The University High School VCE HANDBOOK

VCE HANDBOOKThe University High School

2021

FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/CARERS

The University High School 2

CONTENTSVCE Heads of Senior School

VCE Sub-School Coordinators

Attendance

School Assessed Coursework (SAC)

Special Provision

VCE Study Centre and EBS

3VCE HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/CARERS 2021

VCE HEADS OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Assistant Principal, Head of Senior SchoolDr Fredole Sandt Ph: 9342-0059 email: [email protected]

Head of Senior School Learning

Mr Andrew Drago Ph: 9342-0089 email: [email protected]

Student Pathways Coordinators

Ms Maria Epifano (VCE Office) Ph: 9342-0057 email: [email protected]

Ms Corinne Sabatino Ph: 9342-0057 email: [email protected]

Senior School Student Counsellor/Wellbeing CoordinatorMs Caitlin Croucher Ph: 9342-0066 email: [email protected]

NOTE: If students have any queries, they should see their relevant Sub-School coordinator listed on the next page.


VCE SUB-SCHOOLCOORDINATORS

The following coordinators have been allocated for 2021. If students have any queries, they should see their Sub-School coordinator.

COLEMAN11C1 Jenni Ingleton 9342-0067 [email protected]

11C2 (A-G) Jenni Ingleton 9342-0067 [email protected]

11C2 (H-Z) Sarah Cashin 9342-0080 [email protected]

11C3 Emma Battye 9342-0061 [email protected]

12C1 Jenni Ingleton 9342-0067 [email protected]

12C2 Emma Battye 9342-0061 [email protected]

GULAM11G1 Kate Nicholls TBA [email protected]

11G2 Matt Anderson 9342-0082 [email protected]



12G3 Kate Nicholls TBA [email protected]

JOHNSTON11J1 Andrew Dickinson 9342-0037 [email protected]

11J2 Felicity Adams 9342-0047 [email protected]

12J1 Rebecca Jepson 9342-0083 [email protected]


12J3 Sarah Cashin 9342-0080 [email protected]

TRIGGS11T1 Jenni Ingleton 9342-0067 [email protected]

11T2 Sarah Cashin 9342-0080 [email protected]

11T3 Kate Nicholls TBA [email protected]

12T1 Emma Battye 9342-0061 [email protected]

12T2 Rebecca Jepson 9342-0083 [email protected]

EBS11C4 Andrew Dickinson 9342-0037 [email protected]

11G4 Rebecca Jepson 9342-0083 [email protected]


11T4 Rebecca Jepson 9342-0083 [email protected]

12C4 Sarah Cashin 9342-0080 [email protected]

12G4 Andrew Dickinson 9342-0037 [email protected]


12T4 Andrew Dickinson 9342-0037 [email protected]


ATTENDANCE CODE OF CONDUCT

Students and parents have read and accepted the Code of Conduct and the VCE attendance policy agreement when enrolling at the school. The student has signed this agreement, which is kept in their file.

VCE ATTENDANCE

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) requires schools to set minimum class time and attendance rules. At University High School student’s attendance is set at 85% for each Unit. Attendance and participation in classwork is part of a student’s overall performance and part of the evidence needed to award an S for a VCE unit. Failure to attend at least 85% will result in an N for that unit unless there are special circumstances. Students and parents will have signed the VCE attendance policy agreement that says they understand their responsibilities regarding attendance.

If a student has an explained absence a parent/carer must either:

1. Approve the absence/s on COMPASS with an explanation 2. Provide a medical certificate 3. Email the relevant Sub-School coordinator

This should be completed within two weeks of the student’s return to school.

Attendance below 85% per semester (unapproved absences) = an N for that Unit Parent/s/ or carer/s need to be aware that for their child to learn they need to attend classes. With the VCAA requirements parents must make all attempts for their child to be in class. If a parent/carer provides regular explanations for their child’s absence they may be asked to provide medical certificates or other relevant documentation to substantiate their approvals. In addition, parent/s or carer/s may need to meet with their child’s Sub-School coordinator to seek support so that their child can attend classes.

LATENESS TO CLASS

Students will be admitted to class if they are late. However, they will be marked late on COMPASS. If a student arrives late for session one they are required to sign in using one of the school’s KIOSKs and proceed to class. Lateness to sessions two to six will be recorded by the classroom teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to verify with the class teacher at the end of the session that the teacher has recorded a lateness not an absence.

Three late arrivals will result in a recorded unapproved absence, unless there are genuine reasons approved by a VCE coordinator.

3 TIMES UNAPPROVED LATE = 1 UNAPPROVED ABSENCE


COMPASS

Students should regularly read the NEWS section of COMPASS to see if there are any relevant notices. Student should regularly check their attendance summary for any irregularities. It is part of the student’s responsibility to communicate with their respective teachers and coordinator if any irregularities occur.

Student ID

MEETINGS

From time to time meetings will be called for VCE students. When a meeting is called it is compulsory for students to attend and students are expected to attend promptly without going to lockers. These meetings are a method of distributing important information and it is essential that all students attend.

LEAVING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS

Year 12 students may leave the school grounds at any time they do not have classes, but are expected to arrive at all classes on time. Students are not to sit at the front of the school in Story Street. Students are under NO circumstances to congregate in any of the lanes or parks near the school during any part of the school day.

Year 11 students are not to leave the school grounds at any time, including lunch and recess, without the permission of their coordinator. Students who repeatedly leave the school grounds seriously violate the school rules which are designed to provide a safe environment for all students,.

TEACHER ABSENCE

Units 3/4

If a teacher is absent, students usually have a study session. However, students should always check the extras list before leaving the school to see if the extra has been covered.

Year 11

If a teacher is absent, students are expected to attend the class with work, except for the last session of the day when they may leave. However, students should always check the extras list before leaving the school to see if the extra has been covered because of a special teacher request such as running a SAC.

Students who decide to remain at school must treat the time as a study session.


MOBILE PHONES – STUDENT USE

This policy applies to:

1. All students at University High School including students in Years 11 and 12.

2. Students’ personal mobile phones brought onto school premises during school hours, including recess and lunchtime.

A mobile phone is a telephone with access to a cellular (telecommunication) system, with or without a physical connection to a network.

POLICY

University High School understands that students may bring a personal mobile phone to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school.

At University High School:

• Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school hours

• Exceptions to this policy may be applied if certain conditions are met (see below for further information)

• When emergencies occur, parents or carers should reach their child by calling the school’s office.

In accordance with the Department’s Mobile Phones Policy issued by the Minister for Education, personal mobile phones must not be used at University High School during school hours, including lunchtime and recess, unless an exception has been granted.

Where a student has been granted an exception, the student must use their mobile phone for the purpose for which the exception was granted, and in a safe, ethical and responsible manner.

Mobile phones owned by students at University High School are considered valuable items and are brought to school at the owner’s (student’s or parent/carer’s) risk. Students are encouraged not to bring a mobile phone to school unless there is a compelling reason to do so. Please note that University High School does not have accident insurance for accidental property damage or theft. Students and their parents/carers are encouraged to obtain appropriate insurance for valuable items.

At University High School students are required to store their mobile phones in their lockers and their lockers must be securely locked. Students should not store other students’ property

Students who use their personal mobile phones inappropriately at University High School may be issued with consequences consistent with the Department’s Policy and our school’s existing Student Code of Conduct.

At University High School inappropriate use of mobile phones is any use during school hours, unless an exception has been granted, and particularly use of a mobile phone:

• in any way that disrupts the learning of others

• to send inappropriate, harassing or threatening messages or phone calls

• to engage in inappropriate social media use including cyber bullying

• to capture video or images of people, including students, teachers and members of the school community without their permission

• to capture video or images in the school toilets, changing rooms, and gyms

• during exams and assessments

Students who do not comply with the policy will be instructed to hand over the mobile phone to the teacher. The teacher will take the phone to the sub school at the earliest convenience, where it will be stored until the end of the school day. After the third offence, the sub school will make discretionary decisions about contacting parents and asking parents to collect the mobile phone.

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/safety/Pages/mobilephones.aspx


SCHOOL ASSESSEDCOURSEWORK (SAC)

NOTICE OF SAC

Students in Units 3 and 4 will be given a copy of the form “Notice of an assessment task” to inform them about upcoming SACs. Students will be given this form at least 5 school days prior to the SAC.

Students in Units 1 and 2 will be informed by the teacher. Notice of an assessment task form is optional for Units 1 and 2.

SAC CALENDAR: Units 3 and 4

Both a Unit 3 and 4 SAC calendar and a Unit 1 and 2 SAC Calendar will be made available to students. Details will be posted on Compass. It is the responsibility of students to check their SAC schedule to plan for their studies.

UNITS 3 AND 4 FEEDBACK SAC ASSESSMENT

Students will receive an Assessment Advice Slip attached to the work which will indicate the student’s level of achievement. In providing this feedback, teachers will give students their specific marks (possibly as a percentage) on individual School-assessed Coursework tasks. When providing marks, teachers will advise students that their total School-assessed Coursework scores for Unit 3/4 subjects may change following statistical moderation.

Students and parents need to be aware that the school-assessed coursework (SAC) marks for Units 3/4 are of a ‘conditional’ nature and the total scores for School-assessed Coursework may change as a result of statistical moderation based on the end of Unit 3 and 4 examination marks and the General Achievement Test (GAT).

UNITS 1 AND 2 FEEDBACK AND ASSESSMENT

The teacher will provide feedback on the tasks submitted and may use the Assessment Advice Slip. The student will be given assessment for each SAC submitted. Students have to receive a minimum level of achievement 40% to gain an S (Satisfactory) for a SAC.

SACS AND ABSENCE: Units 3/4

When a student misses a SAC in Units 3/4 a parent/carer should contact the relevant coordinator regarding the absence.

Step 1

Upon return to school, immediately speak to the relevant coordinator and provide

• A Medical certificate, or

• An acceptable extenuating reason

Step 2

See your teacher or the relevant Domain Head to arrange a time for completion of the assessment task.

If no valid reason is given students receive a N/A and a score of zero. Students have to discuss with their coordinator and teacher if and how they can complete a task that demonstrates satisfactory understanding of the outcome. A redemption task can achieve a satisfactory outcome but will not improve the score for the outcome.


Rescheduling an assessment task when a SAC is missed1. The assessment task must be completed as soon as possible upon return to school. No further extension will be given. 2. Students should not assume the reason for absence will be accepted. Students need to check with their coordinator if

they know in advance that they will miss an assessment task. 3. Any set assessment task that may clash with organised school activities (eg. Sport, music) should be negotiated with

the teacher prior to the event.

SACS AND ABSENCE: Units 1/2

When a student misses a SAC in Units 1/2 they will need to contact their coordinator and provide a reason for their absence. The coordinator will approve the absence if the reason is valid (medical reason, extenuating circumstances) and evidence has been provided.

Simultaneously, students need to organise with their teachers when a missed SAC will be rescheduled. Teachers will check with the coordinator to see if the absence has been approved. If the absence has not been approved, students may not complete a makeup SAC. Teachers may use informative tasks, a practice SACs or a redemption tasks to decide if they will receive an ‘S’ for the semester. However, students will not receive a score for that SAC. It is important that students complete all classwork or practice tasks as these may be used in deciding whether a student receives an ‘S’ or an ‘N’ for a unit of study.

A student will receive an ‘N’ for a unit 1/2 if:

• No SAC was completed and no formative tasks were successfully completed.

• The SAC was completed but not to a satisfactory level. A ‘re-sit’ of the SAC was also unsatisfactory. The student did not complete all expected classwork or formative tasks


SPECIAL PROVISION

SPECIAL PROVISION: Units 3 and 4

The underlying principle of the VCAA Special Provision policy is to ensure that the most appropriate, fair and reasonable arrangements and options are available for students to demonstrate their capabilities if their learning and assessment programs are affected by illness, impairment or personal circumstances. Students may apply for Special Provision when a student has legitimate grounds that prevent the submission of work or the completion of an assessment task. There are three forms of Special Provision available to students completing the VCE.

Special Provision options for classroom learning and School-based Assessment Students are eligible to apply for Special Provision for school-based assessment for reasons of illness, impairment or personal circumstances

Special Examination Arrangements for VCE external assessments Schools can apply for special examination arrangements for students with a disability or illness

Derived Examination Scores Students who become ill or experience a personal trauma at the time of their VCE examinations can apply for a Derived Examination Score.

Students will need to apply for Special Provisions using the application forms available from the Senior Sub-School. These applications will need approval by the Assistant Principal and Principal. Subject teachers will be informed where relevant.

SPECIAL ENTRY ACCESS SCHEME (SEAS)

When applying for tertiary courses, students who have experienced disadvantage throughout their Unit 3&4 studies are eligible to apply for Special Consideration through the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) late in Term 3. Many institutions offer alternative entry schemes that take into account short- and long-term disadvantage. While many are offered through the single VTAC SEAS application process, others require you to apply directly to the institution. Information will be provided to students in Semester 2 regarding the SEAS application process.

UNIT 1 AND 2

It is important to document any special provision you received for Units 1/2, to support your application for Units 3/4. Please consult with your coordinator about potential eligibility.


VCE STUDY CENTREAND EBS

The VCE Study Centre and EBS will be available for all VCE students during times when students do not have a timetabled class. The area is to be used for quiet study, or for small group work.

No food or drink are permitted in the study area except during recess and lunchtime. STUDY SESSIONS Year 12 students may be in the library, the VCE Study Centre, or be off campus. The oval, quadrangle or basketball courts are not to be used at these times. Year 11 students are to be in the library or the VCE Study Centre during study sessions.

OUTSIDE DECK AREAS Food and drinks are permitted in these areas.

SMOKING (Including vaping) Due to the regulations of the Department of Education students are not permitted to smoke at UHS. This includes at the front of the school, nearby streets and lanes and includes before and after school.

STUDENT PATHWAYS

Students are encouraged to use the services of the Student Pathways Coordinator Ms Maria Epifano and Ms Corinne Sabatino to investigate pathways for their future studies and other related queries or advice. Many free brochures are available in the VCE Centre for students to take at any time.

Documents

The University High School VCE HANDBOOK