Senior School Report

Term 2 is a very busy time for Senior School students and staff, as students work towards the successful completion of their first semester of studies at their respective year levels.

Our Year 10 and Year 11 students will shortly undertake their examinations. Year 10 students will sit an exam in each of their five core subjects, while Year 11 students will undertake exams in each of their chosen VCE subjects. All Year 12 students are now beginning preparations for the General Achievement Test (GAT), which will be held on Tuesday, June 17.

3-Way Partnership

Parental engagement plays a crucial role in fostering positive attitudes toward learning and education. Developing students’ motivation and confidence as learners, while nurturing their enjoyment of learning, is essential for classroom success. As a Senior School team, we are committed to strengthening parental engagement and building a connected school community. This includes sharing information to help parents support their child's learning and create positive outcomes.

An essential component of this is the family–school partnership. When families and schools work together, students benefit significantly in terms of academic progress, development, and wellbeing. Research consistently shows that children perform better when there are strong, positive connections between the learning environments at home and at school.

At ECSC, we support student achievement by:

Monitoring Google Classroom engagement
Reviewing and discussing the most recent Progress Reports
Encouraging effective study habits at home
Assisting families in responding early to learning challenges
Extending students’ learning in areas they are passionate about, including extracurricular interests both at school and beyond

Family Support

Here are some ways families can support their child during this crucial time:

Attend the Year 10 into Year 11 Information Night (see Compass post).
Book your attendance for the Year 10 into Year 11 Course Selection Day via Compass.
Review your student’s Term 2 Progress Report – How is their attendance? Are they on track to successfully complete their subjects or units?
Discuss the upcoming examinations – How will they prepare? Do they have a designated study space?
Support them with preparation – Ensure they have all necessary resources, such as highlighters, workbooks, and appropriate winter uniform.

Semester One Examination Expectations

All students in Years 10 to 12 will be sitting exams this semester. Year 12 students undertaking a Unit 3/4 subject will sit the VCAA General Achievement Test (GAT) on Tuesday, June 17. Please support your child and the College in ensuring a successful examination period.

Key Expectations:

Students must wear full school uniform to enter examinations. Those not in uniform, without prior arrangements, will be required to sit the exam after school.
Students must remain in the exam room for the full duration.
No non-approved electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches) are allowed. These must be secured in lockers or left at home. Students will be given a final opportunity to declare and hand in any devices before the exam begins.
Students found with a non-approved device after reading time may receive a score of 0 for the exam.
Approved items, such as calculators for Mathematics exams, are permitted. Subject teachers will advise students of the approved materials for each exam.
Students may bring a clear water bottle (label removed) into the exam.
Pens, pencils, etc. must be brought in a clear plastic sleeve or bound with a rubber band.
Students arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be permitted to enter the examination room.
Catch-up exams will be limited and only granted under extenuating circumstances. Exams provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and skills for each subject or unit.

Yours Sincerely

Glen Cowan

Assistant Principal - Senior School

Year 10 Update

A Pivotal Year in Your Educational Journey

As the Year 10 cohort enters this exciting and crucial stage of their schooling, it’s important to recognise that this year is filled with decisions that will shape the years ahead. With key events approaching, we want to ensure both students and parents are well prepared to navigate this pivotal time and make informed choices about their future.

VET Discovery Day

On Thursday 29th May, the Hume Whittlesea LLEN hosted an engaging VET Discovery Day, giving students the opportunity to explore a wide range of vocational education and training (VET) options. Throughout the day, students took part in interactive demonstrations and industry showcases that brought potential career pathways to life. It was an exciting and informative experience, where students gained valuable insights into how VET opportunities can support their future goals. The day was a resounding success, with students walking away inspired and better informed about their options beyond school.

Key Upcoming Events

Year 10 Exam Week

Thursday 26th June - Friday 27th June (Term 2, Week 10)

It’s hard to believe, but Year 10 Exams are only seven weeks away! This is a critical opportunity for students to demonstrate their progress and focus. As the exam period approaches, we’ll revisit expectations and provide students with further information to help them feel confident and prepared.

Exam Schedule:

Thursday: English, Humanities, and Health & PE
Friday: Maths and Science
Year 10s will be dismissed at lunchtime on Friday after their exams.

Work Experience Week

Monday 30th June - Friday 4th July (Term 2, Week 11)

Work Experience is one of the most valuable learning opportunities for Year 10 students! This week provides a chance to explore potential career interests, gain insight into the workforce, and develop essential skills for the future. It’s also a compulsory activity for all Year 10 students, so please ensure your child is fully prepared.

Year 10 to 11 Information Night

Wednesday, 23rd July

We invite families and carers to attend theYear 10 to 11 Information Night on Wednesday, 23rd July, where we will outline the range of programs available for Year 11 in 2026, including VCE, VCE Vocational Major (VM), VET, School-Based Apprenticeships (SBAT), and TAFE courses. A VCE Subject Expo will also run from 4:30 – 6:30 pm, no bookings required. The Information Night will include two sessions:

Session 1: 5:00 - 5:45 pm
Session 2: 5:45 - 6:30 pm

Booking is essential for the Information Night, and families must register via the Trybooking link. The presentation will cover course options, the promotion process to Year 11, and how families can support students' success. Year 10 students and families will also need to attend the Year 10 Course Selection Day on 30th July to finalise their course choices for 2026.

Course Selection Day

Early Term 3

This is the day that all our hard work and preparation come together. The Course Selection Day is a significant milestone in your child’s educational journey, and it’s essential to be fully prepared. To help ensure the best possible outcome, students are required to complete their Pre-Course Selection Assignment before submitting their final course choices. Any students who have not completed this will not be able to submit their selections on the day.

Jacqui will be available for Course & Career Counselling before Course Selection Day for any students who are unsure about their pathway options. Please note that there will be no time for counselling on the day itself, so we highly encourage students to seek guidance ahead of time.

As we approach these important milestones, it’s crucial that both students and parents stay informed and proactive. There’s no doubt that Year 10 is a year full of exciting challenges and decisions that will set the stage for the years ahead. Together, let’s make sure these decisions are as informed and confident as possible!

If you have any questions or need further assistance with any of these events, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

VM Update

Academic Focus

Students across Year 11 have been working diligently to achieve success in Units 1 and 3. They have demonstrated strong commitment by engaging in hands-on, real-world tasks aligned with their vocational pathways. From planning wellness activities to developing literacy projects connected to their own lives, students are participating in meaningful, applied learning experiences that are preparing them for both further study and future employment.

As we approach the end of Term 2, our key focus will be on punctuality and attendance. It is essential that students arrive on time and maintain at least 90% attendance, as all coursework is completed during class time. This ensures tasks are completed under teacher supervision and meet authentication requirements.

Consistent attendance and punctuality not only support academic success but also foster important workplace habits that students will need in their future careers.

Year 11

This week, Year 11 students are running a trial Wellness activity with Year 7 students during PDS. Activities include sporting skill tasks, colouring, LEGO building, play dough construction, and various games. Following this trial, students will refine their activities and conduct workshops with Grade 3 students from ECPS.

EduClick Microcredentials

Several students have also participated in EduClick Microcredential courses such as First Aid, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), and Financial Literacy. These short courses provide valuable life and work skills, with students receiving certificates and qualifications upon completion. These credentials can be added to their resumes, providing a significant advantage when applying for part-time jobs or work experience placements.

Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to offering even more opportunities next term.