Stepping into VCE: Year 10 Prepare for the Journey Ahead
From Monday 24 November to Friday 28 November, our Year 10 students took part in Gearing Up for VCE, a program designed to help them step confidently into the next stage of their learning journey. This week invites students to understand what VCE involves, build the study habits and wellbeing strategies that support success, and begin reflecting on the kind of learners and young adults they want to become.
Students began the week with an introduction to VCE and time to reflect on their hopes, questions and expectations as they prepare for Senior School. They received their journals and recorded their first impressions before taking part in a Study Skills workshop with guest presenter Mietta Symmons. The session encouraged students to look closely at how they learn best and to consider practical strategies they can use to stay organised, focused and motivated during VCE. Leadership and team building activities later in the day strengthened connections across the cohort and reminded students of the importance of supporting one another in the years ahead. One student shared that they enjoyed “all the engaging activities which allowed students to connect,” reflecting the sense of community that shaped the start of the week.
On Tuesday, the focus shifted to artificial intelligence and ethical thinking. Through an Elevate Education incursion, students explored how AI can shape study routines and what it means to use technology responsibly. They took part in an activity called AI or Human before diving into case studies that invited deeper discussion about ethics, decision making and the changing world they are preparing to enter. As one student commented, “I learned how to use AI effectively for my studies, while maintaining boundaries without cheating,” showing how thoughtfully students approached the topic. The afternoon brought clarity around VCE and ATARs, helping students understand scoring, pathways and the role of subject choices. They also spent time navigating the VCAA website, exploring study designs, past exams and examiner reports to build familiarity with the tools they will rely on next year. Several students noted how valuable this was, with one sharing they learned “more about ATARs, scaling and how VCE works.”
“The workshops taught us real skills and made us reflect on our future actions.”
Wednesday offered a change of pace with Wellbeing Wednesday, a morning centred on balance, mindset and personal growth. Students moved through rotations that included a ‘Just Dance’ dance routine, Positive Psychology, Smiling Mind meditation and origami, each activity encouraging mindfulness, calm and reflection. An Open Parachute session invited honest conversations about friendships, boundaries and emotional wellbeing, supporting students to build the resilience they will need in VCE. One student reflected that they learned “how everything around us has a cause and effect, no matter if it comes to wellbeing or our digital footprint.” The day finished with EISM sport where the focus shifted to movement, connection and fun.
On Thursday, students began with a conversation about common myths surrounding VCE and ATARs before taking part in a Digital Thumbprint incursion on the power of their online presence. Many students found this session particularly memorable, with one describing the presenter as “so cool” and another sharing that “the speaker was intriguing and interesting and I felt very engaged.” Another student appreciated seeing “the impact social media and your digital footprint could have on your future with jobs.” The afternoon provided time to explore practical skills around procrastination, distraction and productive study. Students completed a VCE Quiz and recorded their reflections in their journals before finishing the day with an Elevate Education workshop on time management, a topic many students identified as a key takeaway. One student summed it up simply: “I learned a lot about managing my time.”
Friday brought the week to a thoughtful close. Students began with a reflective identity activity before participating in Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman workshops. These sessions encouraged honest conversation around confidence, respect, communication and self-understanding. Many students named these workshops as their favourite part of the week, with one saying they appreciated the chance to “reflect on our current and future actions.” The energy then shifted back to their Mentor groups, where students discussed the week, asked questions and supported one another. The program finished with physical activities that brought the cohort together one more time before they stepped into the responsibilities of VCE.
Gearing Up for VCE Week gives students more than information and advice. It offers clarity, encouragement and space to grow. As our Year 10 students move toward VCE, we want them to feel capable, supported and curious about what lies ahead. During the week, the students were asked to think boldly about their future, to reflect on who they are as learners and to take the first steps toward the independence and resilience that VCE requires.
One student captured the spirit of the week by sharing: “I learned about my wellbeing and study techniques that will be useful in VCE.”
We are proud of the way they embraced every part of the program and we look forward to walking beside them as they begin this exciting new chapter.
