Curriculum, Data & Assessment
These past few weeks have been assessment-packed for our senior students after the beginning of the year was dominated by assessments at the junior year levels, such as NAPLAN.
Firstly, our Year 12 Cohort, as well as students completing a Year 12 subject, completed their GAT Test. This is the first VCAA Assessment in the 2026 calendar, the rest of the Calendar is now accessible on VCAA’s website.
The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a key component of the VCE and VCE Vocational Major (VM). All students completing a Unit 3–4 subject must sit the GAT. It assesses general knowledge and skills in literacy, numeracy, and reasoning. The GAT does not directly contribute to study scores, but it plays an important role in ensuring fair and accurate results. It is used to check the accuracy of VCE assessments and can contribute to derived scores if a student is affected by illness or other issues. For VCE VM students, the GAT confirms literacy and numeracy standards required for completion.
Following a successful trial GAT in April students took this assessment seriously and many were happy with how they performed. We look forward to seeing how they progress towards their End of Year Exams.
Our Year 10 cohort have also sat their end of semester exams. These exams prepare students for the rigours of VCE. Students were met with the strict rules of examination rooms as well as gaining an understanding of the processes and language that is used throughout exams.
Year 10 students will complete another round of exams at the end of the year and we look forward to seeing their improvement. Students are encouraged to consider what study strategies they used this time and decide whether they should continue using these strategies or experiment to maximise their results.
Jessica Smith
Learning Specialist – Curriculum, Data & Assessment
Science
Big Science Competition
43 Students from Years 7, 8 and 9 represented Elevation Secondary College in the Big Science competition on 12th May. Students completed a 50 minute, multiple choice competition run by Australian Science Innovation. They did a computerised test on science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and the questions were aligned to the Australian Curriculum but set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable (and interesting).
Students will receive a certificate for their performance, which is a great asset for future job, university or scholarship applications. Sitting the Science Competition could also lead to selection in science extension programs such as the Australian Science Olympiads and Curious Minds – Girls in STEM.
Australian Junior Science Olympiad
Selected 10 students from Years 9 and 10 participated in an Online Australia wide Junior Science Olympiad. The Junior Science Olympiad is a staged science enrichment program for highly motivated students in Australian high schools in Years 7 to 10. Students sat an online exam for 2 hours and demonstrated their extensive knowledge of Science curriculum. The program is designed to inspire and challenge young science enthusiasts. It supports thousands of talented students through national exams, digital talent development program, intensive residential school and international competitions. The JSO program aims to enhance student achievement in our Australian Science Olympiad Program.
Amanpreet Kaur
Learning Specialist – Science
Art
Visual Art
We are very excited to be coming to the end of Semester 1, where we have seen some incredible results across all year levels. It has been great to see how much students have grown since the start of the year and we look forward to seeing them continue to nurture their creativity at Elevation. A big well done to all the students, teachers, and parents for all their hard work and we hope you enjoy your well deserved break
Art Club has also been a real highlight of the term. It’s been a lovely, collaborative space where students have been working with clay or just making whatever they feel like, and it’s been really nice to see. All students are welcome to join us on Thursday lunchtime in Week A and Wednesday lunchtime in Week B.
A reminder that the best work from the semester will also be on display at the end-of-year Art Show, so watch this space! We are also really looking forward to welcoming our new Visual Arts students next semester and seeing what they bring to the department.
Elena Vidiella Lopez
Domain Support – Art
Music
As our first semester of the year comes to an end, we want to thank all the amazing music students, families and staff who have contributed to a wonderful start to 2026. Last week we had our Elevation Celebration, for first semester, and we were so impressed with how well our students performed and represented the college but also how many families and students came down to support them. Our students in years 7-10 will also be changing into new subjects next semester and we wanted to say thank you to all of those students. It has been a pleasure to see you all grow as people and musicians. As we look towards next term, enrollments in our instrumental music program for Semester 2 are now open. Lessons are being offered in Vocals, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Trumpet and Drums.
As part of our instrumental program, we also have the school band program where students will develop their ensemble skills and have fun playing with others.
Instrumental lessons are $150 for a semester with one lesson per week.
That works out to be only $7.50 per lesson, significantly less expenisive than employing a private music tutor.
For more information, please contact your child’s music teacher or email Hugh.Kirne@education.vic.gov.au.
Hugh Kirne
Instrumental Music & Band Coordinator