Humanities 

Level 3 exam wrap-up

Following in the steps of VCE Unit 1 students the previous week, all students studying Level 3 subjects recently completed two days of exams. To give you a taste of two Humanities exams, here are some sample questions and student reflections.

Money Money Money (Economics)

Sample questions:

Explain how earning a higher income will lead to a better material living standard. (2 marks)

Describe three human causes of climate change. (6 marks)

Student reflections:

• “Doing exams in year 10 has made me realise that they aren’t too bad.”
• “I think that exams in year 10 were a good idea, as it was practice for doing more serious exams in year 11 and 12. It was good how we had revision sheets and had the long weekend to revise.”
• “The exams allowed us to gain insight into what was to come and how we should change our study strategies if needed. Overall I am pretty happy with what I achieved in this exam and I think that exams are extremely important.”
• “Next time I should focus a bit more on exams and review the work that we have done before so I’ll be more prepared.”
• “It’s a great way to consolidate what you have learned all semester. When you start a new topic you usually forget the previous topic, but exams take you back through the first topic to the last.”

Philosophy

Sample question (optional final question):

If something happens and a photo does not appear on social media, does this mean it really happened? OR

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it still make a sound? (5 marks)

Student reflections:

• “I thought the exam was a really good learning experience that’ll help with future exams. I was feeling a bit nervous, but after the first one was over I began to feel more confident.”
• “I thought it was a positive learning experience because it prepared us for year 11 & 12 exams, but it was stressful and exhausting.”
• “I prepared for my exam by looking through my notes and answering revision questions.”
• “I enjoyed the optional question at the end of the exam the most because it really got me thinking.”

Photo 1: Did Philosophy students Chanice and Annalise really climb this tree?

Legal Aid visit

Former WPSC student Kate Martin visited the Unit 1 Legal Studies class recently to discuss the role of Victoria Legal Aid.

Hannah Coote and Josh Burgmann report:

“During Kate’s visit, we learnt about Legal Aid’s services and responsibilities in providing fairer trials and assisting those unable to afford legal representation. Legal Aid eligibility is determined by a means test. People who successfully pass the means test, have a mental impairment or do not speak English are given legal representation, information and advice. Duty lawyers such as Kate work for Legal Aid in the courts and represent clients according to their instructions.”

Photo 2: Kate Martin with Legal students.