Exam Preparation: extra supports for Units 3 & 4 students

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you are aware, the VCE Unit 3 & 4 examination period is fast approaching. The results from these examinations make a significant contribution to a students’ final study scores and consequently their ATAR score. Students have been working diligently through the remote learning period on their preparation for their final assessments and we are so pleased they will now be able to complete their final preparations on site. On 18 September 2020 we advised of additional study times to support students with their exam preparation at school, but unfortunately, we could not follow through at that time with these arrangements after receiving further advice about the application of the COVID-19 guidelines. With the relaxing of restrictions, as the rates of community transmission of the Coronavirus in the region has dropped, we are pleased to put in place the following supports effective immediately:

1. The St Mary’s library will be open every school day from 8am – 5pm
2. Practice examinations will run in the St Mary’s Gymnasium at the following times:

• Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October: 9am – 12.15pm and 1pm – 3.30pm
• Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November: 9am – 12.15pm and 1pm – 3.30pm
• All weeknights from 3.30pm – 6pm on the week starting Monday 26 October, with Friday running from 1.45pm – 5pm as Year 12 students have study periods on Friday afternoon.

Students are welcome to attend as many of these sessions as they like, and don’t need to provide advanced notice.

Having a rehearsal, under full exam conditions, at the College will help students feel more comfortable in completing assessments in the official VCAA administered exam style. Students are advised that they must adhere to the COVID guidelines already in place during school hours when attending any of these practice exam or study support times, including mask wearing on and off campus. There will be a register in the St Mary’s gym which students will be required to fill out upon entry to support any potential contact tracing if required. All study spaces and practice exam spaces will be arranged to ensure social distancing is maintained.

We congratulate all of our students for their attitude and work towards these exams, and their resilience in preparing for this period so well in trying times. We look forward to providing greater levels of onsite support through this final stretch of preparation for these assessments.

The majority of Universities are offering a range of early offer options and direct entry options for 2021 courses, however, the ATAR is still the common measure in Australia to support University entry. We encourage students to continue to engage with the Careers Team about the options and future pathways available to 2020 graduates.

Yours sincerely

Mr Matthew Angove, Learning & Teaching Director

Mrs Trish Schofield, Deputy Principal – St Mary’s

Note: file photo – pre-COVID distancing guidelines