Senior School 

Senior School Report

Term 2

This term has been another exciting and productive term for our Senior School students, marked by several significant milestones and opportunities for growth and excellence.

A major focus throughout the term was Semester One examinations for our Year 10 and Year 11 students. These assessments provided students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning and further develop the study habits and resilience required for success in the senior years. Our Year 12 students also completed the General Achievement Test (GAT), approaching this important VCE milestone with maturity.

As our Year 10 students begin planning their future pathways, the Senior School VCE and VCE Vocational Major Subject Expo provided students and families with valuable opportunities to explore subject offerings and gain a deeper understanding of the pathways available for 2027 and 2028.

Students also benefited from our first ever Careers Expo, where Bemin Secondary College welcomed more than 25 educational institutions and training providers. The event provided students with valuable insights into future study and career opportunities as they continue to plan for life beyond school.

Another highlight of the term was the inaugural Year 12 Formal, which provided our first graduating cohort with a memorable opportunity to celebrate their achievements and strengthen connections with their peers. We also proudly launched our College House system, creating new opportunities for student participation, leadership, school spirit and community connection.

As always, I would like to thank our students, families and staff for their continued support and contribution to our growing Senior School community. I encourage you to read on to learn more about the many exciting events and achievements that have made Term 2 such a memorable one.

Mr. Aaron Dass

Assistant Principal - Senior School

Senior School Transitions

Mr. Ben Scicluna

Assistant Principal - 10-12 Transitions

Mr. Wayne Abrahams 

Assistant Principal - 10-12 Transitions

Transition to Learning Blitz

During Weeks 3 and 4 of term 2, the Senior Campus implemented a Transition to Learning Blitz aimed at improving student punctuality and strengthening learning routines following breaks.

The initiative focused on supporting students to move promptly to class, maximising learning time and reinforcing our school values of Respect, Excellence, Community and Innovation. 

Staff and school leaders worked together to increase visibility during transitions and consistently reinforce expectations around being in class, on time and ready to learn.

The results were extremely encouraging. Total lateness incidents reduced from 997 in Week 2 to 380 in Week 4 — a reduction of more than 60%. Significant improvements were observed across all year levels, with Year 10 lateness reducing by 60%, Year 11 by 58%, and Year 12 by 74%.

These outcomes demonstrate what can be achieved when students, staff and families work together to maintain high expectations. Most importantly, the reduction in lateness has resulted in more students being present in class, engaged in learning and making the most of every lesson.

While the blitz has concluded, our focus on punctuality and positive learning habits will continue. Leadership staff will remain visible during transitions, and students will continue to be supported to meet the expectation of arriving to class on time and ready to learn.

We thank our students, staff and families for their support in making this initiative a success.

Year 10 Update

As semester one draws to a close, the year 10 sub-school team are proud of the progress made academically, socially and emotionally by the cohort. We have seen students start to participate in work experience, clubs, interschool sports and leadership opportunities. Our students continue strive to meet the high expectations set at the College as we reiterate expectations regarding uniform, attendance and learning. 

• Exams

Congratulations to all our students for successfully completing their semester one exams. Students completed exams for their core and elective subjects over 5 days and demonstrated commitment to their learning throughout. We look forward to students receiving their results alongside their reports and encourage families to celebrate outcomes and set goals for the upcoming semester. 

• Course Counseling

A reminder that students will participate in course counseling on Friday July 17th. This is where our students will select their pathway for year 11 and 12 whether that is VPC, VCE-VM or VCE. Students should have completed their career action plan through pathways to help inform their choices and I would encourage families to speak with their child about their goals and results ahead of this date. Students have started by attending the Bemin careers fair, having strong conversations with their teachers, the sub-school and Careers and Pathways team looking ahead to 2027 and beyond. 

• Year 10 formal

We will be hosting a Year 10 Formal night on August the 13th. We have assembled a Formal committee which has decided on the theme for this year: Hollywood Red Carpet. Students are already getting excited with a fair amount already paid and consented. The final due date for consent and payment is the 30th of July, please contact the front office to organise a payment plan if required. 

Year 11 Update

Sub school newsletter - Year 11

Year 11 Sub School Newsletter – Unit 1 Complete

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Robert Collier

Term 2 has marked a significant milestone for our Year 11 students at Bemin Secondary College with the successful completion of Unit 1 studies. This achievement represents an important step in the VCE and VCE-VM journey, reflecting students’ growing independence, resilience, and commitment to their learning.

On 28th May, students had the opportunity to attend the Careers Expo, featuring over 25 exhibitors. With representatives from universities, TAFE institutions, Victoria Police, and various trades, students gained important insights into the many pathways available to them. This event supported informed decision-making and encouraged students to think proactively about their futures.

The recent Unit 1 examination period, held from 4th to 11th June, was conducted with impressive maturity. Strong attendance and exemplary behaviour were evident throughout, with students approaching their exams seriously and respectfully. These experiences provide valuable preparation for the expectations and rigour of Year 12 assessments next year..

As we commence Unit 2 across both VCE and VCE-VM programs, it is critical that students continue striving to achieve satisfactory outcomes in all subjects. Consistent effort, attendance, and organisation will be key to ongoing success.

We look forward to celebrating student achievements at the celebration assembly on 25th June, where Unit 1 success and our school values will be formally recognised.

In closing, Unit 2 at Bemin is focused on building upon positive habits to ensure success.

Year 12 Update

Completion of Unit 3

Congratulations to VCE and VCE VM students who have successfully completed their Unit 3 studies, and are now one step closer to achieving the VCE. Having risen to the challenge of Unit 3, students saw the light at the of the tunnel, and were able to take a moment to reflect on their fantastic achievements prior to commencing Unit 4. 

Having now commenced Unit 4, students are quickly approaching the end of their thirteen year academic journey. With this in mind, key themes all Year 12s will focus on in Term 3 are integrity, resilience and community. 

Students have continued to meet and exceed expectations, while also demonstrating their commitment to their future pathways. Amongst the academic rigour, Year 12 students have participated in several events and activities, including masterclasses, excursions, the General Achievement Test, and of course the Year 12 Formal. 

General Achievement Test

On Tuesday 16 June, all students completing Units 3 and 4 subjects completed the General Achievement Test (GAT), a compulsory external examination run by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). The GAT is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills taken by students in the course of completing their senior secondary studies.

The GAT plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments and also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards expected at a senior secondary level.

Having sat examinations since Year 10 in similar conditions, students conducted themselves in a calm and orderly manner, adhering to VCAA rules, and following the instructions of the external supervisors. 

During the break between Sections A and B of the GAT, students enjoyed a sausage sizzle, and participated in a number of minor games. 

The Year 12 team thanks all staff who supported students both in the lead up to the GAT, and on the day.

Year 12 Formal

More than 160 Year 12 students participated in the College's inaugural Year 12 Formal. In a nostalgic return to Grand Star Reception & Convention Centre, students enjoyed a ‘A night under the stars’. 

Dressed to impress, students made grand arrivals fit for royalty. They then enjoyed a night filled with eating, dancing, photography and fun. 

With hundreds of photos taken by our talented College photographers Mrs Fadljevic and Ms Wood, students made lifelong memories and will no doubt look back fondly on their night for many years to come.

Thank you to Ms Cook, Ms Lopez and the Year 12 Connectedness Committee for their hard work in making this event a success. 

VCE Expectations

Attendance

It is important to note that the College has a minimum 90% attendance requirement. 

Please be aware that extended family holidays during school terms are not an approved absence, and will place students at risk of a Not Satisfactory in each subject, thus impacting upon the viability of their VCE program at risk

The College acknowledges the importance and value of family travel and events. However, to ensure students are set up for success in Year 12, the College advises all families to restrict travel to term breaks to ensure students do not jeopardise their VCE. 

Please also note that external examinations have been set, and cannot be moved. 

Assessment in VCE and VCE VM

With less than 90 days until the final day of VCE VM, and 123 days until the VCE English examination, it is vital that students manage their studies and meeting all requirements of the VCE. 

All school assessed coursework and tasks across Units 3 and 4 contribute towards the achievement of the VCE qualification. As a result, all assessments are compulsory and must be completed.

Please note that internal assessment tasks, also referred to as School Assessed Coursework (SACs) and School Assessed Tasks (SATs) contribute directly to the study scores 

At Risk

Please note that the College has a comprehensive At Risk process. 

This alerts students and families when students are at risk of earning not satisfactory in a particular subject. This could be due to a number of factors, including low coursework completion, low attendance or a lack of authenticated coursework. 

When a student is deemed at risk, the classroom teacher will have a conversation with the student, and complete an At Risk of Not Satisfactory (VCE) Compass Chronicle. This will be visible on a student’s Compass Digest, meaning families can also view it. This Chronicle will outline why the student is at risk, and the steps they need to take to get back on track. 

This is also indicated in the College’s Progress Reports. 

Please monitor this regularly and check in with teachers and members of the Year 12 Leadership team. 

Key Dates and Upcoming Events

15 July - English Unit 4 Oral Presentations

30 July -  Athletics Carnival

• Year 12 students may wear costumes/fancy dress on this day
• Attire must be approved by the Year 12 Leadership team during Term 3 Week 1
• Students who arrived in attire other that what has been approved, or in attire that is appropriate, will not be permitted to participate in the Athletics Carnival
• Costumes must be respectful and appropriate for a school and a sporting environment
• No face coverings - students must be visible at all times so that students must be identified
• Attire must be of an appropriate length, and cover the student’s midriff
• Footwear must be school appropriate - fully enclosed shoes
  • No open shoes (including ‘Crocs’ and sandales)

  • No high heel shoes

     

3 August - VTAC Applications Opens

TBC - Dress as your Future Career Day

• Attire requirements will be explained closer to the day

   

TBC - Pyjama Day

• Attire requirements will be explained closer to the day

   

11 September - Last Day of Unit 4

October - November - VCAA Formal Oral and Written Examination Period

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/key-dates/vce-examination-timetable

3 December - Graduation and Valedictory

• Students will have the opportunity to purchase an initial three tickets in the first round of sales
• Once each family has had an opportunity to purchase tickets, a second round of sales will open
• Students have expressed interest for number of tickets via a Google Form
• An event will be published on Compass in the coming weeks