Teaching & Learning

Collaborative Classroom Visits (CCVs) - Peer Observations

This term our teaching staff have begun engaging in peer observations, which involve all staff pairing up to undertake mutual classroom observations. 

These visits form a large part of the professional development for Homestead teaching staff this term. The focus of these visits is determined by the classroom teacher using data obtained from students in the Pivot feedback survey last term. The data informed focus provides teachers a platform to discuss this area of practice with their observation peer and obtain feedback from their peer to determine areas of instructional strength and areas for further improvement. 

These classroom visits demonstrate the commitment of teachers at homestead to make data informed decisions about student learning and teaching practice, and a culture of collaboration and collective efficacy. 

Aimee Underwood - Learning Specialist (Pedagogy)

Unit 1 & Year 10 Semester Examinations

The school is currently preparing for our mid year examination period. Mid year exams will be undertaken for all Year 10 students, and Year 11 VCE students across weeks 10 and 11 (Monday 23rd June - Thursday 3rd July 2025). These exams will assess the key knowledge and skill delivered throughout Semester 1 and will provide students with the opportunity to develop their examination technique in readiness for the rigours of Year 12 assessment and examinations. Teachers will mark these examinations and provide results to students via the Semester 1 Report which will be available for parents to download from Compass early in Term 3. 

Due to the nature of Year 12 subjects, there will be no mid-year exam held for these classes, Year 12 classes (VCE and VCE VM) will run as normal throughout the mid year examination period. Any Year 11 VCE Access student will be required to attend the Year 12 class on site during this period. 

Year 12 VCE students will complete Trial Examinations at the conclusion of Term 3, more information will be communicated about these examinations in Term 3. 

Aimée Thorpe - Assistant Principal (Teaching & Learning)

Derive of the Dead - Year 12 Mathematical Methods Excursion

Our Year 12 Mathematical Methods students recently participated in Derive of the Dead, an exciting, intellectually demanding and engaging excursion hosted by Quantum Victoria. This hands-on program challenged students to apply their knowledge of calculus and variable change to a real-world problem… simulating the outbreak of a zombie apocalypse!

Over the course of the day, students worked collaboratively to solve a range of challenges. They analysed data, adjusted variables, and used calculus techniques such as rates of change, exponential functions, and differential equations. They used and adjusted these tools to make strategic decisions about how their virus would behave. Every mathematical choice had real-time implications for how their zombie outbreak would progress, making for a fast-paced and competitive experience.

The excursion not only reinforced key concepts from the curriculum in a memorable and interactive way, but also helped students see how abstract mathematical ideas can be applied in creative and unexpected contexts.

It was a fun, fast-paced experience that left students both exhausted and inspired but also with lessons they can use going forward with their mathematics.

Luke Duškovic - Mathematics Domain Leader

Year 11 & 12 Chemistry Excursion

On Friday, June 13th, our senior Chemistry students will have the opportunity to visit the

University of Melbourne for a hands-on excursion designed to extend their classroom learning.

Year 11 students will be introduced to the principles and techniques involved in water analysis, exploring the chemical and environmental aspects of this vital resource. 

Year 12 students will focus on organic chemistry and structural analysis, deepening their understanding of spectroscopy and molecular identification.

Throughout the day, students will complete investigations by collecting data from university-grade instruments and working with simulated data sets. 

This excursion will provide a valuable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting and gain insight into scientific study at a tertiary level.

Dylan Lawler - Science Domain Leader