No. 37 | April 2018 | ISSN 1448-2371

VCAA BulletinOfficial publication for Early Years, F–10, VCE, VCAL and VET

V I C T O R I A N C U R R I C U L U MA N D A S S E S S M E N T A U T H O R I T Y

What’s inside this edition

Excellence & Awards

For a full list of contents see page 2

Bulletin Board

Literacy and numeracy consultationShould students have to meet minimum standards of literacy and numeracy to be awarded the VCE or VCAL?The Minister for Education, the Hon. James Merlino MP, has asked the VCAA to consult widely in investigating this important matter and report back with findings and recommendations by the end of August 2018.

The VCAA has written a consultation paper on this issue, which provides background information and a focus for discussion, and can be downloaded from the VCAA website.

VCAA CEO, Dr David Howes, welcomes a broad range of contributions in this consultation: ‘I encourage all teachers, principals, students and the wider community to respond to the paper or attend one of the consultation events.’

To have your say:

• attend one of 15 consultation events in metropolitan or regional Victoria

• submit a written response by email, online survey or mail.

Repsonses must be returned no later than Friday 18 May.

Please refer to Notice to Schools 26/2018.

Administrative Advice

Early Years

F–10

VCE

VCAL

VET

Contents

Excellence & Awards

VCE Season of Excellence 3

Top performers take to the stage 3

Student creativity on display as Top Screen 2018 launches 4

From global to personal, Top Designs 2018 5

Top Arts 2018 showcases works by top-performing 2017 VCE students 6

Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarship 7

Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarships for Performance announced 7

Plain English Speaking Award 8

Plain English Speaking Award – registrations open 8

Early Years

Intentional teaching: Planning Cycle Resource 9

Foundation−10

Curriculum

Intercultural Capability resources 10

Support for developing and enhancing teaching and learning programs for the Victorian Curriculum F–10 10

Primary teacher registrations still available for Activate Citizenship professional learning day 10

Assessment

NAPLAN Helpdesk 11

Student participation in NAPLAN 11

NAPLAN catch-up tests for individual students who are absent 11

NAPLAN Test Administration website 11

Genre for the NAPLAN 2018 writing test 12

NAPLAN test observation visits 12

Victorian Certificate of Education

Curriculum

Revised VCE study design implementation briefings 12

VCE Media Study Design frequently asked questions 13

Expressions of interest: Future directions for VCE Music 13

VCE Art and Studio Arts School-assessed Task assessment focus group 13

VCE Food Studies information webinar 13

VCE Product Design and Technology information webinar 13

VCE Accounting Study Design revised for 2019 13

Victorian Certificate of Education

Assessment

Examination materials: New and revised studies 14

Amended examination materials for History: Revolutions 14

VCE performance examinations – audiovisual recording arrangements 14

VCE Drama and Theatre Studies examinations 15

VCE English as an Additional Language (EAL) Listening to texts examination task 15

2018 General Achievement Test and VCE written examination timetable 15

2018 Assessor applications and training meetings 16

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning

VCAL Achievement Awards 2017 17

Vocational Education and Training

VCE VET programs under review in 2018 17

VCE VET Cisco 17

Adding units of competency to VCE VET programs 17

Structured Workplace Learning Recognition – new from 2018 17

Administrative Advice

Changes to VCAA fees and charges for 2018 18

Collecting Indigenous status of students in VASS 18

Important changes to the VASS VCE Eligibility report and English unit count 18

VCE, VET, VCAL and International Baccalaureate enrolment data 18

Bulletin Board

VCE and Careers Expo 2018 19

Come be a part of Big Dance Australia! 19

The VCAA Bulletin is authorised and published by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. Principals are advised to encourage teaching

staff to have an individual subscription. Notices to Schools are also available on the VCAA website.

The VCAA does not endorse the products or services of any external organisation’s articles published in the VCAA Bulletin.

Editor: Marnie Hannagan Designer: Robyn Scott

Editorial and subscription enquiries phone (03) 9032 1634, email vcaa.bulletin@edumail.vic.gov.au.

© VCAA 2018 | ISSN 1448-2371

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 3

Darcy Smith, Top Class Theatre Studies 2018 performer

Excellence & Awards

VCE Season of Excellence

Top performers take to the stage Students from VCE and VCE VET Dance, VCE and VCE VET Music and VCE Drama and Theatre Studies took to the stage last month in events celebrating the VCE Season of Excellence 2018. This included Top Class Dance and Top Class Music at the Melbourne Recital Centre, and Top Class Drama and Theatre Studies at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne.

The VCE Season of Excellence is a five-month arts festival showcasing some of Victoria’s most talented visual and performing arts students.

At Top Class Dance, students from VCE and VCE VET Dance performed in a range of styles, including contemporary, Broadway, tap, jazz and lyrical. ‘Demonstrating physical skill’, ‘establishing a deep connection with the audience’ and ‘engaging audience members of all ages with relevant performance backgrounds or no experience at all’, were among the stated intentions of the performers.

Top Class Music celebrates performances of classical and contemporary music by students in jazz, classical, rock and a cappella styles. The concert featured works by Brahms, Shostakovich, the Alabama Shakes and more. Original works by students were also performed, including one for voice and ukulele.

The VCE Season of Excellence is a great opportunity for current and future students to be inspired and gain insight into preparing for their VCE studies.

We spoke to Top Class Theatre Studies student, Darcy Smith of Footscray City College, about his experience being on stage at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, as part of the 2018 Season.

What does it mean for you to be involved with Top Class?Being involved in Top Class is a massive honour; being able to share the experience with so many talented young people is an awesome feeling. For me, Top Class is an event where the tremendous amount of effort put in by students across the state over the year is recognised and showcased. I am excited to have been chosen to be a part of Top Class 2018 and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

What inspired you to pursue drama/theatre?My parents have always been involved with the performing arts, so from a young age I was constantly taken to theatre shows and I was even allowed to be involved behind the scenes, working with techs, assisting front-of-house staff or just sitting backstage. I was always surrounded by theatre. Being able to watch countless plays, musicals and circus acts showed me the sheer joy you can experience when going to the theatre. All the incredible performers I got to see and meet, as well the fantastic experiences I had, encouraged me to be a part of this tremendous scene and I’ve never looked back. For me there’s nothing quite like that sweet adrenaline rush when you step on stage and are given the chance to bring a story to life.

Why do you feel it’s important to promote the performing arts to young people?Young people should be encouraged to be involved in the performing arts because it’s a unique form of expression that students can become immersed in. At school, students are usually restrained to their books and computer screens and aren’t able to experience one of the core aspects of modern life: art. I also think that being a part of the performing arts helps young people grow more confident and develop a variety of skills, as well as have fun.

Where do you see yourself in the future?After finishing Year 12, I’m hoping to audition for universities to study and train in musical theatre. Following that, my dream is to be able to perform on stages across the country and work in professional environments so that I can experience everything the world of theatre has to offer. I would also love to pursue my hobby of barbershop music and one day form a group to busk and perform around Melbourne.

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 4

Excellence & Awards

Student creativity on display as Top Screen 2018 launchesTop Screen is part of the VCE Season of Excellence annual arts festival showcasing outstanding senior secondary student work from Victorian schools. Featuring creations from VCE Media students in film, animation and motion design, Top Screen runs until Wednesday 9 May at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

The official launch took place on Thursday 8 March at ACMI, with a viewing of work from 14 top-performing VCE Media students. Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Hollie Fifer, was the guest of honour and helped to officially launch the event alongside VCAA Chair, Chris Wardlaw, and ACMI Education Manager, Christine Evely.

Hollie’s film, The Opposition, won the Grand Prize at the International Oceanian Film Festival (FIFO Tahiti) 2017, and was screened at the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2017. In her speech, Hollie recognised the hard work and intrinsic creativity of the young filmmakers present.

‘You have been through a creative process like no other – it was yours,’ she said. ‘[It was] your inspiration, your expression, your knowledge and perseverance that created the film that you now share with all of us.’

Self-confessed film enthusiast and VCAA Chair, Chris Wardlaw, welcomed the launch of Top Screen and spoke of the importance of the VCE Season of Excellence as an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning for VCE students.

‘For many years now students, indeed all of us, have continued to be inspired by the ideas and creativity of the exhibitions, screenings and concerts that make up the VCE Season of Excellence. Students of all ages can see first-hand the value of creative study in the VCE curriculum and where it can take them’, said Chris.

Top Screen is accompanied by education sessions and panel discussions to help audiences gain a deeper insight into the filmmaking process and the assessment requirements of VCE Media.

School groups have the opportunity to view the filmmakers’ Production Design Plans (PDPs) after all ‘Screening + PDP Viewing’ sessions. ‘Screening + Meet the Filmmakers’ sessions allow current students to hear from the Top Screen filmmakers, and ‘Screening + Beyond Top Screen’ offers insights from industry professionals and previous Top Screen filmmakers into how to forge a pathway in the media industry. For more information on the 2018 VCE Season of Excellence, visit the VCAA website.

Hollie Fifer with Top Screen 2018 students

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 5

Excellence & Awards

From global to personal, Top Designs 2018Top Designs 2018 features folios and work from some of Victoria’s finest VCE students of Media, Product Design and Technology, Systems Engineering, Visual Communication Design and VCE VET Creative and Digital Media. Theatre Studies has been included in the exhibition for the first time this year, with five student design interpretations of characters from Animal Farm, A Christmas Carol and Into The Woods featuring in Top Designs 2018.

More than 500 people gathered at Melbourne Museum on Friday 16 March to launch the exhibition, which will be on display until Sunday 15 July 2018.

VCAA CEO, Dr David Howes, addressed those gathered for the launch, ‘We are here this evening to celebrate the innovative talents of young people and pay tribute to the work of their teachers, who exemplify the highest standards of their profession. Congratulations to the 79 exhibitors whose hard work and creativity are on display in Top Designs.’

Top Designs is part of the 2018 VCE Season of Excellence, a five-month annual arts festival showcasing outstanding senior secondary student work from Victorian schools. The 2018 exhibition was opened by Melbourne-based designer Leah Heiss, whose work includes designing the world’s first self-fit modular hearing aid.

The annual Top Designs Deans Art prizes celebrate outstanding design in a variety of categories and were awarded as part of the opening event.

Awareness of global sustainability led Holly Robertson (Ballarat High School) to design a garment using special eco-dying and machine cording processes. This caught the attention of judges and was awarded for Sustainable Practice.

Inspired by her environment and using new techniques, Grace Wilson (Ringwood Secondary College) created brand identity and product designs that use pressed flowers, eucalypt leaves and bark, and won the Research and Development prize.

Ingrid Crossing’s (St Catherine’s School) costume design illustrates the oppression experienced by members of the totalitarian society described in Orwell’s Animal Farm (1945). For her costumes constructed from crutches, foam, cardboard, acrylic paint, hessian, cotton and plastic, Ingrid was awarded the Deans Art prize for Innovative Use of Resources.

The prize for Original Thought went to Victor Moore (Billanook College) for his stop-motion animation work The Keeper. Influenced by Wes Anderson’s futuristic visual aesthetics, The Keeper tells the story of a world slowly suffocating from its own energy production.

Andrew Kroger (Scotch College) won the prize for Community Values for his eye-controlled wheelchair. Designed using cheap and ubiquitous components, the eye-controlled wheelchair can be reconstructed by anyone with some knowledge of electronics. Andrew researched and analysed the electrical signals generated by the eye and integrated these with motor-control software to control the movements of the wheelchair.

Top Designs is open until Sunday 15 July. The exhibition is accompanied by education programs and forums with design and technology professionals. For more information, visit the Melbourne Museum website.

Andrew Kroger and Grace Wilson with Daniela Scaramuzzino and Kerry Williams from Deans Art

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 6

Excellence & Awards

Top Arts 2018 showcases works by top-performing 2017 VCE studentsTop Arts 2018 opened to a crowd of more than 300 people on Thursday 22 March 2018. An annual favourite on the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) exhibition calendar, Top Arts showcases the exceptional work of students who have completed Art or Studio Arts as part of their VCE in 2017.

The exhibition, curated and administered by the NGV in partnership with the VCAA, comprises works selected from applicants across Victoria. Works encompass a range of media, including photography, film, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, digital and mixed media. Students from each education sector – government, Catholic and independent – are represented.

The exhibition also includes the opportunity to view selected developmental folios and to hear from current exhibitors about their inspiration, ideas and practices.

VCAA CEO, Dr David Howes, said the exhibition demonstrates the strength of the Victorian curriculum and student achievement in the arts.

‘It’s fantastic to see such exceptional and diverse work from students from across Victoria in Top Arts 2018. This outstanding exhibition allows us to see first-hand the extraordinary creativity expressed and developed through their VCE studies.

‘Everyone who attends the exhibition will be inspired both by the ideas and creativity on display and the very hard work that clearly lies behind each and every work.’

Top Arts 2018 is hosted at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Federation Square and is open every day from 10.00am to 5.00pm until Sunday 15 July. Entry is free.

For more information, visit the Top Arts 2018 webpage on the NGV website. To find out more about the Season, visit the VCE Season of Excellence webpage.

Alexandra Syme, Suburban landscape 2017 – Woodleigh School, Langwarrin South

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 7

L to R: Eliza Bennetts O’Connor and Ally Cho

Excellence & Awards

Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarship

Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarships for Performance announcedAlly Cho and Eliza Bennetts O’Connor are the 2018 winners of the Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarship for Performance. Ally and Eliza were awarded their scholarships at Top Class Music on Tuesday 6 March at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

‘Top Class Music showcases performances from students who received outstanding results in their October performance examinations for VCE Music Investigation, VCE Music Performance and VCE VET Music Industry’, said Helen Champion, VCAA Performing Arts Curriculum Manager. ‘Across the three concerts, the audience was treated to performances of works ranging from the baroque to contemporary art music, works in jazz and rock/pop styles and original works created by student performers. The performances demonstrate the skills required by the examination criteria for each study at the highest level.’

Ally Cho performed the lyrical Introduction and virtuosic Tarantella for violin by Spanish composer Pablo de Sarasate to a sold-out crowd at VCAA’s Top Class Music. Ally’s performance of the Introduction displayed outstanding control of a restrained tempo and dynamic palette, which created a dazzling contrast to the energetic dance-rhythms of the Tarantella. Accompanied on stage at the Melbourne Recital Centre by Julie Haskell on piano, Ally is committed ‘to play and make music alongside great musicians and spread my enthusiasm and passion to the next generations’.

Being awarded a Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarship for Performance will help Ally to achieve her education goals. ‘After my bachelor’s degree, I plan to go overseas to expand my knowledge of music’, Ally said of winning the award. ‘After I complete my studies, I am very keen to become an orchestral and chamber musician.’

Vocalist Eliza Bennetts O’Connor is a member of VOYCE, Victorian Opera’s Youth Chorus Ensemble, and while studying the VCE won the Zonta Award for Most Outstanding/Promising Female Musician. Already a regular performer in musical theatre, opera and solo recitals, Eliza’s captivating performance of the ‘Vilja song’ from The Merry Widow at Top Class Music exhibited all the vocal, stylistic and performance qualities that had impressed the selection panel and the VCE Music Investigation assessors. The wealthy and socially astute widow, Hanna, entertains guests at a garden party with the song of the Vilja or forest nymph in the operetta by Franz Lehar. Much loved by lyric coloratura sopranos such as Dame Joan Sutherland and Sumi Jo, Eliza performed the ‘Vilja song’ in all its sparkling glory, accompanied by Anne Lewitzka on piano.

‘I’ve been learning classical singing since I was five years old and I LOVE it!’ said Eliza. ‘I expect that I will continue my tertiary studies through to postgraduate level and then probably travel overseas for further extension studies. Having the privilege of receiving a Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarship for Performance will help me to accomplish my singing dreams.’

The scholarship was established by the family of the late Margaret Schofield in recognition of her outstanding achievements as a musician and her lifelong commitment to music education. It is available to government school students who achieve high study scores in VCE Music Style and Composition, VCE Music Investigation, VCE Music Performance and/or VCE VET Music and demonstrate commitment to pursuing a career in music performance.

The scholarship is coordinated by the VCAA and in 2018 it provided recipients with $7000 to assist in their pursuit of tertiary studies in music. The winner of the Composition scholarship, Alexander Owens, was announced at the Top Class Sound concert on Friday 23 February. Read more about Alexander’s unique compositions in the March 2018 VCAA Bulletin.

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 8

Luke Macaronas (left) and 2017 PESA State finalists

Excellence & Awards

Plain English Speaking Award

Plain English Speaking Award – registrations openThe Plain English Speaking Award (PESA) is ‘more than public speaking – it is an opportunity for you to tear down walls, rebuild worlds and find your own story’. That’s how Luke Macaronas, 2016 Victorian PESA winner and 2017 International Public Speaking Competition winner, describes his experience being part of PESA.

Registrations for the PESA 2018 regional finals are now open. With 23 regional finals around the state, from Kew to Warragul, Shepparton to Mount Eliza, and Warrnambool to Northcote, there is sure to be a final near your school.

PESA celebrates the perspectives of students aged 15–18 by allowing them to delve into issues they are passionate about in a six-minute prepared speech and three-minute impromptu speech. It is a unique opportunity for self-expression, and for students to develop their research and critical thinking skills.

Students who are passionate about issues and who have a talent for the spoken word, storytelling and alternative writing styles are especially encouraged to register. PESA focuses on developing and exercising students’ speechwriting, research and oratory skills.

Fergus Dale (Caulfield Grammar School), the 2017 Victorian state final winner, used the PESA platform to speak about political and social attitudes to the bush, drawing on his experience and perspective as a regional Australian. Fergus boldly called for a ‘shift within the public consciousness, to stop seeing regional Australia as merely an add-on to our populous urban areas, and to start seeing it as a solution to the problems that plague our cities’.

Places fill up fast, so all schools are encouraged to apply early. Schools may nominate two students to compete. The national winner will receive a fully funded trip to London to compete in the International Public Speaking Competition in 2019.

The 23 regional finals are held from Monday 28 May to Friday 8 June 2018. Applicants must be aged between 15 and 18 years on 1 January 2018. Entries close Friday 11 May 2018.

A PESA poster will arrive in schools in the coming weeks. For more information or to download the PESA poster, visit the PESA webpage.

Please refer to Notice to Schools 19/2018.

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 9

Early Years

See also Administrative Advice and Bulletin Board

Intentional teaching: Planning Cycle ResourceThe Planning Cycle Resource, now available on the VCAA website, was featured at the VCAA’s Early Years Twilight Seminar at the Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership on Wednesday 7 March. This resource is aimed at supporting intentional and purposeful pedagogy in the early years.

This resource is informed by the key findings from the E4Kids study led by Professor Collette Tayler and is designed to:

• strengthen intentional teaching in early childhood education and care and the early years of school

• improve the quality of adult–child engagement across the early years (for example, challenging ideas and modelling rich language with children).

The quality of adult interactions with children has the greatest influence on children’s learning and development and includes:

• specific vocabulary to support learning, such as repetitions and extensions

• making children’s learning visible and supporting conversations with children, families and colleagues in early childhood settings.

Why is intentional teaching important?An intentional approach to children’s learning also connects with the National Quality Standard’s Quality Area 1, Educational program and practice, particularly:

• 1.2.1 Intentional teaching – Educators are deliberate, purposeful and thoughtful in their decisions and actions

• 1.2.3 Child directed learning – Each child’s agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world.

What is the purpose of the Planning Cycle Resource?The Planning Cycle Resource is designed to:

• demonstrate how the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) Planning Cycle can be applied to observe, assess and respond to evidence of children’s learning

• use examples of learning plans to illustrate and provide a model for the teaching of specific concepts with children from birth to eight years in everyday learning environments.

Educators work with knowledge and purpose to ensure that children acquire the skills and understanding they require to succeed. Planning for children’s learning and development occurs in responsive relationships and evidence-based teaching strategies that best support each child’s thinking and skills.

Sample evidence markersEach Planning Cycle Resource is supported by a set of sample evidence markers. These markers are a useful model to support a continuum of learning for children across the birth-to-eight-years period.

The sample evidence markers include science or mathematics concepts for the key components of learning in the VEYLDF Outcomes, Communication and Learning. These components of learning are mapped against the achievement standards for the first three levels of the Victorian Curriculum F–10.

Using these resourcesIt is important to note that the learning plans and sample evidence markers are examples of learning rather than comprehensive lists.

When educators have clear aims for planned learning experiences and activities, it becomes possible to assess whether, and to what extent, the learning aims are achieved.

These resources work together to support educators to:

• establish where children are in their learning

• make children’s progress in learning visible

• plan and monitor further learning.

For more information about the Planning Cycle Resource, contact the VCAA Early Years Unit on (03) 9032 1684 or veyldf@edumail.vic.gov.au.

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 10

Foundation−10

See also Administrative Advice and Bulletin Board

Curriculum

Intercultural Capability resources Teachers are reminded that a comprehensive package of Intercultural Capability resources has been produced for use in all Victorian schools. The package includes:

• a video in which project participants discuss the importance and challenges of teaching Intercultural Capability

• a presentation that outlines some of the challenges faced and lessons learned by participating schools. It is designed to prompt school discussions about how to approach planning and teaching Intercultural Capability

• sample units of work based on material developed with participating schools. Where possible, annotated student work samples and assessment advice are included.

View the resources on the Intercultural Capability – teaching resources webpage.

Support for developing and enhancing teaching and learning programs for the Victorian Curriculum F–10Register and attend VCAA Specialist Teacher–facilitated professional learning sessions to learn more about specific areas of the Victorian Curriculum F–10, and how to translate this knowledge into high-quality teaching and learning programs.

These state-wide face-to-face and online learning sessions will take place in Term 2.

The curriculum areas supported by the Specialist Teachers are:

• Critical and Creative Thinking

• Digital Coding (based on the Digital Technologies curriculum)

• Ethical Capability

• Literacy in the Early Years (F–2)

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

There is no cost to attend these professional learning sessions. All teachers from government, Catholic and independent schools are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

In addition to or instead of attending any of the advertised sessions, you can request a session for a group or network of schools.

To register for Term 2 professional learning sessions, find out more about the focus of specific sessions, and/or ask to have a session delivered locally, visit the Victorian Curriculum F–10 professional learning webpage and use the left-hand navigation box to go to the curriculum area in which you are interested.

Primary teacher registrations still available for Activate Citizenship professional learning dayThe VCAA and Social Education Victoria have had a tremendous response to their free professional civics and citizenship learning day and have just 20 remaining places available in the primary stream (the secondary stream is fully subscribed). Primary teachers are encouraged to register urgently to secure their place.

The day will feature three amazing keynote speakers, Julian Burnside AO QC, Dr Bella d’Abrera and Reverend Tim Costello.

The primary stream includes sessions on:

• ‘In Search of Safety’, a humanitarian education program

• having the Victorian Electoral Commission run a mock election at your school

• where to find resources to support the Victorian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship.

The professional learning day will take place on Monday 30 April 2018 from 8.45am to 3.30pm at Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton. There is no cost to participants. For further information, see the VCAA professional development webpage or contact Social Education Victoria on (03) 8327 8430 or projects@sev.asn.au.

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 11

Foundation−10

Assessment

NAPLAN HelpdeskThe VCAA operates a NAPLAN Helpdesk to assist principals and NAPLAN coordinators with queries related to any aspect of NAPLAN. Schools are encouraged to contact the NAPLAN Helpdesk on 1800 648 637 (free call) or vcaa.naplan.help@edumail.vic.gov.au.

Student participation in NAPLANIt is important that all eligible Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students are given the opportunity to participate in the tests and that the program is actively promoted in school communities.

Schools are reminded that disability adjustments should be considered and implemented where appropriate, in order to enable students to access the NAPLAN tests. Further information regarding accessibility is available in Chapter 6 of Part A of the NAPLAN Handbook for Principals 2018 (pen and paper) and the Handbook for Principals – NAPLAN Online 2018.

NAPLAN catch-up tests for individual students who are absent Principals are encouraged to facilitate NAPLAN catch-up tests for individual students who are absent on the day of one or more tests, but who return to school on or before the Friday of test week.

Arrangements should be made for these students to sit catch-up tests after the scheduled test times on the Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday of test week.

Students who are absent on all test days should not, however, be expected to complete all the tests on Friday 18 May 2018 and should be marked as absent for the tests they were unable to complete.

NAPLAN Test Administration websiteThe NAPLAN Test Administration website has been updated with student enrolment information and released to schools to complete the following tasks related to student participation:

• produce personalised exemption and withdrawal forms

• request the use of a scribe and/or assistive technology

• add details of new students

• print student attendance forms.

Please note that all principals are required to confirm that student attendance, exemption, withdrawal, withheld results and disability adjustment details have been accurately recorded on the website by Thursday 24 May 2018. Note that the prompt completion of this confirmation process is integral in ensuring that NAPLAN results can be processed as quickly as possible.

Schools are also reminded that final decisions regarding student exemption or withdrawal from NAPLAN rest with the parents or carers. Under no circumstances should a student be exempted or withdrawn from NAPLAN without parental consent and signed approval.

An Online Attendance Guide with detailed instructions for NAPLAN coordinators can be accessed via the ‘Help’ function on the website.

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 12

Foundation−10

Genre for the NAPLAN 2018 writing testSchools are reminded that Year 3 and 5 students will receive a different topic from Year 7 and 9 students for the NAPLAN 2018 writing test. This decision has been taken to ensure the continued maximum engagement and fairness for all students.

The genre for the NAPLAN 2018 writing test will be either narrative or persuasive genre, and it will be the same genre for all year levels. The genre for the writing test will not be disclosed prior to the test period and students will not be able to choose the genre in which they write their response.

The NAP website includes further details about the writing test and relevant FAQs.

NAPLAN test observation visitsEach year, in order to facilitate the standard administration of the NAPLAN tests, the VCAA conducts a series of test observation visits to selected schools throughout Victoria.

NAPLAN test observers visit schools on one or more days during the testing period to observe the conduct of the tests. They also provide advice and assistance to schools in order to ensure compliance with all test administration requirements.

NAPLAN test observers do not participate in the administration of the tests and later complete a written report for the VCAA.

Feedback from principals and NAPLAN test observers in the past has been very positive and the VCAA thanks schools in advance for their cooperation in this activity.

Victorian Certificate of Education

See also Administrative Advice and Bulletin Board

Curriculum

Revised VCE study design implementation briefings The VCAA, in collaboration with subject associations and organisations, will conduct professional learning briefings for teachers of the newly accredited studies VCE Accounting, Dance, Drama, Theatre Studies and Languages (Arabic, Chinese Second Language, Chinese Second Language Advanced, French, German, Greek, Indonesian Second Language, Italian, Japanese Second Language, Korean Second Language, Spanish and Vietnamese Second Language).

A series of metropolitan and regional implementation briefings, including online sessions, will be held between May and August 2018. Details of the implementation program for VCE Accounting, Dance, Drama and Theatre Studies will be progressively made available on the relevant study design webpage. Registrations for VCE Languages implementation briefings are now available.

An online information session for the newly accredited VCE Languages will soon be available on each relevant study design webpage. This online session provides an overview of the common features and structure of all the newly accredited language studies.

When registrations for the implementation briefings are available, a Notice to Schools will be sent out. Participants should bring a copy of the revised study design to the briefing. There is no cost for attending any of these sessions or briefings. For enquiries about the implementation briefings, contact Robyn Douglass, Curriculum Program Manager, on (03) 9032 1720 or douglass.robyn.f@edumail.vic.gov.au.

VCAA Bulletin April 2018 13

Victorian Certificate of Education

VCE Media Study Design frequently asked questionsThe frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the VCE Media Study Design have been updated. Please refer to Notice to Schools 17/2018 for details.

Expressions of interest: Future directions for VCE MusicExpressions of interest are sought from music educators interested in attending a focus group to discuss strategic directions for the next review of VCE Music. Topics for discussion will include the use of digital instruments and other equipment for real-time music creation in live performance, how performers can use notation and other source material to develop music ideas and present informed interpretations of works, and the implications of these for VCE Music. The focus group will take place at the VCAA, 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, on Monday 30 April from 5.00 to 7.00pm. To express your interest in participating in this discussion, please email Helen Champion, Curriculum Manager, Performing Arts: champion.helen.h@edumail.vic.gov.au.

VCE Art and Studio Arts School-assessed Task assessment focus groupA School-assessed Task assessment focus group for regional teachers of VCE Art and Studio Arts will be held on Tuesday 22 May 2018 at Wodonga Senior Secondary College. The full-day session is designed to give teachers a clear understanding of the assessment criteria and descriptors for the School-assessed Task in VCE Art and Studio Arts. The practical component of the day will include teachers providing feedback on the application of the assessment criteria and descriptors for the School-assessed Task. Teachers are asked to bring a range of student folios for discussion. Teachers should ensure that folios are labelled with teacher details and that students cannot be identified.

Register for the session or email Kathryn Hendy-Ekers, Curriculum Manager, Visual Arts and Media: Hendy-Ekers.Kathryn.L@edumail.vic.gov.au.

VCE Food Studies information webinarA webinar to provide teachers with feedback on Stage 1 of the VCE Food Studies 2018 School-based Assessment Audit will be held on Tuesday 15 May from 3.45pm to 4.45pm. Register online by Friday 11 May 2018.

For further information, email Leanne Compton, Curriculum Manager, Design and Technologies: compton.leanne.l@edumail.vic.gov.au. Please refer to Notice to Schools 29/2018.

VCE Product Design and Technology information webinarA webinar to provide teachers with feedback on Stage 1 of the VCE Product Design and Technology 2018 School-based Assessment Audit will be held on Thursday 17 May from 3.45pm to 4.45pm. Register online by Monday 14 May 2018.

For further information, email Leanne Compton, Curriculum Manager, Design and Technologies: compton.leanne.l@edumail.vic.gov.au. Please refer to Notice to Schools 30/2018.

VCE Accounting Study Design revised for 2019w. The new study design will be implemented in 2019. For information on the study design, contact Megan Jeffery, Curriculum Manager, Business and Economics on (03) 9032 1696 or jeffery.megan.j@edumail.vic.gov.au. Please refer to Notice to Schools 22/2018.

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Victorian Certificate of Education

Assessment

Examination materials: New and revised studiesSample materials for written examinations for the following new or revised VCE studies and VCE VET programs have been published on their respective examination pages on the VCAA website: Chinese Language, Culture and Society; Australian Politics; Global Politics; Health and Human Development; Legal Studies; Media; Outdoor and Environmental Studies; Physical Education; Sociology; Visual Communication Design; and VET Health. Please refer to Notice to Schools 20/2018.

Amended examination materials for History: Revolutions The History: Revolutions sample examination has been updated to modify the wording of all Section A, Question 1, part c questions and all Section B, Question 2, part c questions. The new wording instructs students to ‘Use evidence to support your response’.

The modified wording of these questions aligns with the following key skills from the VCE History Study Design 2016–2020 (Units 3 and 4: Revolutions):

• Units 3 and 4, Outcome 1 – construct arguments about the causes of revolution using primary sourcesand historical interpretations as evidence

• Units 3 and 4, Outcome 2 – construct arguments about the consequences of revolution using primarysources and historical interpretations as evidence.

In responding to these questions, students should use appropriate and relevant primary sources and/or historical interpretations as evidence, including the sources provided where relevant, as applicable to the specific demands of the question.

Further information about using sources as evidence is provided in the ‘Historical thinking’ section of the VCE History: Revolutions – Advice for Teachers 2016–2020 on pages 1–6.

VCE History: Revolutions examination reports also provide feedback on student performance in past examinations, including the use of evidence.

The updated sample examination contains other modified wording to improve the clarity of questions.

Teachers should download the examination specifications and updated sample examination (Version 4, March 2018) from the History: Revolutions examination webpage. Please refer to Notice to Schools 20/2018.

VCE performance examinations – audiovisual recording arrangementsFollowing the successful implementation of audiovisual recording of VCE Drama and VCE Theatre Studies performance examinations in 2017, the use of audiovisual recording will be expanded in 2018 to also include VCE Dance, VET Dance, VET Music, VCE Music Performance and VCE Music Investigation (group performance). Please refer to Notice to Schools 24/2018 for details.

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Victorian Certificate of Education

VCE Drama and Theatre Studies examinationsThe prescribed structures and other information for the 2018 Drama solo performance examination and the monologues and other information for the 2018 Theatre Studies stagecraft examination are now available. Teachers and students should refer to the information provided on the Drama and Theatre Studies webpages of the VCAA website.

For curriculum enquiries and requests for a PDF of the Theatre Studies stagecraft monologues, email vcaa.vce.curriculum@edumail.vic.gov.au. For enquiries about examination matters such as venues, email Glenn Martin, Project Manager, VCE Assessment: martin.glenn.w1@edumail.vic.gov.au.

VCE English as an Additional Language (EAL) Listening to texts examination taskTeachers of Units 3 and 4 English as an Additional Language (EAL) are advised that the Listening to texts section of the EAL examination will continue to be delivered with audio stimulus in 2019.

The VCAA is investigating the delivery of this section of the examination through an audiovisual stimulus for future implementation. Please refer to Notice to Schools 28/2018.

2018 General Achievement Test and VCE written examination timetable The General Achievement Test (GAT) will be held on Wednesday 13 June 2018 from 10.00am to 1.15pm.

A GAT information brochure will be sent to schools in May. Schools should ensure the brochure is distributed to all students sitting the GAT and that they are briefed about its contents prior to the date of the GAT.

As notified in the February 2018 VCAA Bulletin, the 2018 VCE written examination timetable will be published on the VCAA website in May and will also be included in the June edition of the VCAA Bulletin, and in the VCE Exams Navigator 2018, which will be sent to schools in July.

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Victorian Certificate of Education

2018 Assessor applications and training meetings Applications to be an assessor for 2018 VCE external assessments are currently open on the Sessional Staff Management System (SSMS) website.

Suitably qualified people, including practising teachers, who would like to become VCE external assessors are strongly encouraged to consider the excellent professional development opportunities to be gained from assessing and are invited to apply online.

Closing dates for submitting applications are as follows:

• Sunday 6 May – English, English as an Additional Language, Literature, English Language, Extended Investigation (Critical Thinking Test, Externally-assessed Task written report and oral presentation)

• Sunday 27 May – VCE performance examinations

• Sunday 10 June – VCE Languages oral and written examinations

• Sunday 1 July all other VCE written examinations.

For more information, see Why become a VCE assessor on the SMSS website. For technical and access issues, contact the SSMS helpdesk on (03) 9225 2305 or assessment.administration.vcaa@edumail.vic.gov.au.

GATAppointed assessors are required to attend one of three training meetings for the GAT on the following dates:

• Saturday 16 June, 10.00am – 2.00pm

• Sunday 17 June, 10.00am – 2.00pm

• Monday 18 June, 4.00–8.00pm.

New assessors and assessors nominated by the GAT Executive are required to attend a New Assessor Briefing. You will be appointed to attend a New Assessor Briefing immediately prior to your scheduled training meeting. Attendance is compulsory. These will be held on Saturday 16 June, 9.00–10.00am and Sunday 17 June, 9.00–10.00am.

All appointed assessors will receive detailed information about the briefing, training meeting, meeting venue and payment with their appointment advice. Training meeting dates are available on the VCE assessors – information and training webpage.

VCE Performance, Languages oral and Extended Investigation examinationsAssessors for 2018 VCE Performance examinations, Languages oral examinations and Extended Investigation examination are required to attend the relevant assessor training meeting. Assessors are reminded that attendance at the training meetings is a prerequisite for assessing. All appointed assessors will receive detailed information about the training meeting, meeting venue and payment with their appointment advice.

Training meeting dates for these studies are available on the VCE assessors – information and training webpage.

Information for principalsThe VCAA provides principals with information about the appointment of staff from their schools, the dates of assessor training meetings, and the availability of casual relief teacher (CRT) payments to secure the release of staff.

In requesting the school to agree to a teacher’s release, the principal can acknowledge the professional development benefits as well as the commitment required to do the work in very tight timelines. If an offer of appointment is made by the VCAA, school-based staff undertaking these VCAA activities in school hours are advised to ensure that their release has been approved and confirmed with their school. If release is required from school duties to attend assessor training meetings, a CRT payment is made available to the home school (as given by the assessor in their application) to gain the release of the teacher from their duties and to cover their absence. If release is not required from school duties, a payment for attendance at the training meeting is made available to the assessor.

Teachers should be aware that the VCAA may need to contact their school for administrative or audit purposes. For more information, contact Marlwood Ryder, Manager, Assessment Services, on (03) 9225 2302 or ryder.marlwood.f@edumail.vic.gov.au.

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Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning

See also Administrative Advice and Bulletin Board

VCAL Achievement Awards 2017 The VCAL Achievement Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of young people who participate in the VCAL, as well as the contribution and achievement of VCAL teachers and partner organisations in the development and delivery of innovative VCAL programs.

The 2017 VCAL Achievement Awards ceremony will be held at 1.00pm on Friday 27 April 2018 at Deakin Edge, Federation Square.

Teachers who are interested in attending the ceremony should email VCAA Student Events: vcaa.events@edumail.vic.gov.au. Please note that places are limited and subject to availability.

Vocational Education and Training

See also Administrative Advice and Bulletin Board

VCE VET programs under review in 2018It is anticipated that minor or major reviews for the following VCE VET programs will be undertaken in 2018, for implementation in 2019:

• Equine Studies – Certificate II in Equine Studies

• Small Business – Certificate II in Small Business (Operations/Innovations)

• Sport and Recreation – Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation

• Animal Studies – Certificate II in Animal Studies.

No new qualification can be commenced until the program is approved and the qualification is available on VASS.

VCE VET CiscoThe VCE VET Cisco program has been updated as a consequence of minor changes to the 22263VIC Certificate IV in Integrated Technologies qualification. A new program extract is now available on the VCE VET Cisco program webpage.

All new and continuing students will undertake the updated VCE VET Cisco program – Cisco CCNA v6.

Adding units of competency to VCE VET programsThe VCAA develops VCE VET programs in consultation with reference groups comprising industry, registered training organisations and schools. Once the VCE VET program structure is approved, the VCAA cannot add units of competency to the program structure.

Refer to the program extracts for each VCE VET program to obtain the list of units of competency that are available. Schools should discuss which units are appropriate with their registered training organisation.

Structured Workplace Learning Recognition – new from 2018Structured Workplace Learning Recognition (SWLR) program information is now available. Please visit the VCAA website to download guidelines, fact sheets and Workplace Learning Records for more than 20 VCE VET programs.

In order for your students to receive credit, your school must attend an SWLR training session prior to recording an enrolment on VASS.

The VCAA will be conducting additional workshops for schools interested in implementing SWLR. These workshops will be conducted in Term 2. Locations will be determined based on feedback from the SWLR Recognition Workshop expression of interest survey.

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Administrative Advice

Changes to VCAA fees and charges for 2018VASS administrators and VCE and VCAL coordinators are advised that VCAA fees and charges have increased as of Monday 16 April 2018.

The new approved fees and charges have been published on the VCAA website. VCE and VCAL coordinators should advise relevant staff of the changes.

All VCAA forms relating to a service for which a fee applies have been updated with the new approved fees and charges. Any form that relates to a service for which a fee applies, and is submitted to the VCAA, must be accompanied by the new approved 2018 fee for that service.

VASS administrators and VCE and VCAL coordinators are asked to print and disseminate the updated VASS-based forms to relevant staff, campuses and external organisations, and destroy all copies of 2017 forms that include superseded fees and charges. For more information, see the Summary Schedule of Fees and Charges webpage. Please refer to Notice to Schools 23/2018.

Collecting Indigenous status of students in VASSImproving the educational outcomes for all Indigenous students in Victoria is a priority for the Department of Education and Training. Critical to this priority is monitoring the performance of senior secondary Indigenous students. Schools are asked to assist by ensuring that all senior secondary students indicate their Indigenous status on the Student Personal Details form. Please refer to Notice to Schools 16/2018 for details.

Important changes to the VASS VCE Eligibility report and English unit countFollowing changes to the English requirement for satisfactory completion of the VCE from 2018, the VASS VCE Eligibility report is changing to accommodate the new English rules. Please refer to Notice to Schools 18/2018 for details.

VCE, VET, VCAL and International Baccalaureate enrolment dataSchools are reminded that the last day for VCE Units 3 and 4 (including VCE Baccalaureate), VCE VET, VCAL and International Baccalaureate enrolment is Monday 30 April 2018. This data will be used to finalise the 2018 VCE Examination Timetable.

Schools should ensure that VCE student programs have at least three units from the English group, two of which must be a Unit 3–4 sequence to meet the new English requirement for satisfactory completion of the VCE. Please refer to Notice to Schools 25/2018 for details.

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Bulletin Board

VCE and Careers Expo 2018The VCE and Careers Expo 2018 will take place from Thursday 3 May to Sunday 6 May 2018 at Caulfield Racecourse. Students, teachers and parents are encouraged to visit the VCAA at booth 55, located near the expo entrance. VCAA staff will be at the booth to talk with students, parents and teachers about senior secondary study.

The VCE and Careers Expo is Australia’s biggest education and careers expo, and the VCAA is once again a proud sponsor of this valuable event. This year’s expo will showcase over 200 exhibitors with 168 seminars on a range of topics, providing opportunities for students to learn from and participate in discussions on how to plan their VCE, prepare for exams, and plan pathways to careers via tertiary or other means.

Last year, the VCAA distributed more than 8000 past examination papers and provided information and advice to around 11,000 visitors.

The expo is a great opportunity to ask questions and gain expert advice on the VCE, VCE VET and VCAL.

The 2018 VCE and Careers Expo will be open from 9.00am to 3.00pm on Thursday 3 May and Friday 4 May, and from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 5 May and Sunday 6 May.

For more information, visit the VCE and Careers Expo website, or email the general enquiries team at the VCAA: vcaa@edumail.vic.gov.au.

Come be a part of Big Dance Australia!Big Dance is the largest free celebration of dance in the world. Participate in one of the free Big Dance workshops near you, and join the rest of Australia as we do the Big Dance on Sunday 29 April 2018 in Sydney, Melbourne, Castlemaine and Lilydale. For more information, visit the Big Dance website.