Learning and Teaching
VCE 2024 Trial Exams Dates
In 2024, the VCE Trial Exam period will run from Wednesday 25 September until Thursday 3 October.
This year, the Unit 3/4 Trial Exams for our students undertaking these subjects took place during the September school holidays. They ran for six days and provided students with an opportunity to see where their strengths lie, as well as identify areas that need attention prior to the VCE Exam in the coming weeks.
Any improvements made in exam performance in the coming weeks significantly and directly improve a study score, so the process of Trial Exams - and the significant resources allocated- directly benefit students.
As the VCE Exams in coming weeks provide the process where student performance in a subject is comparable across different schools, any student who does not complete their Trial Exam is disadvantaged.
Most schools use the September holidays to conduct Trial Exams for the reasons outlined above; they are compulsory for all students at St Bede’s College as we want student to achieve their best possible result. As a school, we ask that families prioritise these Trial Exams for any Year 12 student undertaking a scored VCE as well as Year 11 students accelerating into a Unit 3/4 subject.
We are well aware that school holidays provide an opportunity for families to get away. What we ask of families where students are undertaking a Unit 3/4 subject is that you consider this carefully and, if possible, make arrangements so that the exams can be completed.
Whilst we will not get in the way of any family taking time away and missing a Trial Exam, it must be understood that it is disadvantageous for any student to do so.
In 2024, the Trial Exam period will run from Wednesday 25 September until Thursday 3 October. Friday 27 September is a public holiday and as such there will be no exams on this day.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Science of Learning
In recent years, there has been a significant amount of research dedicated to understanding how we learn best. Much of this has been applied to education and we certainly have a greater understanding today of how our brain works than we did 10 years ago.
We're committed to applying this research at St Bede's in order to enable our students to be the best learners they can be whilst at the College and beyond.
Recently, a number of staff have engaged in some professional learning to get a deeper understanding of recent research and science around learning, study and subsequent performance (as opposed to homework).
Early indications show that this will complement what we have recently undertaken across a number of year levels to develop study skills. We are using this knowledge to develop a better understanding of this new material, designing resources and curriculum that draws upon this learning.
In 2024, we are hopeful that we will be able to not only develop these skills in students, but to work more closely with parents to provide a better understanding of the role they can play in facilitating learning. Our intention is that by building on what is already a strong relationship, we continue to grow the learning culture of the school which in turn directly benefits our students.
We look forward to partnering with families in this manner and will provide further details at the commencement of the 2024 school year.
Brenden Mair
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning