Assistant Principal News

Introduction to Senior School -Attn: Year 9 parents/guardians

As you will all be aware, students in Year 9 will this year start to make some significant choices about their future Senior School pathways. With this in mind, all Year 9 students were addressed last week at their year level assembly to discuss the importance of their studies this year and the impact that their efforts and achievements will have on their choices for next year. 

We specifically explored with students the criteria that they will have to meet if they would like to undertake a VCE subject in Year 10. In addition, their Year 9 Maths results and Science results will also inform the Maths and Science pathways open to them in Year 10. These early discussions have taken place so that students understand the impact their semester 1 results will have on these choices.

The criteria for a VCE accelerated subject in Year 10 is as follows:

• Excellent Academic Results  (This will include Year 8 Cycles 1-6 and most importantly Cycles 1-3 in Year 9)
• 80+ across Cycles 1-3 in Year 9 in the subject area where a student wishes to accelerate.
• 80+ across Cycles 1-3 in Year 9 in four other related subjects including English.

** Please note that other Year 8 subject data may also be referred to as part of this process.

• Work Practices – Attitude and Effort on cycle reports will also be taken into consideration.
• Attendance - a minimum of 90% attendance, excluding approved absences.

Decisions will be based on the extent to which the criteria have been met, as well as the number of places available. Year 11 students will always have priority placement in a Year 11 subject.

At the assembly the common misconception with students that undertaking an accelerated VCE subject will allow students to have a reduced Year 12 workload was addressed. This is not the case. Students will still be expected to complete 5 studies in Year 12. The extra subject completed simply allows for students to have a bonus subject for their ATAR calculation.

Students will be provided with further information and guidelines regarding course selections and VCE acceleration applications late in Term 2. This will be followed by extensive course counselling for every student early in Term 3.

Karen Boyle

Assistant Principal- Teaching and Learning