Campus News
General Achievement Test (GAT) - Tue 17 June
On Tuesday the 17th of June, all VCE and VCE VM students undertaking Unit 3 and Unit 4 subjects will sit the GAT. Administered by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), the GAT is a compulsory check of writing, literacy and numeracy skills, and plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and assessment of end-of-year examinations.
Purpose of the GAT
- Quality assurance: The GAT helps verify that school-based and VCAA-assessed examinations have been marked consistently.
- Student feedback: Results provide early insight into strengths and areas for improvement in writing, reading and mathematics.
- Special provisions: Students who miss or are disadvantaged in an end-of-year exam (due to illness or misadventure) may use their GAT performance to apply for a Derived Examination Score.
Schedule & Logistics
- Date: Tuesday, 17 June 2025
- Starting at : 9:00 am
- Location: Fed Uni Auditorium
What to Bring
- School-approved student ID
- Black or blue pens (plus spare pens)
- Pencils, eraser, ruler and highlighter
- Water bottle (clear container, labels removed)
Mobile phones and smart devices are not permitted—they must be switched off and stored in lockers.
It is important to remember that the GAT is not a pass-fail test, but an important opportunity to demonstrate your skills.
VCE News
Exams for Semester One
A reminder to all students who are undertaking a VCE subject, in either Unit 1 or Unit 3, that there will be exams for these subjects.
Exams are scheduled to take place during Week 8, starting Tuesday the 10th of June and concluding on Friday the 13th of June. There will be no formal classes during this week.
Students will receive an individual timetable, which will be in Compass, to show when they are required to be at school.
Students will only be required to be at school for their exams. Students are most welcome to study at school, in the Study Hall or Library during exam week.
Year 12 English Immerse Themselves in Creating Text & Protest Framework
On Tuesday, 29 April, our Year 12 English cohort enjoyed an engaging incursion led by the Complete Works Theatre Company. Tailored to support the students’ Unit 3 study of Creating Texts, the session explored the “Framework of Protest” through a blend of performance, analysis and hands-on writing activities.
The company’s actors unpacked four key mentor texts, guiding students through each text’s historical and social context, distinctive language features and potential text forms. Excerpts from those mentor texts were brought vividly to life on stage, sparking discussion about how tone, structure and stylistic choices convey protest themes. Students examined how writers draw on persuasive devices to challenge readers and provoke change.
Complementing the performance, students tackled four structured writing tasks designed to deepen their understanding of crafting protest-driven texts. From drafting powerful opening statements to experimenting with poetic imagery, each task encouraged students to apply the techniques they had just observed. By the end of the workshop, participants had not only witnessed live interpretations of their set texts but also created original pieces that reflect their own voices of protest.
We extend our thanks to Complete Works Theatre Company for delivering such an inspiring and practical session — one that will undoubtedly strengthen our Year 12 students’ confidence and creativity as they prepare for their Creating Texts assessment tasks.
Top Screen 2025 - Visit to Australian Centre of Moving Image (ACMI)
On Tuesday 29th April, the VCE Media class travelled to Melbourne to attend the Top Screen Exhibition at ACMI. Students had the opportunity to explore some outstanding student work from across the state for VCE Media 2024. Students engaged with previous students’ folio work, looking at the process of developing their major assessment piece for Media, from planning through to the final product, which was followed by a screening of these works. Students had a great day, despite the cold weather, and took a lot away from the experience that they can bring back into the classroom and apply to their own studies this year.
VCE VM News
It’s been a busy and exciting start to Term 2 for our VCE Vocational Major students!
This week, our Year 11 and 12 VCE VM students begin their work placements for the term. After a successful Term 1, where our Year 12s impressed their employers with their skills and dedication, we are now thrilled to see our Year 11 students heading out for their first round of work placement. We look forward to hearing all about their experiences and learning over the coming weeks.
Our Year 12 students are also hard at work this week, designing engaging activities for Grade 5/6 students at Stockdale Primary School in Traralgon. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their teamwork and leadership skills.
Meanwhile, VCE VM electives are well underway, with students working hard to brainstorm ideas and design products. These creations will be brought to life over Term 2 and 3 in preparation for our much-anticipated Kurnai Market Day on Wednesday 18 September. We can’t wait to see what innovative products they come up with!
At the end of Term 1, a group of VCE VM students were fortunate to visit the RTL site at Loy Yang. They were taken on a site tour, experiencing firsthand the operations of a major local employer, and were treated to a lunch and toolbox session with the workers. It was an incredible experience that offered valuable insights into the world of work.
A reminder to all students and families: Study Period is a valuable session for our VCE VM students. It runs during Monday Period 5 for Year 11 and Tuesday Period 5 for Year 12. This is an important opportunity for students to catch up on work, seek extra help, and stay on top of their learning.
We are proud of the commitment and hard work our VCE VM students have shown so far this year, and we are excited to see what the rest of the term brings!
VPC News
Welcome to Term 2
Students in the VPC Program have started the term with a positive attitude and are ready to learn. They are ready to explore and think about their learning to ensure they get the best outcomes for all. The students are beginning to understand the nature of the VPC program which highlights the application of their learning to the real world.
In Numeracy, we are exploring financial numeracy. We are using math to manage money wisely. This helps with budgeting, savings and investment. Students are also using real world scenarios in obtaining change when purchasing items and finding discounts. These financial skills will set them up for success in the future.
In Literacy, we have been exploring the Australian Federal Elections 2025. We are highlighting the main issues of the various political parties. This concept will enhance students’ knowledge of their civic duties when they are eligible to vote and being responsible citizens.
In Community Projects, we have been working on constructing and building a signpost showing the Indigenous landscape in the Gippsland region. Students’ resilience and work ethic have been excellent when engaging with the community.
In their cooking elective, students have been displaying their culinary skills in creating delicious cookies. These life skills incorporate Numeracy (measuring), Literacy (reading), Personal Development (Respect and Communication) and Work-Related Skills (Occupational Health and Safety). We are extremely proud of these young people and are confident they will use these skills in the future.
Students have also been cooking up some scented candles and selling them for Mother's Day gifts.
Our VPC Team Mantra:
Today we will challenge ourselves to be the best we can.
Kurnai Students Make a Difference at Community Market
In September 2024, students from Kurnai College’s VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) programs showcased their creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills at the Kurnai Community Market.
As part of their electives, students collaborated to design, produce and sell a range of handmade craft and food items. Their efforts were not only a valuable learning experience but also a way to give back to the local community.
The market raised an impressive $2,500, which was proudly donated to the Churchill Neighbourhood House in support of their vital food security program. This contribution will help provide essential food relief to local families and individuals in need.
As mentioned above, planning is already underway for our 2025 market on 18 September.