The best part was getting to chat directly with the people who build and own these machines: a highly modified Honda Civic race car and a tightly controlled, open-wheeled Formula V car. This face-to-face time was priceless.

The students weren’t just watching; they were asking questions and soaking up heaps of insider info. They learned about how air flows over the Formula V to keep it stable, the tough materials used in the Civic, and how tiny adjustments to the suspension make a huge difference.

The owners even talked about how they’re always solving problems and using data to make their cars perform perfectly. Seeing how eager the VET students were to talk to the car owners really showed how much they got out of it and how this experience connected their studies to the work of motorsport.

The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of interactive learning.

One student shared, “I really enjoyed using the mannequin provided for us to practice on and the hands-on use of equipment.� This experience not only deepened their understanding of theoretical concepts but also sparked greater interest in health-related careers.

Well done to the students who attended and represented the school so positively. You were highly motivated, engaged and respectful throughout the visit- a credit to both yourself and the school community.

After completing several hands-on work experience placements including time spent working on heavy highway trucks Blake’s passion and commitment stood out. With the support of WSSC Careers Advisor Garry, he landed a placement with DOC Trucks, impressing the team so much that they offered him their first SBAT opportunity in the company’s history.

Thanks to a smooth transition supported by Shane Crispin (Head Start SBAT Coordinator) and Danny Howard (Apprenticeship Support Australia), Blake now works one day a week at DOC Trucks while studying a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology through GOTAFE. He continues to balance his school and training commitments while gaining real-world skills and earning an income.

Blake says he loves the hands-on work and the family vibe in the workshop. DOC Trucks Manager Dylan O’Connor shared, “It’s great to have Blake on board the team has really embraced him. Programs like Head Start SBAT are a great way to build the next generation of our workforce.�

Huge thanks to the DOC Trucks team for creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment and congratulations to Blake for seizing this opportunity and leading the way!

For information on putting your young person’s career on the road via a School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT), please contact Head Start Coordinator, Shane Crispin
M: 0476 076 258
E: shane.crispin@education.vic.gov.au

Stage 1

In stage 1 students will receive a virtual kit with a series of fun and engaging coding tasks. Students will participate in these tasks via a user-friendly online platform – accessible from school or home. The challenges will require that students apply coding and algorithmic thinking in order to solve interesting problems. These tasks can be conducted either at school or during school holidays, at the student’s pace.

Stage 2

Stage 2 allows students to compete with others in a state-wide coding competition which will be a face-to-face event. In this competition, students will be competing in groups of 2-4, in many different challenges and games. This promises to be a fun-filled day, with challenge, excitement, friendly competition and prizes for the winning teams. (Entry to stage 2 is not dependent upon completing stage 1, however students must have been registered for stage 1 before enrolling into stage 2.) NB: to attend the competition in Melbourne you will need to travel to Melbourne (on the train with a school supervisor) the evening before the competition and stay in a hotel overnight. Cost of accommodation will be paid for by the students.
If you are interested in participating in the Stage 1 Coding Challenge please email Vicki Northey nov@wssc.vic.edu to be registered.

Further information can be found here:

With the support of Shane Crispin, Head Start SBAT Coordinator based at WSSC, Jess Klippel Apprenticeship Field Officer with BUSY At Work he has now become part of the first-class Clarke Automotive Wodonga team through a Head Start School-Based Apprenticeship (SBAT).

Beginning in June, he will work one day per week at Clarke Automotive Wodonga and commence his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology with Wodonga TAFE. Gustave will complete his VET qualification alongside his school studies at WSSC over the coming years, gaining valuable real-world skills and earning an income while continuing his education. Gustave said he was looking forward to completing his SBAT successfully and one day working on his own dream car a high-performance Mercedes- AMG coupe.

We are especially proud of Gustave as it takes courage, determination, resilience to embrace education and training in a new country let alone a step into the challenges of a SBAT, reflects his commitment to his growth, contribution, and faith in his future. We extend our sincere thanks to Ivan, Marion, and the entire Clarke Automotive Wodonga team for providing such a welcoming , forward-thinking environment for providing this wonderful life changing opportunity for Gustave.

A special shout-out goes out to Nelson and Grace, the legendary WSSC Multicultural Aides, and to Gustave’s amazing family for their invaluable support in helping make this opportunity a reality. Asante (Thank you in Swahili )

For more information about getting your young person hands on and in the driving seat of their future School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBATs), please contact Head Start SBAT Coordinator, Shane Crispin.
M: 0476 076 258
E: shane.crispin@education.vic.gov.au

VCAA GAT 2025 – Information for Students

GAT Times

The GAT is split in to two sections:

• Section A: 9:00am – 11:15am
• Section B: 1:15pm – 3:00pm

WHO SITS THE GAT?

Section A Only
Students enrolled in VCE Vocational Major (VM) Unit 3/4 who are not enrolled in any VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3/4 subjects.

Both Sections A and B
Students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3.

WHAT IS THE GAT?

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills taken by students in the course of completing their senior secondary studies.

The GAT plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments and also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards expected at a senior secondary level.

No special study is needed. Past study of subjects like English, Mathematics, Science and History prepares students for the GAT by building their general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy and reasoning.

Other key points for students/parents

• Students must have their student card for ID and student number purposes. This will not be available to collect from the front office on GAT day.
• Students must check the seating plan prior to Tuesday 17th of June
• Read through the attached document – pay close attention to the ‘Rules’ Section
• Only water in a clear bottle is approved
• NO phones, Smart watches or any other devices permitted into the GAT
• Any pens, pencils need to be stored in a clear zip lock bag – No pencil cases.

Year 11 Student Grace Bartel pictured on the right.

The NSCC, funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and coordinated by National Curriculum Services, provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of parliamentary processes and the ways in which decisions made in parliament can impact communities across the nation. Grace was joined by 24 other students representing Victoria in this prestigious event.

The 2025 Convention theme, ‘Revisiting Sections 51ii and 90 to Reimagine Australia’s Fiscal Federalism,’ aimed to engage students in examining the fiscal relationships between the Commonwealth and the states as defined by these sections of the Australian Constitution. With guidance from Emeritus Professor Clement Macintyre from the University of South Australia, participants debated the complexities of fiscal federalism and proposed potential reforms.
During the three-day event, students attended a variety of sessions, including a mock referendum, a visit to Parliament House, and a meeting with Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at Government House. Additionally, Grace had the opportunity to connect with her local representative, Dr Helen Haines, Member for Indi, gaining further insight into the impact of national decision-making on her community.

The outcomes of the Convention will be compiled into a Communiqué to be presented to the President of the Senate, Senator The Hon Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recording in Hansard.

With an application process that began in 2024, Grace applied in the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of how decisions are made in Parliament. The experience proved to be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to connect with like-minded students from across the state and country, all passionate about politics and the ways parliamentary decisions shape our communities—particularly in regional areas.

Â鶹¾«Ñ¡ congratulates Grace on this exceptional opportunity and commends her for her commitment to learning more about the Australian Constitution and its implications for regional communities.

Nate has quickly adapted to the trade, beginning to learn essential skills such as breaking down cuts of meat, making sausages, and engaging with customers. With the expert guidance of experienced butcher Greg Cavanagh and his team, Nate’s growing attention to detail and appreciation for the craft will continue to develop. Employer Greg said that it’s great to give young people their start in this industry particularly with a shortage of qualified butchers. Nate said he was looking forward to learning more hands-on skills for the shop. Jess Klippel from BUSY At Work apprenticeships said she loves seeing young people start out in their careers which align with their passions.
We are incredibly proud of Nate for choosing this unique path to explore his future in a traditional trade and industry. A special thank you to Greg and his team for generously sharing their extensive knowledge and fostering such a passionate work environment, offering Nate this invaluable opportunity. Shout out to Renae WSSC Career advisor for her support.

If you know of a young person who wants to transfer their casual or part time passion into a career defining pathway, please reach out to Shane Crispin on 0476 076 258 or via email shane.Crispin@education.vic.gov.au

My teacher, Catherine McDougall, had put a poster up in the classroom 2 years ago about RAW24, I gained interest in it but chose to apply for RAW25, thanks to her I would of never have of gotten the chance to be a part of this amazing opportunity and to widen my artist experience.
Chiana Broydell
Year 12 Student

• A five-day placement (during Victorian Government school terms).
• Students assist staff within the Life Sciences department.

Applicants must read the Position Description and apply in consultation with their school Careers Coordinator.
PLEASE NOTE: Kyabram Fauna Park will accept multiple applications from the same school

Applications must include

• A maximum 1 page cover letter addressing the criteria outlined in the Zoos Victoria Role Description
• A completed and signed Department of Education Proposed Work Experience with Animals Form instead of a resume. This form can be found on the Work Experience page on Zoos Victoria’s website.

We advise applicants to prepare their cover letter and complete and scan the before proceeding to Apply Now.


Once commencing the online application process, you cannot log out and get back in. The page will also timeout if left inactive for an extended period of time.


If you have any questions, please contact kfpeducation@zoo.org.au.
Online applications open Monday 28th April and close 5.00pm Sunday 11th May 2025.