UPDATE: Tens of thousands of Victorian students are facing one of the most critical moments in their academic careers today as they sit for the VCE English exam. Over 47,000 students are putting their skills to the test in what is considered a pivotal challenge for Year 12 students.
The marathon exam kicks off today, October 24, 2023, with students like Caitlyn Trieu-Nguyen from Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College feeling the pressure. “I’m extremely stressed,” she confessed, highlighting the uncertainty that comes with English assessments.
This year’s VCE English exam takes place at various centers throughout Victoria, with the largest being at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, where 1,037 students are participating. In stark contrast, the smallest venue is at Cann River P-12 College, located 450 kilometers east of Melbourne, where only three students will take the exam.
Students will navigate a demanding three-hour assessment that includes writing an analytical response, crafting a creative text, and analyzing an argument. Trieu-Nguyen plans to tackle the exam by starting with the final section first. “I’ll be able to retain the information and spill those thoughts out,” she said, emphasizing her strategy to manage time effectively.
Another student, Oliver Downing, captain at Melbourne High School, is also feeling the weight of expectation. Having won the school’s English prize, he admits to nerves. “I naturally was never someone who perceived myself as strong in English,” he shared, reflecting on his journey and growth in the subject.
Dani Cooper, head of English at Strathcona Girls Grammar School, reassured students that the exam will remain consistent with previous years. She suggests devoting one hour to each section and using the initial 15 minutes of reading time wisely. “Take some deep breaths,” Cooper advised, reminding students to stay focused and calm.
This year, over 3,000 students are also taking the English as an additional language written test across the state’s 580 exam centers. Education Minister Ben Carroll congratulated all students on reaching this significant milestone, encouraging them as they approach the end of their secondary education.
As the clock ticks down to the exam start, students across Victoria are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, from stress to anticipation. The outcomes of today’s exams could shape their futures significantly, making it a day of both challenge and opportunity.
Students and parents alike are encouraged to share their experiences and support each other as this critical exam unfolds. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow the progress of the VCE English exam across Victoria.
