Learning & Teaching News

Year 12 Practice Exams

Students in Year 12 preparing to undertake their VCE exams later this month have undergone a trial examination period. During this period, students sat practice exams for each of the units they are enrolled in. The purpose of these exams is multifaceted, and students were encouraged to take the exams seriously. Students are reminded that the effectiveness of practice exams involves not only sitting the exam but also how they analyse their results, understand their mistakes and use this information to further their study.

Practice exams allow students to assess their understanding of the material they have studied. The exams are designed to be like the actual paper they receive, so students can gauge their knowledge and identify areas where they may need to improve. The act of recalling information also enhances memory retention and reinforces what students have learned making it easier to recall the same information later on. Incorrect answers or areas of challenge can indicate specific topics or concepts that require further review and study. 

Experiencing a practice exam assists students to familiarise themselves with the format and structure of the actual paper. This includes understanding the types of questions (multiple choice, short answer, essay, practical, etc.) and the time constraints. Becoming accustomed to the exam format helps reduce anxiety on the actual exam day. When students know what to expect, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed during a real exam. Additionally, as the exams were practised under timed conditions, students learnt how to manage their time effectively and how to allocate time to different sections and questions, ensuring that they completed the exam within the given time frame. 

Our teachers are acknowledged for their hard work to provide students with targeted feedback, which is focused for further revision and improvement. Upon receiving feedback, students should ensure they work to understand accompanying explanations or solutions, ask questions to seek any clarification required and make any necessary adjustments to their study routine. Students can learn from their mistakes, understand correct answer patterns and enhance their problem-solving skills if they make good use of feedback. 

Overall, the Year 12 cohort are congratulated for successfully completing their practice exams and hopefully feel a boost in their self-confidence. This period has provided evidence that students have the knowledge and skills needed to perform well. Confidence is crucial for managing exam stress and performing at one’s best. 

Natasha McKenzie                                                           David Hansen

Middle Years Curriculum Leader                                Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching

Cranbourne Campus                                                       Cross Campus