With VCAA exams approaching, it is important that students and families are aware of the following information:
Exams are held in the Greening Auditorium and in adjoining rooms. Like the internal exams that students will remember from Years 8 to 11, they should line up in Westcourt Walk twenty minutes before the listed start time of each exam.
Throughout the exam period, students should have several plans for how to get to school. This may include travelling by public transport or having a family member provide a lift. 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.
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 watches. 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 2025 VCE Exams Navigator, on the VCAA website.
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:
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:
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.
Effective revision strategies
Year 12 VCE students and accelerating Year 11 students should be revising for their final VCAA exams every day. Over the previous two editions of the Newsletter, four evidence-based revision techniques were outlined. In this edition, I suggest two final techniques: dual coding, and elaborative interrogation.
Dual coding is a study technique that combines verbal and visual information to improve learning. By integrating words and images, you engage multiple cognitive pathways, which enhances your ability to understand and remember the material.
To implement dual coding, pair your notes with diagrams, charts, or mind maps. For example, when studying a history lesson, create a timeline with key events and accompanying descriptions. When learning scientific concepts, draw diagrams that illustrate processes or structures alongside written explanations.
Research shows that dual coding helps with both comprehension and recall. Visuals can make complex information easier to grasp and can serve as memory aids during recall. By processing information through both verbal and visual channels, you create stronger mental connections, making it easier to retrieve the information when needed.
Elaborative interrogation is a study technique that involves asking "why" questions about the material you are learning. By generating explanations for why certain facts or concepts are true, you enhance your understanding and retention.
To try elaborative interrogation, take a piece of information you need to learn and ask yourself why it is true. For example, if you are studying biology and learn that plants need sunlight to photosynthesize, ask yourself why sunlight is necessary. Then, try to generate a detailed explanation or relate it to other knowledge you have.
Studies indicate that elaborative interrogation improves understanding and retention by encouraging deeper processing of information. By actively engaging with the material and seeking explanations, you make meaningful connections that help solidify your knowledge. This technique is particularly effective for integrating new information with existing knowledge.
The following information relates to the release of 2025 VCE results and ATARs:
The 2025 VCE Results and ATAR Service is available from 7.00am 11 December 2025. Only 2025 results are released on this service. Results are also sent by mail, and VCE and GAT results can also be obtained by email. You must register to access results.
To access the VCE Results and ATAR Service online or via the app, you will need to register in advance at resultsandatar.vic.edu.au or by using the Results and ATAR app on your smartphone. Registration opens on Monday 4 August 2025. You will need your VCAA student number and personal details to register. You will be asked to create a secure password when registering, which you will then use to access your results. You only need to register once. The password you create can then be used for both the internet service and mobile app. To ensure easy access to your results you are advised to complete registrations by 5.00pm Wednesday 10 December 2025. If you have created a VTAC account, please note that this is separate from your registration for the VCE Results and ATAR Service and will not give you access to the service. Once you have registered for the VCE Results and ATAR Service, you can access your results for free, 24 hours a day from 7.00am Thursday 11 December 2025 until 5.00pm Monday 15 December 2025 using internet service or mobile app.
All Year 10-12 students are invited to attend Nano Nagle tutoring sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in MQ28 (VCE Study Centre). Sessions run from 3.30pm to 4.25pm. Tutors specialise in a range of common subjects, and can also offer advice regarding study habits, managing workload, and preparing assessment tasks.
A reminder about the Year 10 and 11 Semester 2 Examinations. These exams will commence in early November, with dates and details provided below. During the examination period, Year 10 and 11 students are not required to attend school other than for scheduled examinations. All students are encouraged to allocate time from now, not only for homework but also for revising for the semester examinations. Your child will receive revision materials to assist in their preparations closer to their exam date.
Examination Period:
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