Following on from the article I shared in the previous Ignatian, “The easy and cheap tip to help students get a 40-plus VCE study score”, I would like to share another insightful read: “Secrets to ATAR Success: Practice Questions Are Key to High Study Scores”, which explores research on what drives strong VCE results. VCE success: Practice questions are key to high study scores, research shows

The article reports on a recent analysis of more than 57,000 VCE students, which found a clear link between completing large numbers of practice questions and achieving study scores above 40. In subjects like biology, top-performing students often completed more than 800 practice questions before exams.

Practice questions help reinforce learning, reduce exam anxiety, and identify areas for improvement. They’re widely available through schools and the VCAA, making them an accessible and effective study tool.

Students who have embraced this strategy report feeling more confident and prepared for both SACs and final exams. Educators and experts agree: deliberate, targeted practice is one of the most reliable ways to boost academic performance.

Subject Selection 2026

Students and parents will receive confirmation of their subject preferences for 2026 in the next week or so. Preferences have been carefully considered, and the College has worked diligently to assign students to the subjects they requested. However, owing to timetabling constraints, some students may find themselves assigned to subjects from their reserve preferences. There is the opportunity to request a change of subject by completing a form (link will be available in the confirmation letter) alongside an interview with Mrs Bosco (Head of Learning Pathways). Students will have a week to compete this process. Thereafter, no changes will be allowed.

End of Year Examinations (Year 8-11)

The dates for all examinations can be found below.

Further details will be issued to parents in the next couple of weeks, but a summary can be found below.

Attendance

Students who fail to attend an exam and cannot show a medical certificate will receive 0%. This includes students on holiday. Students with a medical certificate will receive exempt.

If a student misses an examination, they are welcome to collect the relevant examination from Ms Freeman (OL127) after the examination window.  Whilst staff are not required to mark the exam, they will provide feedback if requested by the student.

Dress Code

All students must attend examinations in full school summer uniform (including wearing the school blazer).

Students not in full school uniform will not be allowed in the examination and will be directed to go to the iCentre to complete revision. These students will then be required to complete any examinations they have missed on 6 December at 1.30pm.  Failure to attend this session will result in 0%.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones and/or smart devices are not permitted in an exam room. If a student has a mobile phone or electronic digital device on their person in the exam, it will be removed from the student, and a 0% recorded.

Equipment

• Water bottles and pencil cases must be clear.

• Mobile phones will not be permitted. Any student found with a mobile phone will receive 0% for that examination (see above)

Orientation

Orientation for 2025 Units 1 – 4 will run from 24 November to 4 December. Further details will be issued nearer to the time. Any subject changes made by students will be reflected in the Orientation week timetable.

Booklist Provider

As already mentioned in a previous Ignatian edition, the College will continue to use Box of Books as our booklist provider.

Parents are able to recycle physical books from siblings or purchase second hand physical books (as long as the book has not changed). As part of the College’s eBook levy, Year 7-9 students will automatically receive digital resources for Maths, Science, Humanities and RE and hard copies for English.

STEM Research Program

We are excited to share that applications for the Fall Cohort of the STEM Research Program are open for motivated students (ages 14–18) keen to explore their passions while working on cutting-edge STEM topics.

Led by researchers at MIT, Caltech, and Stanford, the STEM Research Program introduces ambitious students to the cutting edge of scientific field of interest. Students will work 1-on-1 with a PhD mentor and create an independent research project.

Explore cool topics like astrophysics, quantum mechanics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, robotic control, game theory, genetic engineering, and many more!

Timeline

• Week 1: Introduction to your mentor and align on a topic

• Week 2-4: Explore the topic and identify the research question

• Week 5-9: Compose research paper with 1-1 support from research mentor

• Week 10-12: Complete final edits and submit the paper for final evaluation

Complete this application below to be considered for participation and receive more information. We look forward to working on interesting science with you!

STEM Research Program Application