VCE Exams

Written by Mr Christian Inturrisi (Deputy Head of Secondary - Pathways)

21 September 2026

Believe it or not, the time is quickly approaching for our Year 12 students to sit their end-of-year exams. This time of year often brings with it mixed emotions. Students can often feel stressed and anxious about what lies ahead, but there is also a sense of excitement that they are so close to the end of their secondary schooling journey.

Often seen as the beginning of the exam season, the three-hour English exam is held on the final Tuesday of October each year. However, there are some students who will have completed external examinations prior to this. Students studying Music and Theatre Studies will complete performance-based examination components, while those studying Languages will have completed their oral examinations by early October. The external examination period officially concludes on 18 November, although many students will have completed all of their exams before this date.

In order to best prepare students for this period, a trial examination program is held at the school to simulate the examination environment as closely as possible. Research has shown that familiarity with the examination environment can positively impact performance. Factors such as room size, lighting, air quality and time of day can all play a role in how students perform. Therefore, modelling these situational conditions as best we can is a worthwhile exercise. The trial examinations also provide students with an opportunity to experience the demands of completing multiple exams within a short period of time, helping them to develop routines and strategies that will support them during the final examination period. This year's trial examinations will be held during the second week of the school holidays, from 28 September to 2 October.

Students should approach the trial examinations as an important part of their preparation rather than simply another set of tests. While strong results are always pleasing, the real value comes from identifying strengths, recognising areas for improvement and learning from mistakes. The trial exams should provide a baseline from which students can build in the weeks leading up to the final VCAA examinations. Reviewing feedback carefully, reflecting on examination technique and refining revision strategies can make a significant difference between the trial and final examination periods.

We would like to wish all Year 12 students the very best as they prepare for both the trial and final examination periods. Reaching this stage is an achievement in itself and reflects years of hard work, commitment and perseverance. We encourage students to remain focused, look after their wellbeing and trust in the preparation they have undertaken throughout the year. Good luck to all students as they enter the final stage of their VCE journey. We look forward to celebrating their efforts and achievements in the months ahead.