VCE News

As Term 1 draws to a close, our Year 12 students have already shown remarkable commitment, resilience, and focus in navigating the demands of their VCE journey. It’s been a busy and often challenging start to the year, and this upcoming holiday break provides an important opportunity to pause, reset, and look after their wellbeing.

While it can be tempting to use the holidays solely for catching up or getting ahead, it is just as important that students make time to rest and recharge. Maintaining balance is key to sustaining both academic performance and personal wellbeing across the year. Whether it’s spending time with family and friends, getting outdoors, pursuing hobbies, or simply slowing down, taking a meaningful break will help students return to Term 2 with renewed energy and clarity.

We encourage all Year 12 students to approach the holidays with intention—setting aside some time for light revision or organisation, while also prioritising rest and self-care. Looking after yourself is not time lost; it is an essential part of achieving your best.

We wish all our students a safe, restful, and well-deserved break.

Attendance

As Term 1 has progressed, our Year 11 and Year 12 VCE students have demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to attending their classes. To recognise this effort, students who achieved 100% attendance during February were entered into a draw, with several recipients awarded a $10 voucher to the Fed Uni café.

This initiative will continue throughout the 2026 academic year as we celebrate and encourage positive attendance habits. Congratulations to all students who have shown such a significant improvement and dedication to being present in their learning.

We know that regular attendance is the foundation for success in VCE—being in class not only supports understanding and progress, but also builds the confidence needed to achieve positive outcomes across all subjects.

Using Study Hall

A reminder to all students that Study Hall is a valuable part of the school week and should be used purposefully. By this stage of the term, students should have developed a clear plan for how to make the most of this time, with a balanced approach to reviewing all of their subjects.

It can be tempting to prioritise content-heavy subjects; however, this often leads to other areas being overlooked. Consistent, smaller bursts of revision across all subjects are far more effective than focusing on just one or two.

We encourage students to plan their Study Hall time across the week, ensuring every subject is revisited regularly. Even dedicating 10–15 minutes to a specific skill, concept, or set of notes can make a significant difference, particularly when preparing for upcoming SACs.

Revision Lectures

As the year progresses, a range of revision lectures will become available to support students in their VCE preparation. During the Term 2 holiday period, Australian Catholic University will be offering free online exam revision workshops for Unit 3 students.

These sessions are free of charge, and all students who register will receive access to a recording after the session, along with a comprehensive student resource booklet to support their revision.

Looking ahead, additional free revision lectures will be offered at Federation University during the Term 3 holiday period. Further details about these sessions will be provided in Term 2.

We strongly encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities to consolidate their understanding and build confidence ahead of exams.

After School Study

Beyond the ever-popular hot chips on Mondays and pizza on Thursdays, After School Study offers students valuable academic support in a relaxed and productive environment in the library.

• Tutors are available at all sessions to provide extra guidance.
• Teachers are particularly available during Thursday sessions for subject-specific assistance.

After School Study is an excellent opportunity for students to consolidate learning, seek clarification before SACs, and develop strong study habits — all within a supportive setting.

With only 30 teaching weeks available to our Year 12 students, time is precious. Strong attendance, effective use of Study Hall, and engagement in After School Study will make a significant difference as students move steadily toward their final VCE examinations. It has been a positive and focused start to 2026, and we look forward to seeing this momentum continue.

2026 Special Examination Arrangements

Special Examination Arrangements are supports for students who have a disability, illness or other circumstances that make it difficult to complete VCE exams under normal conditions. They can help you access the exam fairly - so you can show what you know. These arrangements can apply to written exams, oral or performance exams, the Extended Investigation oral presentation and critical thinking test (CTT), and the General Achievement Test (GAT).

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you have a condition that affects your ability to read or write, concentrate or manage anxiety, move or communicate, or see or hear clearly. This includes disabilities or illnesses as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (CWlth).

How to Apply?

• You don’t apply directly - your school applies to the VCAA on your behalf.
• Your school will collect supporting evidence (for example, from a doctor, psychologist, or specialist).
• The principal must approve the application before it’s sent to the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority).
• The VCAA reviews your application and decides which arrangements are fair and suitable for your needs.

Examples of Possible Arrangements

• Extra writing or reading time
• Rest breaks
• Use of a computer or assistive technology

(Note: Schools can’t provide special arrangements unless they’re approved by the VCAA.)

Why Apply Early?

It’s best to start planning early — even before VCE. Talking to your school in Years 7–10 helps them put the right supports in place for classwork and school-based assessments. These same supports can then be included in your VCAA application later on.

After You’re Approved

If your application is approved, your arrangements will usually apply to future VCE or VET Unit 3–4 subjects as well. The VCAA may sometimes ask for updated information if your condition or needs change.

Need Help

• Talk to your VCE Coordinator, DI Specialist, or Wellbeing Team if you think you may need Special Examination Arrangements. They provide information on key dates and guide you through the paperwork process.

Lindy Gumpold

VCE Team Leader