In the past fortnight, Senior Years students have engaged in several enriching learning experiences in the Year 11 – 12 Nourish program, through experiential learning in VCE VM and hearing from a number of organisations to support students to consider and make the necessary preparations for the ‘finishing line’ of Year 12.

This is a time for preparation in readiness for final examinations, complaint required VCE VM learning hurdle tasks and implementing revision strategies ahead of the September Unit 3 & 4 College-based trial examinations.

Recently, Elevate Education speakers met with Year 12 students in targeted small group seminars to support students to begin preparations for their external VCAA examinations. As a reputable brand with their asset of recent school leavers, student feedback was positive, particularly as a timely reminder of what specific behaviours and study strategies can be implemented. In addition, a number of students have engaged with their teachers and as well as seeking out additional resources through online revision lectures that present on specific aspects of the final examination.

Reflecting on the study skills session from Elevate Education educators, Year 12 student Alyssa (Year 12B) commented:

The Elevate Education seminar held on Monday provided us Year 12s with a range of study techniques that will help us cross the ‘finishing line’. Starting with ‘exam focused study’, the seminar talked through how to check for blind spots in our content learning, create a ‘bullet-proof booklet’ to reflect these areas, and discussed to how to effectively use teacher feedback.
Additionally, the seminar made a point to check in with us as individuals, specifically concerning stress and wellbeing. By asking which stress symptoms we experience as Year 12 students, we were equally met with strategies to alleviate our stress levels. This was coupled with little things we could do to optimise out study time, while simultaneously looking after ourselves and our wellbeing.
Alyssa J, 12B

Additionally, as part of Nourish learning, Year 12 students also heard from Red Frogs Australia. With over 20 years of experiences working with young people, Red Frogs spoke with Year 12 students about the impact of mainstream cultural pressures that they may encounter surrounding drugs and alcohol, and the negative effects they can cause for their future. The presenters supported students to consider the choices and challenges they will face in life, particularly ahead of becoming graduates and school leavers in order to help support positive choices in the context of possible consequences of their actions, building healthy ways to stay true to themselves both physically and mentally.

For Year 11 students, the past fortnight in the Nourish program has focused on the area of gender identity and privilege as part of students’ learning through the Respectful Relationships program from the Department of Education. This is important learning for students to understand the way in which gender identity is constructed and how privilege can impact all people in society.

Tom Crowle
Senior Years Leader

Yarra Valley Chocolate Factory Excursion

As part of the VCE Vocational Major students in the Work Related Skills class organized and planned an excursion to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie as part of their learning about workplace organization and culture. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie was an excellent choice, given its key role as part of the Yarra Valley regional tourist trade. Alongside wineries, the Healesville Sanctury, the Chocolaterie is one of the major draw cards for travelers and day tourism, as well as being recognized as a leading employer in the region. Thanks goes to Ms Cornell for organizing the event, alongside Priya V and Aimee C (Year 12) who had key roles in leading the excursion.

Below is a student reflection from Aimee C (Year 12) on the day:

Our trip to the Yarra Valley Chocolate Factory was an amazing and fun experience that went beyond just tasting delicious treats. We started by learning about the journey of cocoa beans, from their origins from where they get harvest and their journey to the factory, and we learnt about the fascinating history of chocolate-making. We got to taste a variety of the most popular chocolates that they sell at the store. After doing a taste test we got to making our own rocky road which was definitely the highlight of the day. We had a table full of toppings and could choose either dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate for flavouring which let us be super creative. To top it all off, we got to buy some treats to take home. Overall, the trip was not only fun but also a valuable lesson in teamwork, creativity, and the intricate work skills needed to work in chocolate production.
Aimee C, 12A