VCE AT NORTHCOTE HIGH SCHOOL

Northcote High School is proud of the achievements of its VCE students. In addition to excellent academic results achieved across a wide range of subjects, students have access to a broad range of sporting, cultural, social and leadership activities. Senior students make significant contributions to the running of the school through their participation on the School Council and its Committees, in the SRC, and a variety of other committees culminating in the Organisation of a positive and happy conclusion to their school lives with the annual Graduation Ceremony and luncheon with their parents and the teaching staff.

The teaching staff are experienced and committed to the success of their students. During spare periods students are encouraged to seek help from their teachers, or to use the excellent VCE Study Centre, School Library and computer facilities for further research. Students may use the VCE Study Centre to discuss work with fellow students. Students may enrol in some additional language units through the VSL.

Outstanding careers facilities and advice are available in the Careers Centre to help students explore a broad range of options to assist in mapping their future directions. Students have access to the OZJAC, Career Easy and Course Scan. Job Guides, tertiary handbooks, career brochures, videos and CD's are also available. Students are given guidance in the preparation of job applications and resumes as well as interview presentations by the Careers Counsellor, Ms Helen Anderton.

Assistance in improving study skills, time management and stress relief are available through guest speakers and workshops for Year 12 students during the year. Year 11 students will receive study skills advice. Ongoing pastoral care and counselling, through the Student Welfare Co-ordinator, Level Co-ordinators, VCE Co-ordinator, Careers Counsellor and teaching staff is always available.

Parents are encouraged to contact the school at any time so that the partnership between parent, student and school can maximise each student's capabilities and educational opportunities.

VCE STUDIES 2003

As those of you with children in the senior years in particular are aware, the “enhanced” VCE program came into effect last year. The teachers and students concerned had to contend with some substantial academic challenges and while some teething problems occurred, it is nonetheless pleasing to note that the levels of stress to which they were exposed seem to have been reduced through the greater emphasis placed on external examinations and class-based assessment, following a move away from the system of open-ended CATs.

With this increasing emphasis on timed class testing and fully-fledged examinations, it is important that as much exam-type practice as possible be accumulated throughout the secondary years of schooling and especially in the final two years. Last year, we conducted November Trial Examinations at the beginning of Term 4 to enable students to gain further practice. The whole exercise seems to have worked very well for the students, providing them with invaluable feedback in the final run-up to the examinations. In 2001 we are implementing further initiatives to ensure our NHS students are provided with the opportunity to excel.

This year we have extended our accelerated VCE Program to include a further study, Mathematical Methods, in addition to the existing studies of Biology, Geography and 20^th C History. This program is offered to our Year 10 students and we currently have some 75 students participating.
If you need to contact any of the VCE Co-ordinating Team during the year, the direct telephone number is 94882312.

2003 VCE Co-ordinating Team:
Ms. Jocelyn Hill – VCE Co-ordinator

Mr. Andrew Webster& Ms. Diana Corkery – Year 12 Co-ordinators

Ms. Gillian Fergussoni & Peggy Oberthier – Year 11 Co-ordinators