Senior School
Essential Assessment for VCE and VCAL (including VET)
The Department of Education and Training and the VCAA have released advice that students studying Unit 3 and 4 VCE and Senior VCAL can attend on-site for essential assessments. On-site assessment should only be used when it is “not reasonably practicable for those assessments to be undertaken from the student’s home”. They are usually assessments which require access to specific facilities, resources, equipment or materials.
Students will be notified by their teachers and caregivers via Compass if an assessment is running at school. The usual expectations around masks, temperature taking, hand sanitiser and social distancing will apply. In addition VCAA has provided a range of specific controls for essential assessments and VCAL.
General Achievement Test (GAT)
The VCAA has confirmed the importance of the GAT tor Units 3/4 subjects completed in 2020. The (GAT) is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 7 October 2020. The GAT is a test of general knowledge and skills in these broad areas:
- written communication
- mathematics, science and technology
- Humanities, the arts and social sciences.
All students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 sequences must sit the GAT. Given the current situation, the GAT becomes an increasingly important opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
Year 12 'September Strava Challenge'!
In the month of September, we aim to get as many kilometres as a cohort. There will be prizes for the students who cover the most distance!
Why are we doing this?
Physical activity levels are low among Year 12s. It's hard to get motivated by yourself, especially when the days all roll into one.
We know however the important role that exercise plays in increasing happiness, reducing stress, improving sleep quality, increasing energy levels, improving memory and sharpening concentration. So let's get our bodies moving!
For more information about how to sign up (it’s never too late) please see the Compass Newsfeed from Wednesday, 26 August.
Ms Elly Stewart
Year 12 Coordinator
Elevate Education Study Skills Session – The Finishing Line
The Elevate Education Study Skills session will run on Wednesday, 9 September via a Video Conference in DiSCovery.
Year 12 Trivia Event
Your captains are working hard to get a Year 12 Level trivia up and running in the last week of Term 3 – watch this space!
Year 12 Wellbeing Webinars: NEVR
The NEVR team has organised a series of webinars for senior students to help them find strategies to support their mental health and wellbeing. These sessions are recorded and uploaded once they've been presented.
The webinars are broadcast ‘live’ on Fridays from 12:30pm – 1pm.
We’ve had great feedback from students and families who have watched the first couple of presentations.
Please click here to view past webinars.
Stay safe and connected.
Ms Elly Stewart
Year 12 Coordinator
VCE Chinese First Language
How does it feel to learn your mother-tongue in a different country? Students represent, think and reflect.
VCE Chinese First Language is challenging. However, to keep learning their first language means a lot to students in regards to their cultural identity and literacy development. It is also significant in creating understanding and eliminating misunderstandings in this ever-changing globalised village.
Last week we looked at some classic works of Chinese poetry, appreciated the beauty of this unique language, conducted our own research, and presented our findings. Students were creative in using props to help with their presentation. And with cameras on, we felt stage 4 restrictions weren't so bad after all.
Ms Katrina Jing
Teacher of Mandarin and EAL
Please read the following student reflections about the VCE Chinese First Language task:
Winnie W - 10C
"Last week in year 11 Chinese First Language class, we did a group presentation about Chinese classic poetry and literature. We had to present our research findings about Chinese classic poems from different dynasties, then recite them and explain their meaning. I felt nervous when I did the presentation with my camera on but I was happy to see familiar faces. It was impressive that two girls in class used traditional Chinese costumes as a prop to complete their presentation."
Chloe W - 10C
"During stage 4 lockdown, students and teachers need to stay home. Last week, our Chinese First Language class did an oral presentation on Chinese classic poetry and literature. The moment when students presented their work with their cameras on, and others were looking at the screen and listening to each other, made me feel the same way it used to be. There were also two students wearing traditional Chinese costumes to present their works. What an interesting event it was!"
Thank you students for your amazing work!
Ms Katrina Jing
Teacher of Mandarin and EAL