UPDATE: Tens of thousands of Victorian students are bracing for the high-pressure VCE English exam today, a pivotal moment in their academic journey. Over 47,000 students are expected to put pen to paper across the state, marking the official start of their final examinations.
The VCE English written exam, which kicks off today, is a critical milestone for students like Caitlyn Trieu-Nguyen, an 18-year-old from Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College. “I’m extremely stressed,” Trieu-Nguyen admitted, highlighting the anxiety many face as they tackle this mandatory subject. The exam involves a three-hour assessment divided into three sections: an analytical response, a creative writing task, and an argument analysis.
With the largest exam centre located at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, where 1,037 students will sit for the exam, and the smallest at Cann River P-12 College, hosting just three students, the scale of this event is significant. As students enter exam rooms, the pressure is palpable.
Melbourne High School captain Oliver Downing, who won the school’s English prize, shared his own pre-exam jitters. “I naturally was never someone who perceived myself as strong in English,” he said, emphasizing the emotional journey many students undergo as they prepare. Downing plans to start with the last section of the exam, a strategy echoed by many students aiming to optimize their performance.
Dani Cooper, head of English at Strathcona Girls Grammar School, reassured students that the exam would not present any unexpected challenges. “Take some deep breaths,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of time management. Cooper recommends dedicating one hour to each section and utilizing the initial 15 minutes of reading time effectively.
Education Minister Ben Carroll congratulated students on reaching this critical stage in their education. With over 3,000 students also participating in the English as an Additional Language test across 580 exam centres, the significance of this day cannot be overstated.
As students face the daunting task ahead, their strategies and emotional resilience will be put to the test. The outcomes of today’s exam will not only impact their academic futures but also shape their paths in higher education and beyond.
Stay tuned for updates as students complete their exams and begin to reflect on their performances. The results will be closely watched, as they will play a crucial role in determining future opportunities for these young individuals.
