HES Semester 1 Activities
HES Orientation
Building on a successful orientation program in early February, students have completed their first semester of university study. The HES Orientation provided an important foundation for the year ahead, giving students the opportunity to meet their classmates from around Victoria, connect with their university teachers and CHES staff, and gain a clear understanding of course expectations and learning structures. It was an important introduction to ease the transition into this unique program.
HES offers students the opportunity to experience the depth and rigour of first-year university subjects while still at school. From the outset, students have been engaging with complex ideas, participating in thoughtful discussions, and beginning to develop independent learning skills that will support their future pathways. It has been particularly encouraging to see students embracing the challenge, navigating new expectations, managing their time, and building connections with like-minded peers from across the state.
We look forward to supporting our HES cohort through semester 2 as they continue to grow in confidence and capability, making the most of these exceptional learning opportunities.
Fabiano Nigro
Assistant Principal
Biological Sciences at Federation University
In Term 2, students take part in a hands-on laboratory day using the science labs onsite at CHES. During the session, students completed two practical investigations: exploring how temperature and germination affect the rate of cellular respiration in plant cells and observing the different stages of mitosis in plant cells under microscopes.
Law at La Trobe University
Throughout semester 1 our HES law students began to explore how laws shape society, protect rights, and influence the relationship between governments and citizens. The course introduces students to legal institutions, public law, human rights, and the foundations of legal problem-solving. The Law HES course allows students to channel that curiosity into a deeper understanding of the Australian legal system and the role law plays in everyday life.
Criminology at Monash University
Throughout the year, Monash Criminology students explore how crime, punishment, and justice are shaped by social values, political choices, and real-world examples. Through the lenses of criminological theory, we look closely at why societies punish, why people might commit crimes, why white-collar and environmental crimes are harder to detect, and what different approaches to justice can achieve. The CHES hy-flex learning structure is woven throughout this unit so students can engage with the material in the way that best suits them, whether attending in person, joining online, or catching up through asynchronous online resources.
Physics at Melbourne University
Throughout the year, University of Melbourne Physics students navigate the fundamental laws that govern motion, energy, and interactions in the physical world. Incorporating both theory and application as they examine concepts such as mechanics, waves, electromagnetism, relativity, and how these principles apply to the real world.
Unit 1 – Physics 1 (PHYC10003) builds a strong foundation across core physics concepts, while Unit 2 – Physics 2: Physical Science and Technology (PHYC10004) focuses on applying these ideas using calculus in scientific and technological contexts.
The CHES hy-flex learning structure allows students to engage in-person, online, or through recorded materials. By the end of the units, students can apply mathematical reasoning to solve problems, make predictions about physical systems, and collect and interpret experimental data.
La Trobe Immersion Day
During the holidays, some of our LTU Higher Education Studies students visited La Trobe University for their Immersion Day. Throughout the day, students explored university facilities, connected with academics and current students, and gained valuable insights into what studying these disciplines at university is really like.
From hands-on physiology and anatomy activities to engaging discussions with legal professionals and students, the experience brought classroom learning to life and highlighted the many pathways available to them after their VCE. A special thank you to La Trobe University for hosting and providing such an inspiring and memorable day of learning.
