Class of 2025 Stories and Celebrations

Q & A with 2025 Dux Vincent Wang

What was most challenging thing about completing Year 12?

One of the most challenging aspects of completing Year 12 was learning how to balance school life with personal life. Juggling academic pressure alongside work, extracurricular activities, and personal time required a lot of discipline and self-awareness. One thing that was really challenging for me was knowing when to stop studying and when to take a break, as pushing too hard can be just as counterproductive as not working enough. Learning to manage time effectively and recognise personal limits was a skill I had to actively develop throughout the year and still need to improve on.

What has been rewarding about your Year 12 year?

One of the highlights for me was the end-of-year celebrations, which marked the culmination of years of hard work and shared experiences with friends and teachers. There was also a strong sense of freedom that came with being in Year 12: having more independence and responsibility, and the opportunity to reflect on our very own personal growth, made the year feel both meaningful and memorable.

What was your favourite subject during your time at Northcote High School?

My favourite subjects during my time at Northcote High School were Robotics class in Year 9 and Mathematics Methods during VCE. Robotics sparked my interest in problem-solving, logic, and hands-on learning, while Maths Methods challenged me academically and strengthened my analytical thinking. Both subjects sparked my interest in engineering and STEM-related fields.

What was your most memorable moment of Year 12?

My most memorable moment of Year 12 was when time was called at the end of my final exam. That moment signified not only the completion of all the hard work I had put in over the year but also the end of an era: my high school journey. It was a surreal and emotional moment that marked both an ending and the beginning of adulthood.

What are your current plans for next year and the future?

In 2026, I hope to study Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Alongside my studies, I plan to work part-time as a tutor. I’m excited to continue developing my academic interests while also giving back by supporting other students in their learning journeys.

Do you have any words of advice for future students?

My advice to future students would be to find a healthy balance between school and personal life, whether that means balancing study with rest, revision with social time, or ambition with wellbeing. Yes, academic endeavours are important, but they should never come at the cost of your wellbeing. This balancing skill is something that will serve you far beyond high school.

Your attitude also matters immensely. Coming from someone who was struggling in Algorithmics and had some "interesting" scores across many of my subjects, it's important to remember that you don't need to be a "perfect" student to succeed. Everyone learns differently, and setbacks are not a sign of failure but a natural part of growth. You can never avoid mistakes, stress and moments of doubt, but what matters is how you respond to them and what you take away from that experience.

Most importantly, enjoy the process. Yes, Year 12 is stressful and challenging, but it is also your final year of school and a unique chapter of your life. As the Chinese idiom goes, “Your appearance is formed by your mind, and your destiny is created by yourself.” Amid the exams, deadlines, and pressure, make time to appreciate the friendships, the shared struggles, and the small moments that make the year memorable. Trust yourself, stay open to learning, and keep moving forward. If it's meant to be, it will be, but only if you give yourself the chance to grow along the way.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the teachers at Northcote High School for their constant support, guidance, and dedication throughout my schooling, especially during Year 12. Your encouragement, patience, and belief in your students make a lasting difference, and I am incredibly grateful for the time and effort you invest beyond the classroom. To future students, particularly those entering Year 12, trust the process and believe in yourself. It will be challenging at times, but stay consistent, look after your wellbeing, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Keep going, the effort you put in now will be worth it in the end.

Our VCE Vocational Major Stories

Audrey- self reflection

During our work related skills lessons we learnt about the job application process, this involved writing a resume and cover letter and participating in mock interviews. This included interviewing peers and providing feedback to each other which then enabled us to reflect on our own skill sets. These lessons, our own motivation and teacher support helped us to find a structured work placement in our VET area of study.

I got my work placements by calling and emailing many different child care centres. At times it was a little frustrating and disheartening to be turned away, but this experience showed me the importance of resilience and persistence when faced with obstacles. Rather than giving up, I kept refining how I presented myself until I succeeded. This determination not only helped me secure my placement but also built my confidence, independence and employability qualities that will help me in future challenges and job applications.

Over the two years of VCE VM, I had two structured work placements in a local childcare centre and primary school where I participated in a range of activities with the children and maintained the learning spaces. Child Care Cert III helped me to understand the industry and apply my knowledge and skills in a real life situation.

I have been accepted to Melbourne Polytechnic to study Early Childhood Education.

Itana Rocco

Itana utilised her support from Liz (VCE VM Coordinator), family and friends to obtain two structured work placements in real estate and interior design. Seeing Itana’s progress from year 11 to year 12 VCE VM has been inspiring and shows that she chose the right educational pathway for her. Itana has developed her team work and leadership skills which was evident in her ability to manage her team in event planning and participation in applied activities. Itana helped others to engage in the application of real life skills through her support and positive attitude towards theory and practical components of the program.

Itana fully committed to all strands of VCE VM, including numeracy, literacy, work related skills, personal development skills and VET Cert III in Business. This has led her to obtaining an offer for CERT III Interior Decoration and Design at RMIT.

Cohen Highfield

Cohen’s Pathway to a School-Based Apprenticeship

Cohen has shown outstanding initiative and dedication in creating a successful pathway from school to employment. While in Year 11 in early 2024, Cohen proactively contacted local employer Metro Made to request work experience. This opportunity quickly led to casual employment with the company.

With support from his family, Booma (Careers) and Regina (Head Start program), Cohen transitioned into a School-Based Apprenticeship in Carpentry in January 2025. He worked two days per week with Metro Made while completing VCEVM and his Certificate III in Carpentry through Melbourne Polytechnic.

In October 2025, Cohen successfully completed his VCE VM studies and transitioned into full-time employment with Metro Made. His employer has been so pleased with the experience that they have since committed to employing another Northcote High School student through Head Start in 2026.

Cohen’s journey highlights the value of initiative, strong partnerships, and the opportunities available through school-based apprenticeships.

Emmett Campbell-Fraser

Emmett has successfully transitioned from school into full-time employment through persistence, dedication, and strong industry engagement. After being referred to Head Start in late 2024, Emmett worked throughout 2025 to develop key work-ready skills while completing Year 12, taking on feedback and advice and continually improving along the way.

During the year, Emmett completed structured workplace learning placements with Pedders Preston and Bayford Motors Bundoora. While a School-Based Apprenticeship was not available at the time, Bayford Motors continued to support Emmett through ongoing workplace learning and offered him a full-time apprenticeship upon completion of his studies.

Since finishing school in October 2025, Emmett has commenced his apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Mechanics, confidently transitioning from high school into full-time employment

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