Teaching & Learning
VCE Vocational Major
The inaugural Year 12 VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) Class of 2024 finished their classes on September 20th.
They came back to enjoy the final day of celebrations and valedictory with their fellow Graduates on October 22nd. The past two years saw many firsts for both the students and Coburg High School, as together we all navigating our forever changing world. These year 12s, had their chance to try different jobs through Structured Workplace Learning, assisted in many school activities including the Colour Run in 2023, a walk-a-thon, shed building, tree planting, inter-year sports competitions, mindfulness with younger years. They did this all while completing various VET subjects as well as mainstream VCE subjects and other studies. We are sad to see them go but very proud of their accomplishments and excited to hear what’s next.
Work Related Skills
During Term 3 the Year 11 VCE VM Work Related Skills Class were involved in a mentoring matters program provided by the Inner Northern Local Learning and Employment Network (INLLEN). This saw students engaging with members of the public assisting in mentoring them through the process of entering the workforce. They were guided through resume and CV writing, interviewing techniques and workplace recommendations.
17 Yr 11 VM Work Related Skills students then undertook Mock Interviews at Merri-bek Council chambers last week. Students were required to search for an entry-level job in their preferred profession, forward an Expression of Interest letter and attach their CV in preparation for the mock interview. The Interviewers who were volunteers from the community, acted as representatives of the companies that the students applied to.
The sessions ran smoothly and students walked away with a positive and valuable experience.
Students received both verbal and written feedback on how they performed in the interview.
Edward Schellander
Port Melbourne Excursion
On October 31st the VCE VM Year 11 class boarded a bus bound for Port Melbourne. Here they were introduced to what the Port does and how it impacts their everyday lives. A highlight was the bus tour around the Port and seeing the graveyard of cars to be moved into dealerships.
Vox Pop
As part of the year 11 Literacy class students were tasked with getting out of their comfort zone and asking the general Coburg public for their opinions on various topics as a VoxPop.
They were surprised by some responses and used this information to develop a podcast teaching people about things that they are most interested or passionate about. Some of these topics included life skills and alternative lifestyles.
Lydia Burns
Year 8 PE
Year 8s are wrapping up the curriculum with Hybrid Games. With Tchoukball, Disk Golf, Pickleball and Speedminton, it is an exciting unit! Here 8I students are playing Backboard Ball:
Zhanet Zyka
Year 8 Curriculum Innovation: Shaping the Future of Learning at Coburg High School
At Coburg High School, we don’t just settle for “good enough.” Just as we want our students to live the school value of Excellence, we too as leaders and staff want to challenge ourselves to redefine what’s possible. Our goal is to better engage students in their own learning and to prepare them to thrive in a fast-evolving world beyond school.
With the launch of our exciting new Technology Building for 2026, we’re embracing an opportunity to rethink how we teach, learn, and innovate. This state-of-the-art space will be the canvas for our bold new vision—one where dynamic, interdisciplinary learning experiences take centre stage. We’re excited to harness this incredible environment to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and deepen understanding across all subjects.
At the core of this transformation is interdisciplinary learning and design thinking. These game-changing approaches are reshaping how we engage with students. By tackling real-world problems through the lens of design thinking, our students will not only connect theory to practice but also develop the skills and mindset needed to tackle the complex challenges of tomorrow.
This journey began with an inspiring offsite Professional Learning Day on Friday 8th November, where our Learning Area Leaders immersed themselves in the principles of design thinking. Guided by the insights of innovator Tobi Skovron, we were challenged to think differently and embrace new ways of approaching teaching. From there, our staff formed interdisciplinary pairs to explore the key issues that matter most to our Year 8 students—problems that are both urgent and relevant in today’s world. By prioritising the challenges that matter most to them, we’re not just preparing them for academic success; we’re empowering them to become problem-solvers and change-makers who are ready to shape the future.
Our vision is clear: to create a learning experience that is interconnected, relevant, and deeply impactful. Together, we will build a curriculum for Year 8, 2026 and beyond that inspires, engages, and equips students to lead in a world that’s changing faster than ever.
Katrina Aralios & Angela Schneider
Year 8 & Curriculum Innovation Leaders
Staff at Creative Cubes, Ritz room, Carlton engaging in all stages of design thinking. Mini hacks inspiring thinking ‘outside the box’.
