Teaching and Learning

Leading Instructional Excellence @ Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership

Our school values the learning and development of our staff, and the positive impacts this has on student outcomes and school improvement.

I’m pleased to share that Bec Collins and Aimée Thorperecently successfully completed Leading Instructional Excellenceprofessional learning programat the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.

This evidence-informed program strengthened their capacity to lead the of explicit teaching across the school. 

Some of the key knowledge that they are bringing back to share with colleagues includes:

• strategies to maximise student attention, focus and regulation
• increased awareness around models of memory, and how to support students to more easily retain their new knowledge
• proven approaches to support our staff to align their teaching with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0.

We look forward to them implementing the knowledge and skills from the program to continue to support student outcomes and wellbeing.

2026 Assessment Grading Scale

This year, as we prepare to enter a school review in 2026, the leadership team conducted an inquiry into existing assessment practices at the College. Data was collected from all internal assessment tasks (SACs and internal examinations) and was analysed in consideration of Homestead VCAA student outcome data and comparison data from other like schools. 

We put our existing practices under the microscope to assess what was working well and what could be further enhanced to better serve our school community and ensure our students are ready to be competitive with students across the state in Year 12. 

The leadership team consulted with School Council, Student Leaders and teaching staff to obtain feedback and suggestions on improving the academic rigour of our assessment programs and better prepare our students for the demands of the VCE / VCE VM. 

One enhancement that will be implemented in 2026 that is a product of this review, is a revised assessment grading scale. The assessment bands have been reduced to more accurately represent the VCAA distribution of scores and to provide a sense of challenge and drive for our students to succeed. 

Please find outlined here, the revised assessment grading scale. 

This scale will be applied to all school-assessed coursework undertaken in 2026 across all year levels. 

Aimée Thorpe - Assistant Principal (Teaching and Learning)

VCE VM - 2025 Year in Review 

What a year it has been for the VCE VM in 2025. With VCE VM classes winding up and commencement around the corner, it is a nice time to reflect on the year that was and the success that both Year 11 and Year 12 VCE VM have had in 2025.

Firstly, to the graduating class of 2025 – CONGRATULATIONS! After months of hard work navigating the rigours of curriculum and classroom work, tirelessly pursuing your chosen VET pathways as well as adding Structured Workplace learning or employment to the mix, you have all made it and have officially survived Year 12 VCE VM. As a team, the VCE VM staff and the school as a whole are tremendously proud of all that you have achieved and are looking forward to seeing your successes going forward.

To the Year 11 VCE VM students, another huge congratulations on getting through your first full year of VCE VM and VET! We managed to fit so much into the year, you should all be proud of your efforts so far and I hope, are looking forward to finishing off the journey in 2026. To those Year 11 students finishing up with us at Homestead to pursue work/apprenticeships or other opportunities, we wish you all the best for your future and remember, once a Homesteader, always a Homesteader so please reach out if you need anything to help you on your journey.

2025 has not been an easy year for students with lots to tackle both from a curriculum point of view and from their own individual pathways point of view. The job/work placement market has been a tough one to break into; however, to see so many students gain valuable and more importantly, pathway-specific work placements has been truly incredible to witness. You all have truly shown the values of our school, letting your sense of purpose and resilience shine through.

To all the current and incoming VCE VM families, I say a heartfelt thank you for your support of the program and of the staff delivering it, as without your support, we would not have been able to achieve all that we have so far. Have a great holiday break, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year, ready for the challenge that is 2026.

Mitch McAlpine and the VCE VM team.

Join the 2026 STEM Club & Racing Program!

Are you ready to design, innovate, and race?

STEM Club is back and bigger than ever in 2026, and we’re inviting curious, creative, and committed students from Years 10–12 to join us for an exciting new season of STEM challenges, hands-on learning, and engineering fun.

What is the STEM Club?

The STEM Club runs once a week during lunchtime and gives students a chance to explore exciting projects that go beyond the classroom. You’ll work in teams to develop real-world skills in:

• Engineering & Design
• 3D Modelling & CAD
• Physics & Aerodynamics
• Electronics & Prototyping
• Project Management & Marketing

The STEM Racing Program:

As part of the STEM Club, students can apply to join our 2026 STEM Racing Program (formally known as F1 in Schools). In 2025, four student teams worked towards designing F1-style race cars, created enterprise portfolios, but missed out on competing at the regional event. Next year, we’re planning on taking the next steps – and competing against other schools in Victoria (and maybe even getting to the Worlds Competition).

We’ll be building on this success with:

• Brand new team opportunities
• Fresh access to our CNC machine and 3D printers
• Weekly design & testing sessions
• Exciting excursions and industry partnerships
• Real racing… real engineering… real teamwork

Why Join?

Whether you want to be an engineer, a designer, a business leader – or just love a good challenge – STEM Club will give you the skills, confidence, and opportunities to stand out.

You’ll build projects, make friends, and learn tools used by real engineers. Plus, it looks amazing on your resume and uni applications.

How to Get Involved

We’ll be launching the 2026 club early in Term 1. To express interest now or find out more, speak to your science teacher or the STEM Club coordinator (Nasser).

🏎️ The race is on. Will you be on the team?

Nasser Cura, STEM Leader