I love them. 

VCE VM Structured Workplace Learning

The VCE VM students engaged in their second block of Structured Workplace Learning in November. The students were guided and supported to communicate with a number of local businesses to secure a placement within an industry they are interested in pursuing as a future career pathway. This year we have had a greater range of industries which students explored including education, information technology, community engagement, real estate and floristry. 

Here are some testimonials from two students from the class of 2025 about their experience:

Avery KS

During my Structured Workplace Learning, I undertook a placement at East Bentleigh Primary School. I really enjoyed the experience, although working full time was an adjustment and I often found myself quite tired. Each day, I worked from 8:45am to 3:30pm, supporting both staff and students across a range of tasks. 

One of my main responsibilities was organising shelves and keeping the learning spaces tidy so that resources were easy for teachers and students to access. I also supported students with their classwork, reading their work and encouraging them to stay focused.

Over the two weeks, I developed valuable skills such as communication and organisation. At first, I found it challenging to communicate with younger children, but by the end of my placement my confidence had grown significantly, along with my ability to collaborate effectively.

Aisha H

Our second block of Structured Workplace Learning required we completed a work placement for 2 weeks. I am interested in real estate and chose to reach out to a Real Estate/Property Group in South Bank. During my time at Eton Property Group, I learnt a great deal each day. I took on a wide range of responsibilities, made a few mistakes along the way, and asked lots of questions to improve. I really enjoyed working with the property managers, who were supportive and dedicated to looking after the many properties they lease. 

I assisted by organising and managing keys, especially as the team had recently taken on a large number of new property agreements. I also joined property managers on openings, inspections, and final inspections. Through these experiences, I learnt how to complete a condition report and gained an understanding of how people can leave their homes, as well as what needs to be cleaned or repaired by cleaners or builders. 

I had a lot of fun and learnt so much during my time there. 

Thank you to Eton Property Group for giving me this valuable work experience opportunity. 

Stephanie Loiacono

VCE VM Coordinator