Term 3 always brings a highlight of the English school year: Year 12 oral presentations.

On Friday 26 July, all students undertaking Units 3 and 4 English delivered a presentation on a contemporary issue to a panel of senior English teachers. Wearing their uniforms with pride and presenting themselves professionally, the students demonstrated excellent communication skills and an impressive understanding of their chosen material. The diverse range of subjects covered reflected the diverse interests and passions of the cohort. Speeches covered complex and important issues including AI, the AUKUS treaty, homelessness, social media bans and electrification. The students’ ability to prepare well-researched and substantiated arguments, and to perform with discipline under demanding conditions was an achievement of which all students should feel very proud. Days such as these form a rite-of-passage in students’ English education, marking the beginning of the end (!) of their compulsory school-based studies.

As we look towards the end of the academic year for Year 12 students, it is timely to reflect on the importance of strategic and effective preparation for the final VCE examinations. Whether students are undertaking VCE English, English Language or Literature, they should now be mapping out their revision program, ensuring they understand the content and skills they should be practising and refining, and working closely with their teachers to obtain feedback on their work, identifying and acting upon specific targets.

Our VCE team are devoted to supporting students to achieve their potential and will work closely with students until the examination day, offering expert guidance and targeted feedback. It is important to note that whilst teachers can generously offer this support, students must ultimately be responsible for their own success. Students who take charge of their learning and ensure they are working pro-actively are more likely to achieve their goals. Examinations can seem daunting, but for students who are prepared and practised, exams can actually prove a satisfying and rewarding experience – a chance for students to prove to themselves what they are capable of with preparation and practice (just as English students did with their super oral presentations).

We commend this approach to our Year 12 English, English Language and Literature students and remind them of the need to maintain focus and sustain effective study habits for the final weeks of schooling. Their future selves will be grateful for this commitment!

Nicola O’Shea

Learning Leader: English