Wantirna College Newsletter

Senior School

Key Dates:

Term 3

Tue 13 Aug: Athletics Carnival

Fri 30 Aug: CHES Applications Close

Fri  20 Sept: Last Day VM Classes

 

Term 4

Thu 24 Oct: Last Day VCE Classes

Fri 25 Oct: Year 12 Celebration Day

Tue 29 Oct: VCAA Written Exams begin

Wed 13 - 20 Nov: Year 11 Exams 

Thu 21 - 28 Nov: Year 11-12 Step Up

Wed 27 Nov: Year 12 Valedictory

Fri 29 Nov: Year 11 into 12 A. Review Conf.

Fri 29 Nov: Last Day for Year 11 students

Year 12 VCE English Exam Preparation Session 

Late last Term, all Year 12 English students had the privilege of attending an intensive exam preparation program, joined by peers from schools in the Knox region. Led by experienced VCE assessors, the session offered invaluable insights into maximising our exam performance.  

 

Throughout the day, we looked at effective strategies for tackling all sections of the exam by breaking down texts, understanding the study design, reviewing past exams, and comprehending the VCAA grading scheme. The program featured short writing workshops and provided opportunities to ask specific questions to the assessors. Collaborating with students from local schools was a highlight, and we left the session feeling significantly more confident about our upcoming exam!  

~ Rachel Cameron, English Captain

Subject Selection 

It’s been a busy couple of weeks in the Careers & Pathways world at Wantirna College, with subject selection in full swing!  This term, we've had our Curriculum and Pathways Information Evening, University/TAFE Tours and numerous assemblies.  Our Year 8s were provided with dedicated subject selection interviews on Friday 2nd of July, which allowed them to consider their program and electives offered at Year 9.  The Senior Centre was buzzing on Wednesday 7 August, when all Year 9 and 10 students, many with their parents, came along to choose their programs for 2024.  For our Year 10s, this involved considering the options that will see them through the remainder of their secondary schooling and the choice of VCE, VCE-VM Hybrid and our VM SBAT options.  Subject selection is continuing in Explore over the next week, with Year 11s choosing their subjects for their final year of schooling in 2024. 

  

Final preferences need to be submitted by Tuesday 27 August.  If any students need assistance, please contact Mrs Jessie Dennison or Mr Tim Knowles. 

 

Year 12 VCE Prep for Exams: Term 3 School Holidays  

Week 1 Holidays: 

Knox Schools Exam Preparation Sessions  

 

Knox Government Secondary Schools are proud to work in partnership to provide an exceptional, free End of Year Exam Preparation Program for students undertaking VCE Units 3 and 4 (Year 12 and early start VCE students). This program will be conducted face to face from Tue 24 to Thu 26 Sept.

 

Sessions will be held at Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Mountain Hwy, Bayswater. Students will receive physical resources on the day of their session.  Further information will be distributed via Teams and Compass very soon, including the final schedule and sign-up process. Stay tuned for more information! 

 

Week 2 Holidays: Formal Practice Exams 

When: Week 2 of the holidays 

(dates to be confirmed) 

Where: Senior Centre 

What: Confirmed Practice Exam Timetable will be available soon, along with details to sign up and provide consent for your attendance. 

Why? 

  • To provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge and skills through retrieval practice to determine what they know and don’t know. This specific feedback will help guide revision and study in the lead up to exams. It will reinforce learning and fill knowledge gaps. 
  • To replicate the format and experience for sitting exams in a timed and formal setting. 
  • To provide more time for teachers to spend on quality instruction and feedback, rather than sitting exams during class time. 
  • Knowing what to expect on an exam, and being well prepared, will boost confidence and help alleviate negative thoughts and feelings. 
  • Retrieval practice (completing practice exams) is one of the most effective study techniques based on educational research. 

Further information will be distributed via Teams and Compass very soon, including the schedule and sign-up process. Stay tuned for more information! 

Invitation - Year 12 Parent & Student Info Evening  

Monday 26 August - Online

The Senior School extends a cordial invitation to all Year 12 students and their parents/carers to attend an important information evening: Navigating the Future: VTAC, Pathway Planning, and Exam Preparation Evening on Monday 26 August. 

 

Further details, including a link to access the online session, will be communicated via Compass in due course. 

 

The online presentation will address the following topics: 

  • VTAC preferences, including key dates and procedures for changing preferences 
  • Receipt of VCE results 
  • Next steps after VM 
  • Understanding the ATAR: its significance, functionality, and relation to VTAC 
  • The role of the Pathways Team 
  • Exam preparation, including effective study strategies, revision programs and practice exams 
  • Examination procedures, including rules and regulations 
  • Expectations for Term 4 classes 
  • Other information

We look forward to your participation in this informative session. 

 

David Black

Assistant Principal