VCAA VCE and VET Unit 3 & 4 Written Examinations – Term 4

The first written exam for most Year 12 VCE students is English, scheduled for Tuesday 27 October. However, Oral Language and Music Performance exams start earlier, with some exams preceding English. Students must check their individual timetables carefully. Students have received the VCAA Exam Navigator, outlining all exam rules and procedures. An electronic version is available here:

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/2026-07/2026-VCEExamsNavigator.pdf

It is strongly recommended that all VCE students studying a Unit 3 & 4 subject and their parents carefully read the Exam Navigator.

During SWOT VAC (starting Monday 19 October), teachers will be available during regular class times until each subject’s exam date, and students are strongly encouraged to attend school during this period. As exam scores contribute significantly to final study marks, it’s essential that students aim to perform at their academic best. Accelerated Year 11 students will continue attending all scheduled Unit 4 classes until their respective exams.

Exam location

Exams are held in the Greening Auditorium and in adjoining rooms. Like the internal exams that students will remember from Years 8-11, they should line up in Westcourt Walk at least twenty minutes before the listed start time of each exam.

Transport

Throughout the exam period, students should have several plans for how to get to school. This may include travelling by public transport, having a family member provide a lift, or having rideshare apps ready as a last resort. It is important to allow extra travel time in case of unexpected delays. Students should aim to arrive at the College at least 30 minutes early to ensure a calm start to their exam.

Permitted materials

To each exam, students must bring photo identification (for example, their student ID card or driver licence). Students must not bring any unauthorised materials into the exam room, such as mobile phones or smart devices. These devices must be stored in their lockers. Students may bring one bottle of still water into the exam room, so long as it is in a transparent plastic bottle (all labels removed) and is no more than 1500mL. Further information about permitted materials is available in the VCE Exams Navigator, on the VCAA website: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/2026-07/2026-VCEExamsNavigator.pdf

Managing stress

It is perfectly normal for students to feel some level of stress during the VCAA exam period. Families can support their child by encouraging regular sleep, balanced meals, and short study breaks. If stress feels overwhelming or begins to affect wellbeing, students are encouraged to speak with their House Leader, Mr Fogarty, or the school counsellors.

The following websites provide some useful tips for managing stress and anxiety during the exam period:

• Monash University – Managing Exam Anxiety: https://www.monash.edu/change-of-preference/managing-exam-anxiety-a-step-by-step-guide
• Headspace - How to study for exams and reduce stress: https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/prepare-for-exams/
• ReachOut – Exam stress: https://au.reachout.com/study-work-and-money/exam-stress

Derived Examination Score (DES)

The following information is from the VCAA regarding the Derived Examination Score process:

“Students who are ill or affected by other personal circumstances at the time of a VCE external assessment and whose result is unlikely to be a fair or accurate indication of their learning or achievement in the study may apply for a DES. If their application is approved, a DES will be calculated by the VCAA. The purpose of a DES is to ensure that a student’s final result for an external assessment reflects as accurately as possible the level of achievement that would be expected based on the learning and achievement the student has demonstrated in the study over the year. It is not designed to be used to compensate for learning or achievement that has not been possible because of long-term illness or other ongoing conditions that have been present over the year.

Students are eligible for a DES if they meet all of the following criteria:

• They have completed the course of study leading to the external assessment, and have a result for at least one other graded assessment in the same study.
• They experience the onset or an exacerbation of an illness or the occurrence of an injury, personal trauma or serious intervening event in the period before or during a VCE external assessment, that has either prevented them from attending the external assessment or significantly affected their performance during the external assessment.
• They provide evidence that demonstrates the illness, injury, personal trauma, or serious intervening event has affected their performance in the external assessment or has prevented them from attending the external assessment.

A ‘personal trauma’ may include, but is not limited to, the death or serious illness of a family member, an accident involving a family member, or family break-up. A ‘serious intervening event’ may include, but is not limited to, an accident on the way to or at an examination, attendance at a funeral of a family member or other person of close relationship, or the required attendance at a court proceeding.”

Any student or family who believes they may be eligible for a DES should contact Mr Fogarty as soon as possible.