Year 11 & 12
As we come to the end of Term 1, our Senior School students have made significant progress. Whether it be our Year 12 students completing a number of SACs or our Year 11 students adjusting to the demands of VCE, all students have achieved success in their own way since the beginning of the year. This is something to be proud of and celebrate.
Trial GAT
On the last day of Term 1, all Year 12 students, as well as Year 11 students completing a Year 12 subject, will participate in the Trial General Achievement Test (GAT).
The GAT is the first VCAA examination that many Year 12 students will complete. The information below is taken directly from VCAA:
The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills taken by students in the course of completing their senior secondary studies.
The GAT plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments and also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards expected at a senior secondary level.
No special study is needed. Past study of subjects like English, Mathematics, Science and History prepares students for the GAT by building their general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy and reasoning.
To support our students, the Senior School has arranged for all relevant students to complete the Trial GAT and receive feedback by the beginning of Term 2. This will help them identify areas for improvement before the official GAT.
The official GAT will take place on Tuesday 16 June.
Year 11 Subject Changes
Year 11 students will be able to request a subject change for Semester 2 via a Google Form that will be published on Compass.
Students will have two weeks to submit their request. Following this, a member of the Senior School team will meet with each student to review their request and determine whether a change is possible within their timetable.
Semester 2 for Year 11 students will officially begin in the last week of Term 2.
Year 12 Key Dates
The Senior School would like to share the following important dates with our Year 12 families:
- Year 12 Formal: Friday 12 June
- Year 12 Graduation and Whole School Awards: Monday 14 December
The final day of attendance for Year 12 students will be shared in Term 2.
Abscence on Days of SACs
As per our VCE Policy, Senior School students who are absent on the day of a SAC must have a medical certificate or a statutory declaration in order to complete that assessment. Students and families can be made aware of any assessments by going on Compass and checking if there is a green event appearing on the schedule (such as the one below)
School Holidays
As the school year is shorter for Senior School students due to exams, it is highly recommended that students continue to take their coursework home for revision, organisation and in some cases, holiday homework.
The two week break provides a valuable opportunity for students to:
- Organise folders and binders
- Review previously covered content
- Prepare for upcoming learning
Asli Dulger
Year 11 & 12 Leading Teacher
VCE Vocational Major
Our VCE: Vocational Major (VCE) students have had a busy and productive start to the term, with many exciting opportunities already underway.
We are looking forward to seeing both our Year 11 and Year 12 cohorts presenting their proposals for their Personal Development Skills (PDS) group projects. This is always a highlight, as students showcase their ideas, planning, and teamwork. They will be presenting to a panel including our Principal, Assistant Principal, Vocational Major Leader, and Year 11 Coordinator, providing a valuable opportunity to gain feedback and further develop their projects.
Recently, our Year 11 VCE students attended an excursion to the Plenty Ranges Convention Centre. During this visit, they had the opportunity to meet with local employers as well as pathway representatives from TAFE and the Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN). This experience allowed students to explore a range of future options and gain insight into different industries and training pathways. They will now draw on this learning as they continue developing their understanding in Work Related Skills.
Meanwhile, our Year 12 students have already begun taking important steps toward their futures. They have started meeting with our Careers Team to discuss their post-school pathways, including further education, training, and employment opportunities. These conversations are an essential part of ensuring each student feels supported and prepared for life beyond school.
We are proud of the initiative and engagement shown by our VCE:VM students and look forward to sharing more of their achievements throughout the year.
Alex Connor
VCE:VM Leading Teacher
Careers
Work Experience for Year 10, 11 & 12 – Why is it Valuable?
Work experience is one of the most valuable opportunities you can have while you’re still at school. It allows you to step into the real world of work, build confidence, develop practical skills and better understand what different careers involve. Even a short placement can help shape your subject choices, future study plans and career direction.
Preparing for work experience is just as important as the placement itself. The more effort you put in beforehand, the more you’ll gain. Check out some of the following tips:
Year 7–9: Start Building Foundations
- Understand what work experience is and why it matters.
- Start identifying your interests, strengths and skills.
- Practice responsibility, teamwork and positive communication at school.
- Outside of school, take on hobbies and sports, and be involved in local Community groups.
Year 10–12: Plan & Prepare
- Research workplaces and career areas that interest you
- Prepare a resume and communicate professionally with employers
- Set clear learning goals and reflect on how work experience shapes your future plans
- Communicate with your neighbours, wider family and community to build stronger networks
Useful Websites and Links
The following websites are also a great resource to start navigating career pathways.
Elevation SC Careers – Careers Information
The school’s Careers website allows students and parents to become more informed about career ideas, industries, Employment, Apprenticeships, Traineeships, University / TAFE courses, VCE & VET Subjects, “Bullseye” Career Targets, Career Action Plans & more.
Discover Your Career – Explore Your Career | Your Career
A website launched by the National Careers Institute, and become more informed about career ideas, career industries, and how to become job ready.
Myfuture – Myfuture – Australia’s National Career Information Service | Myfuture
A career information & exploration service providing current career information, articles and resources.
Careers Online – Welcome to Careers Online
Career research, resume help, job hunting tips, job etc.
Workforce Australia – Workforce Australia for individuals
Free online jobsite searches can be made by region and state, occupational category, type of employment – casual, part-time, or full-time, and covers a range of occupations.
Victorian Government Vacancies – Careers in the Victorian government public sector
Find out about government jobs and careers available at the State Victorian Government.
Ms. M. Watt, Ms. L. Panuccio & Mr. J. Tikulin
The Careers Team