Victoria University Secondary College has been awarded the Best Government School – Western Melbourne in this year’s The Age ‘Schools that Excel’ series!
The ‘Schools that Excel’ series celebrates Victorian schools that have improved their VCE performance over the past 10 years.
Over the past 10 years, our median VCE study score has increased from 25 to 28, and the percentage of students receiving a study score of 40 or above has increased from 0.2 in 2013 to 5.7 in 2023.
Our success can be attributed to a suite of approaches which includes a consistent lesson structure used throughout the college. All classes begin with teachers outlining what students are expected to learn and how they will measure their success. Classes end with a reflection on what students have learnt and whether they felt it was successful. Teachers also collect data on lessons, analyse it and feed that data back into the class.
Teachers at VUSC use collaborative strategies – including sitting in groups and ensuring students are engaging with each other about what they are learning – to ensure all students are participating in the lesson.
The college has worked very hard to ensure that as a staff we are all on the one page and we are all working hard to ensure the best results for our students.
Our students are taught to use the Cornell notetaking, with a key focus on organisation, goal setting and agency. Weekly collaborative VCE study groups help students with their studies or talk through career guidance. This news reinforces the crucial role of high-quality teaching and learning in attaining positive student outcomes. Knowing our students and where their point of need is at, has played a significant role in the impressive improvements we have made despite the challenges staff and students have had to face over the years.
Congratulations to our staff on this fantastic accolade and recognition of their hard work!
