Senior School

As we enter the final months of the academic year, our Year 12 students are approaching an important milestone in their schooling journey. With only this term remaining for formal teaching and learning, students should be focused on consolidating their knowledge, seeking support where required, and establishing productive study habits. 

Recently, students were provided with their predictive study scores, which offer an indication of their current trajectory based on academic performance and assessment data. While these scores are not a true prediction of a final result, they can serve as a valuable tool for both motivation and intervention, helping students identify areas of strength as well as subjects requiring additional attention in the lead-up to the examination period. 

Following the conclusion of Term 3, VCE students will return for two weeks of revision classes in Term 4 before commencing the SWOTVAC period and final VCAA examinations. For our VCE-VM and non-ATAR students, subject to the successful completion of all program requirements, classes will conclude at the end of Term 3 as they prepare for the transition to employment, apprenticeships, further training, or tertiary study.

VTAC Information Evening

Our annual VTAC Information Evening will be held on Tuesday, 11 August from 6-7pm. I strongly encourage all ATAR Year 12 students and their families to attend this important session as we work through the tertiary application process, course preferences, ATAR considerations, scholarships, and key VTAC timelines.

The evening will also include information regarding the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and the broader special consideration processes available through VTAC. Understanding these opportunities can make a significant difference for students who may be eligible for additional consideration as part of their tertiary applications.

If you have questions about future pathways or the VTAC process, we look forward to assisting you on the evening.

Unit 3-4 Trial and VCAA Examinations

The Year 12 Trial Examination Period will be held from Tuesday, 15 September to Friday, 18 September 2026. These practice examinations are an important opportunity for students to experience examination conditions and receive constructive feedback ahead of the final VCAA examinations.

Trial examinations are compulsory for all students completing a Unit 3-4 subject. The schedule for these is attached below. 

If they have not already, students should begin preparing for these examinations during their study periods at school and through consistent study at home. Below are some general tips to support your son in preparing for both the trial and end-of-year examinations. I will provide additional strategies in future editions.

1. Develop a Study Schedule

• Map out the weeks leading up to your examinations.
• Allocate specific times for each subject, prioritising areas requiring improvement.

• Include breaks and dedicated revision time.

   

2. Familiarise Yourself with Exam Conditions

• Complete practice papers under timed conditions.
• Use VCAA sample and past examinations to simulate the real experience.
• Work in a quiet space free from distractions.

3. Practise Active Recall and Application

• Test yourself regularly using past examination questions.
• Teach a topic to a peer or family member. If you can explain it clearly, you know it.
• Focus on applying knowledge rather than simply re-reading notes.

In addition, VCAA has published the external examination timetable. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their examination dates and plan their preparation accordingly.

Year 12 End of Year Events

There are a number of significant Year 12 events occurring later this year, including Speech Day, Final Day, Final Day Mass, and Valedictory.

Communication outlining all key dates was sent to families earlier this week. We encourage families to keep these dates available in their calendars. Further information regarding each event will be distributed closer to the respective dates.

Should you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out.

• Matt Miller, Head of Senior School
• Tess Jennings and Rebekah Curtis Lester, Year 10 Leaders 
• Liam Davie and Steve Biggin, Year 11 Leaders 
• Chris Gleeson and Shane Murphy, Year 12 Leaders 
• Andrew Chamings, VCE Coordinator