Deputy Principal

Subject Selection Process

As educators, we know that subject selection represents a hugely important step in a young person’s education. For our students and their families, the choices and decisions can sometimes feel overwhelming. For most of their education, our boys have been required to study specific subjects — but during subject selection, they are suddenly empowered to make decisions that can greatly influence their future learning and career pathways.

The key piece of advice I consistently offer is this: when it comes to subject selection, students should choose subjects that best align with their individual talents and interests. This is, by far, the strongest predictor of future success. If you are good at something and enjoy it, you are far more likely to thrive in that subject.

Some additional advice I offer is to consult widely. Try to attend Open Days at tertiary institutions. At school, speak with your Homeroom Teacher, your subject teachers, your Year Level Coordinators, Head of School, or our Careers and Pathways Coordinator. By seeking guidance, students can feel more confident in the decisions they make.

Our Subject Selection process is unapologetically rigorous — this is to ensure boys are well supported throughout this important decision-making phase.

Next week, students currently in Years 8–11 will receive a communication outlining the process. This communication will include links to digital copies of the Subject Selection Booklets, along with key information about the various steps involved.

The process officially begins with the Subject Information Evening on Thursday 24 July (Term 3, Week 1). Last year, we welcomed over 600 people on the night, so we expect another vibrant and well-attended event. The evening will include presentations for students transitioning from Years 8 and 9 into Years 9 and 10 in 2026, and from Years 10 and 11 into Years 11 and 12 in 2026. There will also be opportunities for families to speak directly with our Heads of Faculty and other subject specialists.

The format of the evening will be as follows:

• 5:00 – 5:30pm

  Subject Selection Presentation: Years 9 & 10 2026 – PAC

• 5:30 – 6:00pm

  Heads of Faculty and VCE Teachers Informal 1:1 (Years 9 & 10 2026) – Wilding Wing

  Subject Selection Presentation: Years 11 & 12 2026 – PAC

• 6:00 – 6:30pm

  Heads of Faculty and VCE Teachers Informal 1:1 (Years 11 & 12 2026, or those unable to attend the earlier session) – Wilding Wing

Please note that the information sessions will be recorded to allow access for boarding families or those unable to attend in person.

In addition to the Subject Information Evening, students will attend subject information sessions at school led by our Heads of School.

For Year 10 boys progressing to Year 11 in 2026, as well as any Year 9 student wishing to be considered for acceleration in 2026, there will be a compulsory 1:1 interview with an academic advisor, attended by both the student and a parent or caregiver. These interviews will be held on Monday 28 July and Thursday 31 July (Term 3, Week 2) in the Wilding Wing. Further details and booking instructions will be shared with families in the first week of Term 3. 

If you have any questions about the subject selection process, or if you require further support or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at the College.

Exam Week

This week, our Year 9, 10 and 11 students have been undertaking their Semester 1 exams. I’ve been incredibly impressed with the way the boys have prepared for and approached their exams.

I’m a strong believer in the value of examinations, due to the many benefits they offer both our students and their teachers. While we know that exams represent just one moment in time—and certainly do not define our students—they do provide a helpful indication of what each student knows and can do. This, in turn, equips our teachers to more effectively target their support, identify areas for growth, and celebrate the learning progress our boys have made.

Importantly, exams also offer students valuable insights into their own learning. They empower students to reflect on the strategies that worked well, while also helping them to identify areas where they may benefit from additional support or alternative approaches.

Because our exams cover the full semester’s content, they also promote deeper learning. When students are given the opportunity to recall knowledge and apply skills from earlier in the year, that process strengthens their long-term memory and reinforces understanding—helping ensure that learning is not only remembered but deeply embedded.

For parents, I encourage you to speak with your sons about their exams: what they found challenging, where they felt successful, and which areas they may wish to follow up with their teachers. Encourage them to reach out and seek clarification or support where needed—our teaching team is always here to help.