9-12 Community News

As we approach the last weeks of what has been another busy term at St Augustine’s College, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our students, staff and families for your continued support throughout this term. The students are to be commended on the resilience they have shown in ensuring that they have maintained their positivity and application to their studies and the life of the College, throughout the long and busy term.

Senior Pathway Night and Subject Selections

Thank you to all the families that were able to attend the Senior Pathway Night. With over 200 students, parents and caregivers in attendance, the room was abuzz with questions and chatter about pathway options. 

Throughout this week and next, staff are available to answer any questions students may have during a number of lunchtime sessions. Students are encouraged to come to the POP and get all those burning questions answered. 

Subject selections are due at the end of next week (Friday 27th June). Blockings for VCE will then be undertaken and students will then make their final selections next term. 

If you have any questions please contact katelynmcintyre@sakyabram.vic.edu.au

Work Experience

In Week 11, the students of 10B will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the world of work, commencing their work experience placements at workplaces including local primary schools, kindergartens, plumbers, electricians, accounting firms, Kyabram and District Health and real estate agents.  We wish our students all the best and hope that this experience will provide them with an understanding and appreciation of the possibilities for ‘life after school’.

VCE Update

📢 VCE End-of-Year Exam Preparation: Focusing on Unit 3 Revision

To all VCE Students and Parents

As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, it is essential that students begin a structured and purposeful revision of Unit 3 coursework to prepare effectively for the end-of-year exams. Unit 3 forms the foundation for Unit 4 and contributes significantly to the understanding and application of knowledge assessed in the final exams.

Below are key strategies and advice for students - and ways parents can support them - in preparing thoroughly:

🎯 Why Revise Unit 3 Now?

• Core content from Unit 3 appears in the end-of-year exams.

• Revisiting earlier material strengthens long-term memory and understanding.

• Identifying gaps now allows time to seek help and consolidate learning.

✅ Student Strategies for Effective Revision

1. Use the Study Design as a Checklist Refer to the official VCAA Study Design to ensure every outcome and key knowledge point from Unit 3 is covered.

2. Summarise Key Concepts Create concise summary notes, mind maps or flashcards to review definitions, concepts and processes regularly.

3. Practice Past Exam Questions Work through Unit 3 questions from previous exams and assess your responses against the marking guide. This builds familiarity with question style and examiners’ expectations.

4. Target Weak Areas Reflect on SAC results or class tests and revise the topics where you lost marks. Ask teachers for clarification on concepts you find difficult.

5. Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition Regular, spaced review of material using practice quizzes or peer teaching is far more effective than passive reading.

6. Attend Revision Sessions and Seek Help Make the most of revision lectures, extra help sessions or online resources offered by your teachers or VCE providers.

7. Balance Revision with Unit 4 While Unit 4 is ongoing, allocate specific times each week to revisit and revise Unit 3 topics so you stay on track.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How Parents Can Help

• Encourage a study schedule: Help your child create a balanced study plan that includes both Unit 3 and 4 revision, with breaks and downtime.

• Minimise distractions at home: Support a quiet, focused environment for study.

• Check in gently: Ask about their progress, areas they’re finding challenging or how you can help.

• Promote wellbeing: Ensure they are eating well, getting regular exercise and sleeping enough - wellbeing supports effective learning.

📅 Suggested Timeline

June–July:

• Begin weekly review of Unit 3 by topic

• Complete at least one past exam or practice SAC per subject focusing on Unit 3 content

August:

• Consolidate notes

• Identify any remaining weak points and seek support

September (before trial exams):

• Integrate Unit 3 and 4 knowledge

• Complete full practice exams under timed conditions

Preparing well for exams is about consistency, planning and seeking support when needed. By starting Unit 3 revision now, students will reduce stress later in the year and build a strong platform for academic success.

We wish all students the very best in their revision and look forward to supporting them through this important revision and consolidation phase.

In Week 11, students will receive their reports. During the term break, we encourage students to reflect upon the feedback and look at opportunities for improvement and growth. Learn the lessons of what has created success and what has held you back. When you return for Term 3, build on the good habits and consider what makes for success in the classroom. 

As a term comes to an end, it is always good to reflect upon the great things that have been achieved during the term and think about areas in our day-to-day schooling that we may be able to improve upon in preparation for Semester Two. 

We trust you all have a restful break and stay safe. We look forward to working with you in Term 3.