SENIOR School Update
Dear Parents/Carers and Students
The Frankston High School pillars of Community, Aspiration, and Excellence are vividly evident on the Senior Campus as our students strive for Optima Semper – Best Always in both their pathway planning and academic studies. This term, these pillars have guided our Year 11 and 12 students as they consolidate Career Action Plans, prepare for Year 12 2026 courses, and, for our Year 12 students, research and plan their post-secondary education, careers, and future pathways, while also applying themselves with dedication to their current academic studies.
Pathways Learning in Action – Taster Days and Careers Expo
On Thursday 31 July, the Senior Campus welcomed Year 9 and 10 students for an inspiring Middle School Careers Day, supporting them to explore pathways and begin planning for their future aspirations. The day concluded with our Subject and Tertiary Expo, where students from Years 8–12 and their families explored engaging displays from the eight learning areas, middle school and senior school subjects, and a wide range of tertiary providers, industries, TAFEs, and universities. This event provided our school community with meaningful pathway information and was designed to make pathway planning both informative and supportive.
On Monday 11 August, our Year 10 students then participated in the VCE and VCE VM Taster Day. This unique experience allowed students to step into “a day in the life” of a senior student, sampling a range of subjects they may consider for their Year 11 program in 2026. The day helped students gain a clearer understanding of their options and provided greater clarity in designing a program that reflects their strengths, interests, and aspirations.
Year 11 into 12 Course Counselling
On Monday 18 August and Wednesday 20 August, Year 11 students, parents/carers, and counsellors came together for Course Counselling Interviews. These sessions provided the opportunity to:
Research future study prerequisites.
Investigate the resources and functionality of VTAC, including Course Search
Discuss career pathways and transition planning.
These conversations helped students reflect on their aspirations and set purposeful goals for 2026 and beyond.
VTAC Applications – Key Dates
As Year 12 students prepare to apply for tertiary study through VTAC, families are encouraged to note these important deadlines:
Monday 29 September 2025 (5.00pm): Timely applications close
Friday 10 October 2025 (5.00pm): SEAS and scholarship applications close
All deadlines are listed on the VTAC Important Dates page, in the VTAC Year 12 Guide, and through VTAC’s Parents and Caregivers Resource. Key Dates 2025-26
Our Optima Mentors and Careers Team remain committed to providing individualised support every step of the way.
VTAC Glossary for Parents and Carers
VTAC – Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre Facilitates student applications for tertiary study across Victoria and beyond, including course preferences, SEAS, and scholarships. How to Apply – VTAC
SEAS – Special Entry Access Scheme Considers the impact of circumstances on a student’s learning, ensuring institutions can fairly assess potential. SEAS can provide access adjustments but does not remove course requirements. How SEAS Works – VTAC Video
Scholarships Available through VTAC, institutions, and government departments. Scholarships may be awarded for reasons such as financial hardship, relocation, Indigenous heritage, community service, or academic merit.
VTAC also runs webinars for students and families, which we strongly encourage you to attend.
Don’t Miss Out on Open Days!
Attending Tertiary Open Days is a great way for students to explore campuses, meet staff and students, and get a feel for the courses and culture before finalising VTAC preferences. Upcoming Open Day dates and details can be found on the VTAC Open Days page.
Year 12 Studies and Examinations
Our Year 12 students are completing Unit 4 SACs, SATs (VCE), and Structured Workplace Learning (VCE VM) while preparing for their final examinations.
The VCAA 2025 Examination Timetable has been released: VCE examination timetable - Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
Exams commence: Tuesday, 28 October 2025 (English/EAL)
Exams conclude: Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Throughout Optima classes, students will receive their personalise hardcopy examination timetable. These will not be on their Compass schedule. Students will have assigned seating for their examinations and photo identification is required.
September Holiday Practice Exams
To best prepare students for VCAA conditions, compulsory practice examinations will run in the September holidays, supervised by official VCAA supervisors:
- Wednesday 24 September
- Thursday 25 September
- Monday 29 September
- Tuesday 30 September
- Wednesday 1 October
- Thursday 2 October
The timetable is available on Compass.
Study Strategies for Success
As Term 3 intensifies, we encourage students to approach their learning with strategies that reflect our pillars of Community, Aspiration, and Excellence:
Plan with Excellence: Use a study timetable that balances subjects, rest, and wellbeing.
Aspire Higher: Engage in active revision—summaries, practice exams, flashcards, and mind maps.
Learn in Community: Connect with teachers, peers, and Optima Mentors for support and motivation.
Look After Yourself: Prioritise sleep, exercise, and healthy routines, wellbeing supports achievement.
We are proud of the hard work, commitment, and resilience our senior students are demonstrating this term and look forward to supporting them as they take the next steps in their journey.
Wishing Year 11 students all the best for Central Australia Camp
We wish our Year 11 students all the very best as they prepare for their upcoming Central Australia Camp. Over two weeks, students will journey through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Northern Territory, from the awe-inspiring Uluru and Kata Tjuta to the rugged Kings Canyon, the cultural heart of Alice Springs, the gorges of Nitmiluk, and the wetlands of Kakadu and Darwin.
This experience is not only an adventure but also a chance to deepen their understanding of culture, history, and environment while building lasting memories with their peers. We look forward to hearing their stories and reflections when they return.
As our Senior Students continue to embrace the challenges and opportunities of Term 3, through camp, coursework, examinations, and pathway planning, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Senior Sub School Team, the Wellbeing Team, and the Careers Team. Their unwavering commitment to combining high expectations with high care ensures that every student is supported to live out our motto: Optima Semper – Best Always.
Ms Tiffany Greenhill
Campus Principal
Senior School
We understand families calendar book up quickly. Please see below for some important dates to note.
Click Here for Senior School key contacts
Click Here for Year 11 only Calendar Dates
Click Here for Year 12 only Calendar Dates
Important reminders
Uniform: Students are expected to wear the full Frankston High School uniform each day. Non-uniform items, such as hoodies and jewellery, are not permitted. Only small plain studs or sleepers in ears and a watch are acceptable. Any non-uniform items will be confiscated, and consequences will apply.
Mobile Phones: In line with Department of Education policy, mobile phones must be switched off and stored in lockers from the time students arrive until the end of the school day. Phones cannot be used during recess, lunch, or class time. If a phone is used on school grounds, it will be confiscated, and consequences will be issued.
Attendance: Every day counts. Regular attendance is vital for learning, developing strong routines, and maintaining peer connections. If your child is absent, please record the absence on Compass or contact the Attendance Officer. Medical certificates are required to support illness-related absences.