Teaching and Learning
VCE Unit 3/4 Trial Exams
These coming school holidays sees our Unit 3/4 students- the majority of whom are in Year 12- undertake their Trial Exams. Commencing on Thursday 25 September with both the English and English Language Trial Exams running through until the following Friday 3 October. There are no Trial Exams on Friday 26 September due to the public holiday.
The importance of the Trial Exams is that they give the best indication of where a student is with his learning in preparation for the VCE Exams. Students are encouraged to prepare as best they can, particularly once they complete their Unit 4 coursework, as more important that what they know and can do in the specific exams is what they have difficulty with. Exams are the most critical factor for every student in the calculation of final study scores; to not give one’s best is an opportunity lost. Similarly, to miss a Trial Exam will more than likely put a student at a disadvantage in their preparation. For this reason, they are compulsory for all Unit 3/4 students.
The VCE Written Exam period commences on Tuesday 28 October with the VCE English Exam. Prior to this, a number of students will undertake Music Performance, Oral Language and Theatre Studies monologue. This is a crucial time for students and the need for support from parents and carers is paramount. St Bede’s College also has many support staff, so should there be any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Subject Selections - Thank You Families
As of last week, all 2026 Years 8 to 12 students were to have submitted their Subject Selections. This is an involved process, with a significant amount of information and conversations taking place. It is a great time of year; students generally see that they are making real decisions about their education, whilst parents are wanting to ensure that their child makes a choice that will allow them to achieve their personal best.
As a College, the opportunity to support this is a privilege. Having had many discussions with parents and students alike, we extend our thanks for the manner in which families have engaged and look forward to what the future holds.
Teacher Professional Learning
Over the course of 2025, St Bede’s College teachers have been engaging in Professional Learning that supports any improvements in their classroom practice. The notion that we can be better- notwithstanding our good fortune to have the calibre of teachers that we have- is what we are committed to. And with this in mind, we regularly engage in Professional Learning activities for the continued refinement of teaching skills and techniques, to best support our students to achieve their personal best.
Our focus is on a contemporary approach that makes teaching very explicit. Moving through three stages, it is designed to transfer the skills, knowledge and understanding from the teacher via direct instruction, building this transfer through guided practice, to the point of independent learning whereby the student possesses the requisite skills, knowledge and understanding and is able to apply it. In determining what stage students are at, teachers formatively assess students and make adjustments as needed. Although providing a simplified version here, I’m sure many would appreciate it requires skills, practice and repetition to get right.
In support of the development of teacher practice, we are also introducing a teacher observation process at the College. In 2025 we have around forty staff working as part of a pilot program to develop a model to be implemented in 2026. The endeavour is that observation is used to support all teachers in improving their practice across next year. It marks an exciting time for the College as we work to ensure that all students are able to achieve their personal best.
Celebrating Book Week
Book Week has run for two weeks across both campuses, with activities to celebrate the pleasure of reading books. Activities included a photo booth and opportunity to dress up as a book character, Kahoots and competitions, a Write a Book in a Term initiative, a Book to Film Screening and the launch of the Tough Guy Book Club, including student workshops for our Year 7s. Our thanks to all students who participated enthusiastically in these opportunites.
As a College, we are fortunate to have such committed Library and Resource Centre staff who make our Libraries such welcoming and enjoyable spaces for our students. We extend our thanks as a community to Ms Roxanne Summer and her team for their work.
Brenden Mair
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning