Student Excellence Retrospective

Bemin Secondary College continues to provide meaningful opportunities to extend and build upon student learning through our Student Excellence program.

This semester has been a showcase of student curiosity, academic excellence and future-focused learning, with a rich program of incursions, excursions and online lessons enabling students to engage with cutting-edge learning experiences beyond the classroom. These opportunities reflect our strong commitment to high-ability learners, authentic education and real-world connections.

Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP)

Throughout Semester 2, selected students participated in the Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP) in English and Mathematics,working alongside like-minded peers from across the state in advanced academic settings. Students engaged with challenging content designed to deepen critical thinking, problem-solving and subject-specific expertise. Participation in VHAP continues to provide our students with an important extension opportunity and a strong sense of academic confidence.

Micro Mathematicians Incursion

The University of Melbourne's Micro Mathematicians incursion gave students hands-on exposure to mathematical thinking in real-world contexts. Through problem-solving challenges, pattern exploration and applied mathematics tasks, students developed deeper mathematical reasoning while collaborating with peers in a dynamic learning environment. The excursion reinforced that mathematics is not just about numbers - it’s about thinking, reasoning and innovation.

Cyber Security Challenge at Cretaceous Cove Excursion

Students stepped into the fast-growing digital world at Quantum Victoria through the Cyber Security Challenge at Cretaceous Cove. This immersive experience required students to think like cybersecurity professionals as they solved digital puzzles, responded to simulated cyber threats and worked through real-world security scenarios. It was an eye-opening introduction to one of today’s most in-demand career fields.

Research Fundamentals Excursion

The Research Fundamentals Excursion to State Library Victoria introduced students to the foundations of academic research, including data analysis, hypothesis formation and ethical investigation. Students learned how research underpins innovation across science, technology, health and the humanities. This experience helped develop essential skills that will support students throughout their secondary studies and beyond.

BioEYES+ Monash University Incursion

Through the BioEYES+ Incursion run by Monash University, students became scientists, working with live zebrafish. Working with live organisms, students investigated life cycles, genetics and experimental design in a university-supported setting. This highly engaging program ignited curiosity and gave students a genuine taste of tertiary-level science learning.

History Lab at the Immigration Museum

Students explored Australia’s rich social history through the History Lab at the Immigration Museum. By analysing primary sources, personal stories and historical artefacts, students examined the complexity of migration, identity and belonging. This experience brought history to life while building empathy and historical thinking skills.

Quantum Victoria STEM Careers Day

At the Quantum Victoria STEM Careers Day, students met industry professionals working across engineering, technology, science and research fields. Through hands-on workshops and career panels, students explored emerging industries and future pathways, gaining insight into the fast-evolving world of STEM careers and the diversity of opportunities available to them.

Biodiversity and Evolution Excursion

The Biodiversity and Evolution Excursion allowed students to investigate ecosystems, adaptation and environmental change in an authentic outdoor learning environment. Students applied classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, strengthening their understanding of biological processes and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Student Feedback

A vital component of the program is seeking student feedback, so we can plan accordingly going forward.

Here is a snapshot of the feedback we've received on this year's program.

What did you enjoy most about the experiences?

Going to other places and getting new learning opportunities

The way the people made sure we were engaged and having fun

They were unconventional and helpful to learn new things that they don't teach us in class. 

There were lots of things involving problem-solving skills, and I really enjoyed that

I enjoyed learning and understanding my skills and weaknesses

I really enjoyed learning new things we don't really learn in class. I really like that we experience and think with others, which helps us understand more.

They were hands-on and inclusive for everyone, whether they had experience or not.

The way you had fun and learned at the same time

I enjoyed it a lot since I could learn new things and have a fun time. I also enjoyed seeing the different visual aspects of things, but the main thing was learning about interesting things while having fun

Students shared the following feedback:

Thank you for creating such a supportive and inspiring program. It has helped me grow both academically and personally, and I’m excited to keep learning and challenging myself!

They have been a great support in all of our excursions, incursions and activities 

Thank you a lot! Your effort is very much appreciated, and has honestly made my life better and more interesting. 

Looking Forward

This semester has been a powerful reminder of what our students can achieve when provided with rich, authentic learning opportunities. These programs not only extended academic learning but also helped students build confidence, curiosity, independence and aspiration. We are incredibly proud of the way our students embraced each challenge and represented our school community with enthusiasm and excellence.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue expanding these opportunities and strengthening the pathways that empower every student to thrive.