Teaching and Learning

Exam Preparation

We recently completed Semester 1 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews and released the Semester 1 Progress Reports. Both of these events are designed to allow parents and carers to get a sense of how their son/charge is progressing, as well as ensure the relationship between the three parties - the parent, the student and our College - is focused on continual improvement in learning. 

For Years 9 to 11, students should also be making considerations for their exams that take place later this term. There is a considerable amount of research into exam performance, especially in terms of maximising memory - both working and long-term memory-  in order to perform well. In essence, repeated exposure, rehearsal and retrieval practice at numerous times and intervals (such as a day, a week and a month after it has been learnt) is more likely to commit essential skills, knowledge and understanding to long-term memory. Once committed, working memory is able to function at a higher level. As there is less to ‘think about’ (ie. it comes with less effort), it allows students to focus on the exam itself; what is asked of them becomes more ‘second nature’ in process.

We encourage all students to develop routines for home learning and study as part of their school life at St Bede’s College. Making use of this time with proven techniques such as summarising notes, chunking information for easier retrieval and completing exam-style questions and activities in preparation, will ensure that students are best prepared and able to perform at their highest possible standard when exam time comes.

Year 11 (VCE Unit 1) Exams: Monday 3 June  – Friday 7 June 

Year 10 Exams: Some Elective Subjects week of Monday 3 June  – Friday 7 June , Core Subjects Tuesday 11 June – Friday 14 June 

Year 9 Exams: Tuesday 11 June – Friday 14 June

Year 10 2025 VCE Acceleration Information Evening

Wednesday 19 June 

As with all students who have moved from Year 9 to 10 at St Bede’s College, we will again offer the opportunity early in Term 3 for current Year 9 students to apply to complete a Year 11 VCE subject in Year 10 in 2025. 

The benefit of such an opportunity is that it allows a student to go on and complete one VCE Unit 3/4 (Year 12) subject in Year 11 and subsequently another five VCE Unit 3/4 Subjects in Year 12. Their ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) is then calculated using six subjects (as opposed to five). In determining individual’s ATAR, the full study score of English, along with the study scores of the three best subjects are combined, along with 10% of subjects five and six.

It's important to note that whilst it may appear beneficial for all students to complete an extra subject in Year 11, this is not necessarily the case. Overwhelmingly, the majority of marks that contribute to the calculation of an ATAR are English and the top three subjects. As such, it is essential that any student who accelerates is performing at a significantly higher level than would be expected at their current year level and will be able to perform well across all subjects in Years 10 and 11.

We are confident that there will be many students in Year 9 interested in commencing their VCE in Year 10. As there is an achievement standard for students should they wish to accelerate, communication is vital. Of particular note are the process to apply, the benefits and pitfalls of acceleration, and ensuring that interested parties have a good understanding of what is required of them. 

In support of this, interested Year 9 parents and students can attend an Information Evening on Wednesday 19 June at our Mentone Campus. Further information and how to register for the evening will be shared later this term and we look forward to seeing you there.

Brenden Mair 

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning