We believe in nurturing a supportive and engaging environment for all students. One of the most unique and rewarding aspects of our Senior School experience is the Falconian Tutor program. This initiative allows past students, who have successfully navigated the challenges of VCE, to return to our school and offer their guidance and expertise to current students as they prepare for their own VCE journey.
A Tradition of Giving Back
The Falconian Tutor program is built on the idea of giving back. Alumni, having recently completed their VCE, are in an ideal position to provide valuable insights, practical tips and support to students who are going through the same process.
The tutors return regularly to spend time with our Senior School students in their Flexible Learning Program (FLP) to share the knowledge and strategies that helped them succeed in their VCE subjects. They offer a unique perspective, having just gone through the challenges of balancing study, assignments, and exams. Their real-world experience makes them excellent role models for students striving to achieve academic success.
On 21 February 2025, we welcomed three tutors who are part of a wider team for a special induction day with key staff, including our HR Business Partner, Fiona Kapkidis, and our Associate Principal: Head of Learning, Teaching and Innovation, Liana Gooch.
Here’s what some of our 2025 Falconian Tutors had to say about being part of this unique program:
It’s always nice to help younger students and share with them some of my own knowledge, skills and experiences having gone through it myself! – Nicole Guo, 2023 Graduate
Nicole is at Monash University studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology.
I’ve always thought doing your best was important in education. My own academic journey was privileged and I’m inspired to give back to the School and other students in this way – William Jarvis, 2024 Graduate
William has launched into a world of Pharmaceutical Science at Monash University.
I’m so happy to be able to give back to my community in this way. I’ve always been naturally good at academic learning and I think it’s important to share this with others –Damian Yuen, 2024 Graduate
Damian is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash Univerity and will be tutoring students in Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathements, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
The Role of a Falconian Tutor
Falconian Tutors assist Senior School students in a variety of ways:
- Subject-Specific Support: Many tutors specialise in particular subjects, from Mathematics to English, the Sciences and Humanities. They help students review content, break down complex concepts, and offer additional practice questions to improve their understanding.
- Study Skills and Exam Strategies: VCE can be an overwhelming time for students, with a large volume of material to cover. Falconian Tutors share study techniques, time management strategies and tips on how to approach the exam process effectively. Their advice is invaluable when it comes to organizing revision schedules and tackling exam anxiety.
- Encouragement and Support: The transition from Senior School to adulthood can be both exciting and stressful. Falconian Tutors offer a reassuring presence, having been in their students’ shoes only a short time ago. They provide encouragement and motivate students to keep going, especially during those intense weeks leading up to exams.
The Falconian Tutor program creates a unique bond between the past and present students of our school. It fosters a sense of community and highlights the importance of helping others. The program not only supports current students academically but also reinforces the values of mentorship and collaboration.
For many Falconian Tutors, the experience of returning to the School as a mentor is fulfilling and inspiring. It’s a way for them to remain connected to the place that helped shape them into the individuals they are today. For students, the opportunity to receive advice from someone who has recently been through VCE provides a reassuring perspective that makes their academic journey feel more achievable.
Just in case you have a student currently preparing for VCE, here are 9 Questions they can ask themselves for VCE Success.
The Impact of the Falconian Tutor Program
Feedback from students who have worked with Falconian Tutors has been overwhelmingly positive over the years. Many students feel more confident in their studies and appreciate the personalised help they receive. They gain not only academic knowledge but also a deeper sense of belonging and community within the School. It’s not just about preparing for exams; it’s about building resilience, fostering connections and creating an atmosphere of collective success.
We are proud to see how the Falconian Tutor program continues to make a positive impact, both on the students it helps and the tutors who return to offer their support.
