Teaching and Learning at 

The Heights

The middle of  Term 4 is very much business time in the realm of Teaching and Learning. There are a range of requirements for both students and teachers to address and opportunities for students to demonstrate and celebrate their learning growth. Teachers also begin collecting and analysing all the evidence they need for reporting (keep an eye out for Progress Reports, which will be available on Compass on Friday, November 3!). While all times in the school calendar are important, there’s no denying this time of year has a heightened focus and energy, as demonstrated by some of the upcoming programs outlined below…

VCE Examinations

Our VCE exam program kicked off on Tuesday October 24, with all Unit 3 and 4 VCE students undertaking the English examination. Unit 3 and 4 exams will run through to mid-November. A timetable of when subjects examinations occur can be found at https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/Key-dates/Pages/VCE-exam-timetable.aspx

For our VCE students, this period is the culmination of not only their work throughout 2022 and 2023 in VCE subjects, but all the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their school lives. We are proud of this cohort of Year 12's, and wish them all the very best throughout this period. We are also grateful to Emma Steeper and Troy McGown, who have led the Year 12 Team, and all the teachers who have devoted so much time and care. We hope students have results that open the doors to as many opportunities as possible.

VCAL and VCE/VM

We approach the time of year when students in these programs strive to complete the various outcomes and demonstrated competencies that are required of them. These programs provide practical and meaningful transitions into the world of work and related future training. On a personal note, I have worked with many of the current Year 12 students completing what will be the final year of VCAL. It has been a privilege to watch them grow into the young adults they are, and I wish them all the very best.

VCE ‘GO Program’

The VCE ‘Go’ Program is a step into the VCE for many and an important start to 2024 for students and teachers. The Year 12 program commences in Week 7 (13 November) and runs for two weeks. The Year 11 program starts in Week 9 (27 November) and runs for one week. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of this program is that it provides an opportunity for teachers to collect evidence on students’ subject specific knowledge and skills through formative assessment, which positions them to identify and cater for their unique point of need. The program is also important in that it makes students aware of the requirements of the courses they are undertaking and sets up holiday homework. In all subjects they will begin key learning outcomes for their courses.

Middle School Assessment Week

Both Year 9's and 10's also round off the semester with Assessment Weeks.  Occurring in Week 8 (beginning November 20) for Year 10 and Week 9 (beginning November 27) for Year 9's, these programs provide students with the opportunity to experience formal examinations and complete key assessment tasks. Now is the time for students in these year levels to get ahead with their learning to have the best possible outcomes. 

Year 10 Certificate

A requirement of the College is that all Year 10's complete all their formal learning tasks in order to receive the ‘Year 10 Certificate.' A tradition at the College, this program is intended to maintain the teaching and learning rigour in order to better prepare our students for the requirements of the senior school program. We encourage parents/guardians to support their children by looking at their learning tasks on Compass and bring their attention to CATs and Progression Tasks that are incomplete. We have had a pretty good strike rate of students receiving this certificate over the years and we have every confidence this year will be no exception.

PAT Testing: Literacy and Numeracy check-in

A key part of the College’s Assessment Calendar is the end of year PAT Testing Program. These online tests are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their growth in the areas of Literacy and Numeracy. They are also crucial in providing teachers with evidence of the impact of their teaching and will be used to support them in guiding students' individual point of need in their new classes at the beginning of 2024. PAT Testing in Literacy and Numeracy will commence in Week 5 (from October 30) for Year 10 students. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will complete their testing in Week 9 (beginning 27 November).

With so much going on, it makes for a dynamic and high energy environment around the College! Support your child by encouraging them to get plenty of exercise and sleep (boundaries around devices in the evening, while challenging, are greatly helpful!), engaging in the information provided on Compass and ensuring they are ready for learning with the resources they need for their classes and a charged laptop!