Learning and Teaching
Subject Selection and VCE Acceleration
We recently concluded the subject selection period for students in 2024 at St Bede’s College. All students in Years 7 to 11 were required to make their selections that they see as part of their future, whether focused on enjoyment, interest or a desired pathway.
This makes for a particularly interesting time at the College, as the conversation between our school and the families is a very rich and meaningful one.
One of the focus areas for the Learning and Teaching team is making some assessments regarding students’ suitability to accelerate into a VCE subject. This involves students applying to do a Unit 1/2 (or Year 11) VCE subject in Year 10, and similarly students applying to do a Unit 3/4 or Year 12 subject whilst still in Year 11. This is beneficial for some students, as it can boost their ATAR upon conclusion of the VCE and, as such, the determination at the school level is whether or not accelerating is in the best interests of the student.
As a school, we are looking at a number of factors when making this determination. These include (but are not limited to);
- An individual’s academic ability in English (as this is the only subject used for all students in its entirety in calculating the ATAR)
- An individual’s academic ability across all other subjects undertaken (as the total of the majority of a student’s subjects far outweigh their aptitude in one area when calculating the ATAR)
- A student's Learning Habits (as assessed by their teachers each term)
- A student’s habits around homework and study; and
- An endorsement from relevant teachers at the College.
This year, a large number of current Year 9 and 10 students applied for this pathway.
Many were successful in their applications, and we congratulate them on this achievement. Their willingness to apply themselves has yielded results that have allowed these students to take this opportunity and that we believe they will benefit from.
For those who weren't successful in their applications, we encourage them to continue working hard and not to be disheartened. This process is about timing and readiness.
The window is still open - any student who wishes to reapply in the future is welcome to do so. We encourage them to look to firstly improve on the areas that held them back on this occasion and then, towards the end of the year (prior to exams), collate the results and make an appointment to see me.
Students will need to be achieving above 80% in the subject areas to be considered, which is a high bar. Nevertheless, we believe that our students, when they put time and effort into their studies, will be able to get there. We value persistence and determination at the College and look forward to seeing our students succeed.
Brenden Mair
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning
Career Conversations
How often do you talk about careers at home with your kids?
Chatting about work/life pathways over dinner is a great way to open up different ideas about what a future career might look like.
These prompters here help everyone to discuss strengths, skills and passions to open up a world of career opportunities.
Celebrating Teacher Achievements
Congratulations to Rachel Urquhart (Year 8 Coordinator – Bentleigh East) for her selection to an Advisory Group that aims to enhance the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) strategy, MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.
"Your passion for education, experience, and commitment to creating a positive impact on learners is greatly valued, and we believe your insights will be invaluable to the success of the Flourishing Learners program." Renae Bishop - Senior Project Lead
Stephen Pooley
Campus Director - Bentleigh East