UPDATE: The highly anticipated VCE English exam begins today, July 24, 2023, as over 47,000 Victorian students face their first major assessment. The exam, notorious for its intensity, is set to challenge students’ analytical and creative skills over a rigorous three-hour period.
Students from across Victoria are gathering at various exam centers, with the largest venue located at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, where 1,037 students will take the written exam. In stark contrast, the smallest center at Cann River P-12 College will host just three students, highlighting the vast differences in participation across the state.
Among those sitting for the exam is Caitlyn Trieu-Nguyen, a Year 12 student from Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College. Caitlyn expressed her apprehension, stating, “I’m extremely stressed… English is one of those subjects you can’t tell how you’re travelling.” As she turns 18 just days before the exam, she’s focused on navigating the challenges ahead, employing a strategic approach to manage her time effectively.
The exam consists of three sections: an analytical response, a creative writing task, and an argument analysis. Caitlyn intends to start with the last section, leveraging her reading time to maintain clarity and confidence.
Her classmate, Oliver Downing, who has earned accolades in English, shares his anxiety about the upcoming test. Despite initially seeing himself as primarily a mathematics student, he has grown to appreciate English through hard work. “I’ve really grown to love English,” he said, adding that he too plans to tackle the exam in reverse order to maximize his performance.
Education experts are urging students to remain calm. Dani Cooper, head of English at Strathcona Girls Grammar School, reassured students that the exam will not contain unexpected elements. She advises utilizing the 15 minutes of reading time wisely, suggesting students jot down timestamps on their papers to stay on track. “They have a lot of writing to do, so the time will fly,” she noted.
Additionally, over 3,000 students will take the English as an Additional Language written test across the state’s 580 exam centers. Education Minister Ben Carroll congratulated students on reaching this crucial milestone in their educational journey, emphasizing the significance of this examination as they near the completion of their secondary education.
As the clock ticks down, students are reminded to breathe deeply and focus on their preparation. The VCE English exam is more than just a test; it represents a pivotal moment in their academic careers.
Stay tuned for updates as these students confront one of the most significant challenges of their educational paths. The outcome of today’s exam will undoubtedly shape their futures, and the anticipation is palpable.
