Learning & Teaching News
From the Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching
Year 12 Revision Sessions: Opportunity Requires Commitment
At the conclusion of Term 3, our staff generously gave their time to provide a range of revision lectures, workshops and support sessions to assist Year 12 students in their preparation for final assessments and examinations. These sessions were carefully planned, highly targeted and designed to give students every possible advantage as they move towards the final stages of their secondary schooling.
Unfortunately, attendance across a number of revision sessions was lower than expected.
As a school, we are absolutely committed to supporting our students. Teachers continue to provide detailed feedback, additional resources, revision materials, practice questions, consultation opportunities and countless hours of support beyond the classroom. However, achieving success in VCE is a partnership. Teachers can create opportunities, but students must choose to engage with them.
The reality is that strong study scores are earned through consistent effort over time. Success comes from attending classes regularly, submitting practice exams for feedback, completing coursework on time, seeking assistance when needed, and demonstrating a relentless commitment to improvement. It is often the students who consistently complete these seemingly small actions who achieve the strongest outcomes.
With examinations now rapidly approaching, students should have used the term break to "lock in" their preparation. Effective exam preparation is not something that begins a few weeks before examinations. It is built through disciplined habits developed across the year and strengthened during holidays and independent study periods.
Attendance also remains a critical factor in achievement. Students should be aiming for attendance of at least 90%, recognising that every lesson contains valuable learning, revision and exam preparation. Regular attendance allows students to receive timely feedback, participate in discussions, ask questions and maintain momentum in their learning.
As we move towards final examinations, I encourage all Year 12 students to embrace the opportunities that remain. Staff will continue to provide every possible support, but students must now hold up their end of the bargain by committing fully to their studies, attending every class possible, completing practice examinations and maintaining a strong work ethic each and every day.
The effort invested now will make a significant difference in the weeks ahead.
Building Strong Habits in Years 7–10
Success at school is rarely the result of one big moment. More often, it is the outcome of positive habits practised consistently over time.
For our students in Years 7-10, there are several simple actions that make a significant difference to learning outcomes. Being at school every day, arriving on time, eating a healthy breakfast and coming to class prepared all contribute to a student's ability to learn effectively. These habits help students settle quickly into lessons and maximise the opportunities available to them.
Homework also plays an important role in consolidating learning. Completing and submitting homework on time reinforces concepts taught in class, develops organisation skills and helps students build independence and responsibility.
We know that students will sometimes encounter challenges. When this occurs, it is important that they seek support early. Assistance is available through classroom teachers, Learning Advisors and House Leaders, all of whom are committed to helping students navigate difficulties and develop successful learning habits.
As parents and carers, your encouragement and interest in your child's learning can make a powerful difference. By working together to establish strong routines around attendance, punctuality, homework and preparation, we can help students develop the habits that underpin long-term success.
The Power of Parental Support in Learning
Recent research continues to highlight the important role parents and carers play in supporting student learning at home. A 2025 study examining mathematics achievement found an interesting result: students who received higher levels of parental homework support often started at a lower achievement level, but demonstrated the greatest growth over time. In other words, consistent support and encouragement at home helped students make stronger gains in their learning.
The research suggests that parental involvement is most effective when it communicates the value of education, perseverance and effort. Students benefit when families show interest in their learning, ask questions about school, encourage completion of homework and create routines that support study. The study concluded that parental support can help students improve significantly, even when they may initially be performing below their peers.
Importantly, the message is not that parents need to become teachers at home. Rather, students benefit from knowing that learning matters, that effort is valued and that adults are interested in their progress. Researchers found that parental encouragement, positive attitudes towards achievement and practical homework support all contribute to student development over time. As we continue to work in partnership with families, we thank parents and carers for the many ways they support learning at home. Whether it is providing a quiet place to study, checking homework completion, discussing goals or simply encouraging persistence when challenges arise, these actions make a meaningful difference to student growth and achievement.
Fiskerstrand, A., & Hannula, M. S. (2025). Parents' homework help versus children's achievement level and development in mathematics. Research in Mathematics Education. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14794802.2025.2493841
Jade Smith
Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching.