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St Patrick's College
1431 Sturt Street, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350, AUhttp://stpats.vic.edu.auinfo@stpats.vic.edu.au53311688 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
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Senior School

Mr Matt Miller, Head of Senior School

Unit 3-4 VCE-VM and Non-ATAR finish

Congratulations to our VCE-VM and Non-ATAR students who have officially completed their final day of formal schooling. This is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly proud of their hard work and achievements. We extend our very best wishes to each student as they begin the next chapter of their journey.

 

All Year 12  students are warmly invited to celebrate together at the Year 12 Final Day on Friday, 17 October.


Unit 3-4 Trial and VCAA Examinations 

The Year 12 Trial Examination Period will be held from Monday, 15 September to Thursday, 18 September. Students can wear casual clothes for these trial exams. These practice exams are an important opportunity for students to experience exam conditions and receive constructive feedback ahead of the final VCAA exams. Trial exams are compulsory for all students completing a Unit 3–4 subject. Please see the attached schedule for details.

 

If they have not already, students should begin preparing for these exams in their study time at home or at school. Below are some general tips to support your son in his preparation for the trial and end of year examinations. 

 

Develop a Study Schedule

  • Map out the weeks leading up to your exams.
  • Allocate specific times for each subject, prioritising areas needing improvement.
  • Include breaks and time for revision.

 

Familiarise Yourself with Exam Conditions

  • Complete practice papers under timed conditions.
  • Use the VCAA sample and past exams to simulate the real experience.
  • Work in a quiet space free from distractions.

     

Practice Active Recall and Application

  • Test yourself regularly using past questions.
  • Teach a topic to a peer or family member. If you can explain it clearly, you know it.

     

Interleaved Practice

  • Mix study topics and question types, instead of focusing on one subject or topic at a time
  • Switch between different subjects or alternate types of problems within the same study session.

     

Set Clear Study Goals

  • Break up your study sessions by setting goals for each half hour, such as completing a concept map or making flashcards for key definitions.

VTAC Applications

Applications for 2026 university entry through VTAC close on Sunday, 29 September. We encourage all students considering tertiary study to submit their preferences by this date. After this deadline, application costs will increase.

In addition, applications for the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and scholarships close on Friday, 10 October.


September Holiday Homework

During the September school holidays, all students have been set homework to support their learning and revision. While we encourage rest and quality time with family, it is also important that students continue to reinforce their knowledge and skills to avoid losing momentum during the three-week break.

 

The following hours are suggested for each year level:

  • Unit 4 subjects: 5–6 hours of work per subject
  • Unit 2 subjects: 3–4 hours of work per subject

 

For any questions or further support, please feel free to reach out: 

  • Liam Davie and John Sullivan, Year 11 Coordinators
  • Chris Gleeson and Shane Murphy, Year 12 Coordinators
  • Andrew Chamings, VCE Coordinator