Year 12 Camp Newman College
Andrea WEINBERGS & Karnel AHMET
Year 12 Co-ordinators
Our Year 12 students recently participated in an immersive Study Camp held at Newman College, a residential college within The University of Melbourne. The camp was designed to support students as they transition into the academic, personal, and organisational demands of their final year of secondary schooling.
Over two nights, students experienced a taste of what university encompasses. This experience provided an authentic insight into tertiary study while encouraging independence, responsibility and focus.
The primary objective of the Study Camp was to prepare students for the expectations of Year 12, both academically and socially. Students participated in a range of structured workshops each carefully designed to address the academic and socio‑emotional challenges of senior secondary study. Sessions focused on effective study skills, time management, exam preparation, and maintaining wellbeing during a high‑pressure academic year.
A feature of the camp was the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, including English subject experts, specialists in study skills and learning practices, and presenters addressing important topics such as safe partying and personal responsibility. These sessions provided students with practical strategies and real‑world advice to help them balance academic success with personal wellbeing.
Students also enjoyed an evening visit to the Queen Victoria Night Market, where they had the chance to explore Melbourne’s vibrant food and cultural scene and spend time socialising with peers. This outing was followed by a visit to the Nova Cinema for a screening of the English text Sunset Boulevard, supporting classroom learning through shared viewing and discussion.
To broaden students’ understanding of post‑school pathways, the camp also included a guided tour of The University of Melbourne. This allowed students to explore campus facilities, experience the scale and diversity of university life, and begin imagining their own future study options.
One of the highlights of camp was a fun and energetic trivia challenge, run by the College Captains. The activity encouraged teamwork and friendly competition, with questions spanning a range of topics including school expectations, Sunset Boulevard trivia, music and sport, as well as some good‑natured and surprising facts about Highvale teachers. The trivia challenge created a lively and inclusive atmosphere and provided students with a chance to unwind while strengthening connections within the cohort. The winning team “Dinethelys” won a much sought after weeks’ exclusive access to the Year 12 kitchen.
The success of the camp was made possible by the dedication and support of the Highvale staff who attended and supervised the program, and their time and commitment are sincerely appreciated. Staff noted the exemplary way in which students conducted themselves throughout the camp, consistently demonstrating responsibility, respect, and maturity. The Year 12 cohort represented Highvale with pride and clearly set a strong example as role models for the rest of the school, a standard they are expected to continue throughout their final year.
Overall, the Year 12 Study Camp at Newman College was a valuable and enriching experience. It provided students with academic tools, emotional support, and firsthand exposure to tertiary environments—helping them feel confident, motivated, and well‑prepared as they embark on their final year of schooling.
