VCE/VCAL Information Evening 11/2/2016
Prayer Father in Heaven, Look over us this evening as we seek to understand our children s education. Guide us in ways that will enhance their study and their self-worth. Help us to calm our anxieties and fears so that those for whom we care can learn from us the wisdom and patience required to succeed as members of our community. Amen
Acronyms Galore VCAA ATAR VCE VCAL VET VATE PAM PTI VTAC DC SAC SAT TGIF Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Australian Tertiary Admission Rank Victorian Certificate of Education Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning Vocational Education and Training Victorian Association for the Teaching of English Parent Access Module Parent Teacher Interview Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre Damascus College School Assessed Coursework School Assessed Task Thank God It s Friday
SEA application due Tuesday 1st March 2016 VCAA Important Dates for 2016 General Achievement Test (GAT) (Any student completing a 3-4 subject is required to sit the GAT) Tuesday 7 th June 2016, 10.00 am 1.15 pm Trial Exams (Compulsory for all students completing a 3-4 subject) Monday 26 th September 2016 Friday 30 th September 2016 (Week 2 of Holidays) Performance and Languages oral examinations and Extended Investigation: Oral presentation Monday 3 rd October 2016 Sunday 30 th October 2016 October/November Year 12 written examinations Wednesday 26 th October 2016 Friday 18 th November 2016
Damascus Important Dates for 2016 Start of Impending Failure Notice process for students who are not progressing well in Semester 1 Week beginning Monday 18 th April 2016 Units 1/3 and VCAL Final Date for Submission of Semester 1 Work (S/N Due Date) Monday 6 th June 2016 Start of Impending Failure Notice process for students who are not progressing well in Semester 2 Week beginning Monday 22 nd August 2016 Units 4 and VCAL Final Date for Submission of Semester 2 Work (S/N Due Date) Wednesday 19 th October Units 2 and VCAL Final Date for Submission of Semester 2 Work (S/N Due Date) Monday 31 st October SAT Scores Due Dates (Subjects with Folios) See your teacher Year 11 VCE Written Exams Monday 14 th November 2016 Friday 18 th November 2016
What is some of the common terminology? A VCE subject is called a study. Most studies have four units Each unit lasts one semester or half-year. Units 1 and 2 are usually taken in Year 11. Units 3 and 4 are usually taken in year 12. Traditionally unit 1 is taken in semester 1 of the year and unit 2 in the second semester of the year.
Basic Structure VCAA sets the requirements: Classwork - school/home/research/assignments/etc SACs - specific tasks which are given a number score SATs specific tasks designed to meet VCAA criteria and given a number score given Classwork is important as it contributes to the SACs and SATs in a direct way All subjects are assessed as S (Satisfactory) or N (Not Satisfactory Students pass a subject by receiving an S. (An N means not a pass)
What s Needed for the VCAL Certificate Successful completion of; Numeracy Outcomes Literacy Outcomes Work Related Skills Outcomes Personal Development Outcomes VET course VCE unit 180 hours work placement (Per year) Levels Foundation Intermediate Senior
What s Needed for the VCE Certificate Minimum of 16 units successfully completed Minimum of 8 units (4 Subjects) from year 12 At least 3 units from English How an ATAR is obtained English, and Next 3 best subjects study scores Most students will have an additional 1 or 2 subjects which contribute an additional 10% for each subject
For each subject (VCAA): What happens with the Subjects SAC/SAT scores + Nov Exam score Study Score VCAA sends the study scores to VTAC Study scores are combined ATAR ATAR is a ranking between 0 and 99.95 Example: A student with an ATAR of 70.00 means that the university ranking system places them is in the top 30% of candidates for university
Why Ranking? Concerns: Students are ranked amongst 10s of thousands of students (Victorians and interstate) Subjects may be scaled up or down because they are perceived to be of varying difficulty
How study scores work Students get ranked highest to lowest Median score is 30 (50% of the state will receive a score above 30 and the others below) What a study score would look like if broken down to 100 students Study Score Number of students 45+ 40 35 30 25 20 Less than 20 2 7 17 27 25 15 7
Where are we headed? Students must be asking the following questions: What is my preferred career? Which tertiary institution is best for me? Am I doing the right subjects and for the right reasons? What do I need to do to get there? How can our students do the best they can? Education is a three way partnership: student family school
University/TAFE Courses Students apply for courses directly through VTAC who then offers students courses based on their ATAR score. Apply for Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) - Selection officers may take into account educational disadvantages for instance location Example: For a particular course at LaTrobe Uni, of the students who apply those with the highest ATAR scores are accepted until the quota is reached. La Trobe University: Bachelor of Biomedical Science ATAR 80.05 in 2015 One of the major goals is for students to maximise their ATAR score.
Optimising results Complete holiday homework Get a head start on English novels Ask subject teacher for assistance Attend revision sessions teachers offer Stay up to date with work Complete weekly homework books if prescribed Complete practice exams Create a study timetable Attend external VCE lectures Keeping track of school-work Use office 365 (Work saved to cloud accessed anywhere)
School Processes Attendance: It is expected that a VCE/VCAL student will attend all classes VCAA states that all VCE/VCAL units require 50 hours of class time Is essential for authentication of work If absent due to illness please obtain a medical certificate return it to the office Learning outcomes can be failed due to unexplained absences Assessment: School Assessed Coursework School Assessment Tasks Exams (Internal Year 11, External year 12)
Missed School Based Assessment Procedure If a school assessment task is missed special provision will be given for; Approved School related activities Illness (Copy of doctors certificate required with submission of form, original to Office) Personal/family issues eg. Funeral (Newspaper notice, Statutory Declaration or Professional report) Special provision will not be granted for things like; Sitting a Learner s permit, driver s licence, taking driving lessons Family holidays music concerts or formal dances. In those instances a student will receive a zero for the task
Missed School Based Assessment Procedure Students are required to complete the form below; (Can be collected from VCE coordinator)
Missed School Based Assessment Procedure Submit the completed form with all relevant documentation to the VCE coordinator Missed SACs are rescheduled to the nearest Wednesday at 3:30pm in the Library
Special Provision Throughout the Year If a student is disadvantaged by an illness or situation that impedes the learning process, then Special Provision is available. Situations that could affect a student s performance: An acute or chronic illness (physical or psychological) Any factors relating to personal environment An impairment or disability Personal circumstances Hearing, vision or learning disabilities. Provision could include: Additional time for completion of work Use of a laptop Application forms available from the VCE Co-ordinator
Special Provision End of Year Exams Students who are disadvantaged may apply for Special Exam Arrangements (SEA). Examples of these include: Rest breaks Permission to take medication Use of a laptop Applications can be collected from the VCE coordinator and are due back by Tuesday 1 st March Students who are affected by unforeseen circumstances up to 2 weeks before the exams (eg illness, car accident or death in the family) may apply for a Derived Examination Score (DES). There is no guarantee of this being successful.
General Achievement Test (GAT) VCAA requires that all students enrolled in one or more VCE Units 3 4 sequence or VCE VET scored Unit 3 and 4 sequence are required to sit the General Achievement Test (GAT) Date: Tuesday 7 June 2016, 10.00 am 1.15 pm Purpose: The statistical moderation of School-based Assessments Checking the accuracy of student scores in external assessment The calculation of a Derived Exam Score.
2015 Year 12 Students Ben Taggart
2015 Year 12 Students Sophie Anstis
Goal Setting
Stress Management Stress is a natural human response when faced with a challenging situation. Stress can be helpful Alertness Energy Resourcefulness Stress can be unhelpful Fatigue Anxiety Feeling overwhelmed Physically Ill
Stress Management Identify your stressors Take a few deep breaths or practice mindfulness Regular exercise Hang out with friends Set realistic goals Laugh Manage your time Listen to your body Eat and sleep well Make time for things you enjoy
Your Study Space Do you have a study space? VCE Students need a DESIGNATED study space. Minimal distraction Organised This could be the kitchen table, or a desk in the bedroom, as long as you consciously make it as free of distraction as possible. Put mobile phones somewhere else during designated study times Try to avoid listening to music or watching TV while studying. Save those for relaxation time.
Organising Your Time Break study down in to manageable blocks 20-30 mins Aim for: 2 hours of study per day and 5 hours on weekends as a minimum requirement Schedule time for pleasurable activities, exercise and social events (and possibly part-time work). Allocate an appropriate bed time. Studies suggest that just 3 periods of physical activity throughout the week can dramatically increase performance and reduce stress. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Sleep in till 9:00ish Sleep in School School School School School Exercise Period 5- Study 2 20 minute study blocks Work 11-4 4:30 Home Exercise Dinner 6:00 2 20-30minute study blocks 10 minute break 2 20-30minute study blocks More if necessary 9:00 pack up, organise for next day etc. 9:30 Mindfulness Activity 10:00 Bed 4:30 Home 2 20-30minute study blocks Dinner 6:00 TV show 7:30-9:00 9:00 pack up, organise for next day etc. 9:30 Mindfulness Activity 10:00 Bed 4:30 Home Exercise Dinner 6:00 2 20-30minute study blocks 10 minute break 2 20-30minute study blocks More if necessary 9:00 pack up, organise for next day etc. 9:30 Mindfulness Activity 10:00 Bed Home 4:30 Shower/ organisation/ relax Dinner 6:00 2 20-30minute study blocks 10 minute break 2 20-30minute study block More if necessary 9:00 organise 9:30 Mindfulness Activity 10:00 Bed Period 3&4- Study 2 20 minute study blocks 5 minute break 2 20 minute study blocks Work 4-7 Free time 11:00 Bed Home 4:30 2 20-30minute study blocks Catch up with friends / free time 11:00 Bed 11:00 2 20-30minute study blocks Hour for lunch 1:00-2:00ish 2 20-30minute study blocks 10 minute break 2 20-30minute study blocks Break After Dinner 2 20-30minute study blocks More if necessary 9:00 organise 9:30 Mindfulness Activity 10:00 Bed
What can parents do to help? Help your child to set realistic goals (make sure they are their goals, not yours) Be understanding about the pressures your child may feel in relation to VCE- open up discussion Make sure your child has an opportunity to still have a life outside of study, encourage a balance. Create a study timetable together and display it on the fridge, so everyone understands the expectation during study times. Learn about and understand the VCE system Reward your child for their hard work Remind your child: VCE is not the end of the world PARENTS' VCE GUIDE The Age (March 26, 2003) Guide, support and encourage your child. Don't nag. Don't tell them they will fail if they don't work harder. Encourage healthy eating, regular exercise and plenty of sleep. Take their efforts seriously. Create an effective work space in the house. Take a whole-family approach to supporting the student. Don't overload them with domestic chores. Let them know that you're there when they need you. Encourage them to believe in themselves. Remind them of their goals. Give them positive feedback whenever possible. Remember the VCE is about them, not you. Encourage them to take study breaks when necessary. Help them put the year in perspective. Keep an eye on their emotional health; look for changes in sleeping or eating and see your local doctor if concerned.
Resources Smiling Mind Studies have suggested that engaging in just short periods of mindfulness daily can reduce stress, increase focus, reduce anxiety and boost memory. Available on computer and as a phone app. The Desk www.thedesk.org.au Assists with study skills, organisation and stress management Numerous other apps for creating timetables, study tips, assisting with sleep, relaxation etc. Surviving Year 12- Michael Carr Greg
VCE Survival Sessions The College Counsellors/Psychologist run sessions, fortnightly at lunchtime covering all that we have spoken about Allows students to sit and talk to us, ask questions, gain practical assistance and practice the skills we teach them Will begin term 2, 2016- See fliers and newsletter for details Students can make individual appointments with us via email or text
Stephanie Tan-Kristanto s.tankristanto@damascus.vic.edu.au 5337 2369 Rebecca Petrie r.petrie@damascus.vic.edu.au 5337 2367 Jessica Dunstan j.dunstan@damascus.vic.edu.au 5337 2224 Booking an appointment Counsellor@damascus.vic.edu.au College Counsellors
Teachers who can assist Matthew Hallowell (VCE Co-ordinator) m.hallowell@damascus.vic.edu.au 5337 2386 Carmel Russell (Applied Learning Co-ordinator) c.russell@damascus.vic.edu.au 5337 2315 Nick Yandell (Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching) n.yandell@damascus.vic.edu.au 5337 2374 Jo Lawrence (Careers Co-ordinator) j.lawrence@damascus.vic.edu.au 5337 2340
The End