VICTORIAN CURRICULUM
AND ASSESSMENT AUTHORITY
VCAA Bulletin
Official publication for Early Years, F–10, VCE, VCAL and VET
No. 16 | March 2016 | ISSN 1448-2371
Supporting the new curriculum
Schools are beginning the process of
planning with and implementing the
Victorian Curriculum F–10. As part
of the Education State initiatives to
support the implementation, $21.6
million dollars over three years has
been provided by the Victorian
Government Department of Education
and Training. This includes briefings
for principals and curriculum leaders
from every school, a specialist teacher
program in 10 priority areas and the
provision of funds for time release for
whole school curriculum planning.
What’s inside this
edition
Early Years
F–10
VCE
VCAL
VET
Sharon Foster, Manager, Victorian Curriculum F–10 (right) with Sean Box, Curriculum Manager,
English and Paula Christophersen, Curriculum Manager, Digital Technologies.
The specialist teachers will support schools across the state by providing advice and facilitating
professional learning programs in the following 10 areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics); Digital coding; Learning about religions and world views; Critical thinking; Literacy in the early
years; Music; Financial literacy; Health education and personal and social capability; Civic participation; and
Ethical understanding in a global world. Overall, 60 specialist teachers will be engaged; the first 29 have
been appointed, and a further 31 will be appointed later this year. These teachers will continue working in
their school and will undertake the specialist teacher role part-time for an 18-month period.
The VCAA has developed a comprehensive professional development program for the specialist
teachers to ensure they have a detailed understanding of the Victorian Curriculum F–10, curriculum planning
and assessment, and addressing professional development needs in schools. The first two days of the
professional development program were held on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 February. These two days were
facilitated by David Howes, Executive Director, Curriculum Division and VCAA Curriculum Managers.
‘There was a high level of energy in the room as the specialist teachers got to know each other and the
team from VCAA,’ said Sharon Foster, Manager, Victorian Curriculum F—10. The specialist teachers were
introduced to the design and structure of the Victorian Curriculum F–10, and the rationale for this new
curriculum. This sparked many questions and discussions that clarified understandings and challenged
existing views.
‘One of the specialist teachers said that it was really exciting to be able to spend the time exploring the
curriculum in detail and meeting like-minded people who were passionate about turning the curriculum into
teaching and learning programs that would engage and extend students learning,’ said Sharon.
The specialist teachers will attend the professional development program one day each month to
continue to explore issues and processes related to effectively supporting schools with initial planning and
implementation. They will be available to schools from Term 3. Details about how to access these teachers
will be provided closer to this time. Schools will also be surveyed to ascertain their priority areas and this will
assist in matching the specialist teachers with school requests. After working closely with the Curriculum
Managers over these two days, the specialist teachers left with lots of new information and enthused about
getting the first tasks underway.
The Victorian Curriculum F–10 and its resources and support are available online.
Administrative
Advice
Professional
Development
Bulletin Board
For a full list of contents
see page 2
Contents
Awards & Excellence
VCE Season of Excellence 2016 Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning
3
VCE Season of Excellence and Top Screen launch 3
Quality Assurance arrangements for 2016
9
Webinar: Completing a VCAL SATT
9
Top Class Drama and Theatre Studies tickets
on sale
3
Top Designs and StArt Up: Top Arts open
in March
3
Enrolment Advice for VCE VET Community
Services: Program 2
10
VCE Leadership Awards 2016 applications open
4
Scored Assessment Workshops 10
Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarships for
Composition announced
4
Early Years
Becoming a Writer – A Digital Story
5
Foundation−10
NAPLAN
NAPLAN Test Administration Website
5
NAPLAN Online 5
NAPLAN Equating Study
6
On Demand
On Demand Assessment Item Development
Workshops6
Victorian Certificate of Education
Vocational Education and Training
Victorian Training Awards
10
Changes to VCE VET Programs
10
VCE VET Interactive Digital Media (IDM) update
10
Administrative Advice
Survey: 2016 VCE English, English as an
Additional Language (EAL) and Literature
Unit 3 and 4 texts
11
Release of new VASS function
11
Professional Development
On Demand Testing: Content Development
Workshops11
The New Technologies Curriculum for
Primary Teachers
11
Bulletin Board
Curriculum
2016 VCE study design wall chart
7
VCE Literature: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
7
Consultation register reminder
7
2016 School-based Assessment Audit
8
VCE Theatre Studies: Study design amendments
8
VCE Dance
8
Long Tan Anniversary history competition
for students
12
Creative arts at the Chinese Museum
12
International Student Exam (ÏÜYÖS-2016) for
admission to Istanbul University
12
Assessment
Examination materials: New and revised studies
8
VCE VET Interactive Digital Media (IDM) software
programs for the 2016 examination
8
VCE Drama solo performance examination 9
VCE Languages: Marking descriptors for
Section 3
9
2016 GAT centres, appointment of supervisors
and principal’s agreement
9
Training for the conduct and administration
of 2016 VCE external assessments
9
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: Victoria Harrison Designer: Robyn Scott
Editorial and subscription enquiries phone (03) 9032 1634, email vcaa.bulletin@edumail.vic.gov.au.
© VCAA 2016 | ISSN 1448-2371
Awards & Excellence
VCE Season of Excellence 2016
VCE Season of Excellence and Top Screen launch
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, the Hon. James Merlino
MP, officially launched the 2016 VCE Season of Excellence at the
opening of Top Screen at the Australian Centre for the Moving
Image (ACMI), Federation Square on Thursday 18 February.
The Deputy Premier congratulated the 260 exhibitors and
performers who have been selected to demonstrate their exceptional
performing and visual arts, design and technology skills in the 12
concerts, two exhibitions and a festival of short films. He highlighted
the importance of the arts in the education of all students, which helps
develop their critical and creative thinking skills in the Education State.
Top Screen showcases the thoughts and impressions of a new
generation through insightful short films, documentaries, music
clips and animation, created by VCE Media students.
Top Screen 2016 and the accompanying education programs
will be open to teachers, students and families until Friday 29 April
Deputy Premier James Merlino with Top Screen filmmakers (L to R): Jack Wilson-Lee, James
2016. School groups have the opportunity to view the filmmakers’ Nolan, Bridget Webster, Ameya Ajay, Bharatha Gangasani, Dane Knowles, Minister Merlino,
Media designs plans after all Screening + Folio Viewing sessions. Elliott Bolt, Lara Nguyen, Elle Richards, Julia Thissen and Bailey Cook
Other education sessions include ‘Plan Ahead’ and ‘How Do I Do
It?’, hosted by Brett Lamb, State Reviewer for Media, and ‘How Did You Do It?’, a panel session where
students have the opportunity to hear from Top Screen filmmakers.
There is also a special school holiday screening at 10:30am on Thursday 7 April to give students the
opportunity to attend Top Screen outside of school hours. Visit the ACMI website for full details and tickets.
Top Class Drama and Theatre Studies tickets on sale
Continuing the fantastic Top Class series of concerts, Top Class
Drama and Theatre Studies will light up the Playhouse, Arts Centre
Melbourne on Monday 21 March (10.30am, 2.00pm and 6.00pm) and
Tuesday 22 March (10.30am and 2.00pm).
Audiences can see five unique concerts comprising performances by
students of VCE Drama and VCE Theatre Studies. These concerts will
showcase dramatic and comedic performances by some of Victoria’s
most imaginative students.
Karrin Kose as Lettice, Top Class Theatre Studies
Monologue
Tickets are selling fast, but can still be purchased from the venue.
Top Designs and StArt Up: Top Arts open in March
Top Designs 2016 celebrates excellence in design education, exhibiting the next
generation of Victorian innovators. Top Designs VCE students have produced works
including furniture, fashion pieces, photography, mechanical projects, architectural
models and graphic design identities. Audiences will also have the opportunity
to view the design folios, following the development of each work from concept
to creation. The Top Designs exhibition will be held at Melbourne Museum from
Friday 18 March to Sunday 10 July.
StArt Up: Top Arts 2016 is a finely curated exhibition showcasing thought-provoking
works by VCE Art and Studio Arts students. These students use a range of media
including photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, film
and printmaking. The exhibition is open from Friday 11 March until Sunday 10 July
2016 at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. StArt Up: Top Arts is managed by
the NGV in collaboration with the VCAA.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
Renae Flannigan, Top Designs 2016, VCE Media (print)
3
Awards & Excellence
VCE Leadership Awards 2016 applications open
Applications for the VCE Leadership Awards 2016 are now open to all current VCE students from government,
independent and Catholic schools. Mature-age students are also welcome to apply. The Awards recognise
the efforts of VCE students in promoting leadership and participation in their school and local community.
Students who are engaged in community and social justice activities beyond the school environment are
encouraged to apply.
The selection panel will be looking for activities that are self-generated or demonstrate ways in which
students have shown leadership, compassion and initiative to make a difference outside of organised structures.
The range of activities could include public speaking, sport, the arts, coaching, fundraising, protecting the
environment or assisting the elderly and people with disabilities. The panel convenes once a month between
April and October, and applications must be received at the VCAA by the last Friday of the month.
At the end of the year, the VCE Leadership Awards and VCE Leader of the Year will be presented at
the Victorian Senior Secondary Leadership Awards, which also include the Lynne Kosky Memorial VCAL
Scholarships. For more information, including how to apply and profiles of past winners, visit the VCE
Leadership Awards webpage.
Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarships for Composition
announced
Callum Watson and Jessop Maticevski-Shumack were awarded the
Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarship for Composition at Top
Class Sound on Tuesday 23 February, at Melba Hall, The University
of Melbourne, where their compositions were also performed to a
full house.
Both students expressed their gratitude for the recognition and
financial support that the scholarship has provided them, which will
allow them to pursue their passion and to develop their composition
skills. ‘It’s wonderful to have this kind of support and recognition,
especially in such a specialised field as composition’, said Jessop.
The scholarships are awarded to students who have completed
their VCE at a government secondary school and provide assistance
in funding ongoing music study at a tertiary institution. Their study
scores for VCE Music Style and Composition, VCE Music Investigation
and VCE Music Performance with a major in composition studies are
taken into consideration.
(l to r) Callum Watson and Jessop Maticevski-Shumack with their certificates for the
2016 Margaret Schofield Scholarship for Composition
Callum Watson’s Clash of the Cultures was performed as the
concert finale with an eclectic mix of didgeridoo, sitar, African drums, bagpipes, synth and piano. ‘The
soundscape I created reflects the multiculturalism of Melbourne and my home town of Torquay,’ said Callum.
Jessop’s The Sand Timer was inspired by a poem written by his sister. His composition explores the harsh
war-like imagery depicted in the poem, expressed through the tone colour of an ensemble of harpsichord,
voice, guitar and cello, which Jessop conducted.
The family of the late Margaret Schofield established the scholarships in her name to recognise her
achievements as a musician and her commitment to music education. They are coordinated by the VCAA and
help recipients to achieve their goal of further study by providing $5000 towards the cost of tertiary studies
in music. The winners of the Music Performance scholarships will be announced at the Top Class Music
concerts on Thursday 10 March 2016.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
4
Early Years
See also Bulletin Board
Becoming a Writer – A Digital Story
This resource has been developed by the VCAA and Dr Noella Mackenzie, Senior Lecturer at Charles Sturt
University, and is intended for early childhood professionals and families with young children.
Drawing teaches children many of the skills they will need when they begin to write. It is a powerful way of
exploring ideas as well as being a substantive mental activity, a socially meaningful activity, and a constructive
process of thinking in action that allows access to real and imaginary worlds.
The video resource is available online, and a brochure is available for distribution to families. The DVD, which
will be available in late March 2016, can be ordered in advance via the online order form. Other resources to
support children’s early literacy and writing skills can be accessed on the Professional Learning webpage.
Foundation−10
See also Administrative Advice, Professional Development and Bulletin Board
NAPLAN
NAPLAN Test Administration Website
The NAPLAN Helpdesk team wishes to thank schools for their cooperation in completing tasks related to the
enrolment phase of the administration process. The NAPLAN Test Administration website will soon be closed
and will reopen on Monday 11 April 2016 with student enrolment information for the test phase. During this
phase, schools will be asked to complete tasks related to student participation in the tests. Instructions for
using the website to complete the tasks during the test phase will be made available in Term 2.
Schools with queries related to any aspect of NAPLAN 2016 should contact the NAPLAN Helpdesk on
1800 648 637 or vcaa.naplan.help@edumail.vic.gov.au.
NAPLAN Online
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), which has responsibility for the
central management of NAPLAN, is commencing a transition to online delivery of the tests. The VCAA is
working in collaboration with government, Catholic and independent school sectors to facilitate this transition.
In Victoria, this transition will begin with an initial pilot in 2017, with all Victorian schools anticipated to be
conducting the NAPLAN tests online from 2018.
Refer to Notice to Schools 25/2016 for more information about trials and participation in the 2017 pilot for
NAPLAN Online.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
5
Foundation−10
NAPLAN Equating Study
Each year ACARA undertakes an Equating Study to enable the results from the NAPLAN tests to be reported
on the same scales from year to year. The NAPLAN Equating Study is a very important aspect of the NAPLAN
testing program because it ensures consistency and fairness in the reporting of student results. Participation
in the Equating Study is a mandatory part of the NAPLAN program for schools that are selected to participate.
The VCAA has already notified Victorian schools selected for the Equating Study and thanks them in advance
for their participation.
What is the purpose of the Equating Study?
While every effort is made to maintain comparable levels of difficulty in the NAPLAN tests, inevitably some
differences will occur. The Equating Study is designed to compensate for any such differences in test difficulties.
The Equating Study employs a common person equating method, which involves a sample of students who
sit the current year’s NAPLAN tests, and one equating test.
When and how are the equating tests implemented?
The equating tests are sat under standard test conditions. They are conducted within a week or two of the
NAPLAN tests so that the ability of the students involved effectively remains constant. Any differences in the
students’ results on the tests can therefore be considered as being due to differences in test difficulty. These
differences can be adjusted for in the analysis and calibration of the current year’s tests.
How are schools/classes selected for participation in the Equating Study?
Schools from across Australia are selected for participation in the Equating Study in such a way that the
sample is representative of the national year level student population. Consideration is also given to ensuring
that the number of students participating in the Equating Study is sufficient to provide robust and reliable
results. To minimise disruption within a participating school where there is more than one class at a year level,
classes are selected at random for participation.
What are the results from the Equating Study used for?
School and student results from the Equating Study are used for equating purposes only. They are not reported
at a school or student level and results from the equating tests do not affect a school or student’s NAPLAN
results in any way. If there are unexpectedly large differences in a student’s scores on the two tests, those
results are not used for equating.
On Demand
On Demand Assessment Item Development Workshops
The VCAA is seeking expressions of interest from current English and Mathematics F–10 teachers to participate
in item development workshops from Monday 4 April to Thursday 7 April 2016. Refer to the Professional
Development section for full details.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
6
Victorian Certificate of Education
See also Administrative Advice and Bulletin Board
Curriculum
2016 VCE study design wall chart
In February, all schools were sent a study design wall chart. This chart provides VCE coordinators, teachers
and librarians with a quick visual reference to the entire collection of accredited VCE study designs for 2016.
Each accredited study design is available on the VCAA website from the relevant study page. It is essential
that teachers use the currently accredited study designs as the basis for all course development and assessment
of VCE studies. The VCAA remains the official source of advice for all VCE studies.
VCE Literature: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
The 2017 text list for VCE Literature lists Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams. The listed edition
includes two versions of Act 3. Teachers and students should note that the passages for the examination will
be selected from the original version of Act 3, not from the Broadway version, which is also included in the
listed edition.
Enquiries can be directed to Sean Box, Curriculum Manager, English, VCAA: box.sean.m@edumail.vic.gov.au
or (03) 9032 1691.
Consultation register reminder
Consultation is an important part of the review and accreditation process for VCE studies. The consultation
process is conducted electronically and teachers and stakeholders are invited to participate by joining the
VCAA Consultation Register for VCE studies in review in 2016.
Teachers and stakeholders registered for consultation will receive email notification once the consultation
draft of the relevant VCE study design is available online, and be invited to respond to the consultation draft via
an online questionnaire. Teachers and stakeholders will be given the option of allowing the VCAA to use their
registration details to receive email notification of the implementation briefings for the revised studies in 2017.
The online consultation register is now open for the following VCE studies:
• Accounting
• Algorithmics (HESS)
• Australian and Global Politics
• Health and Human Development
• Legal Studies
• Media
• Outdoor and Environmental Studies
• Product Design and Technology
• Sociology
• Visual Communication Design.
Consultation drafts of the listed study designs will be available for consideration during 2016. Each study will
have a four-week consultation period. The draft study design and consultation questionnaire will be available
on the VCAA website from the relevant VCE study page. To register your interest for the public consultation,
please complete the registration form.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
7
Victorian Certificate of Education
2016 School-based Assessment Audit
School-based Assessment Audit requirements for Unit 3 were released on Monday 29 February through
VASS. The following screen in VASS currently contains the list of studies selected for audit at your school/VCE
provider: School Program > VCE > School-based Assessment Audit.
Stage 1 of the School-based Assessment Audit involves the completion of a study-specific online questionnaire
detailing the planned approach to assessment for Unit 3. Teachers of the studies being audited are required
to complete the online questionnaire by Friday 18 March 2016.
Further information on the School-based Assessment Audit can be found on the VCE General Advice and
Policy page of the VCAA website, or by contacting Merry Young or Julia Quagliani: (03) 9032 1735 or school.
assessment.vcaa@edumail.vic.gov.au.
VCE Theatre Studies: Study design amendments
Teachers should note that amendments have been made to the VCE Theatre Studies study design to clarify
that ‘Production management’ includes publicity and/or marketing. These amendments specifically relate
to ‘Terms used in this study’ on page 10, and the listing of stagecraft in the Unit 3 introduction, page 19.
Additional details about these amendments have been included in an updated set of FAQs located on the VCE
Theatre Studies page.
VCE Dance
Teachers should note that an updated version of the Prescribed list of Dance works is available on the Dance
study page. Café Muller, by Pina Bausch, will now be available for study in 2017–2018. Amended information
regarding the section of the work to be studied is also provided.
Assessment
Examination materials: New and revised studies
Examination specifications for VCE Computing: Informatics, VCE Computing: Software Development, VCE
History: Ancient History, VCE History: Australian History, VCE History: Revolutions and VCE Geography are
now available on their respective study pages. Sample examination materials for these six studies will be
available once copyright permissions have been granted.
Examination specifications, advice and sample materials for the following new or revised VCE studies and
VCE VET programs that commence in 2016 will be published on the relevant study pages of the VCAA website
during Term 1, 2016: Mathematics: Further Mathematics, Mathematics: Mathematical Methods, Mathematics:
Specialist Mathematics, Chin Hakha, VCE VET Furnishing and VCE VET Information and Communications
Technology.
The examination format of both English Language and Global Politics will remain unchanged in 2016. Sample
examination materials for these studies will be updated, where appropriate, to reflect changes in the respective
study designs. These will be available in Term 1, 2016.
VCE VET Interactive Digital Media (IDM) software programs for the
2016 examination
Teachers and trainers of VCE VET Interactive Digital Media (IDM) should refer to the VCE VET IDM program
page for important information on operating systems and software to be used in the 2016 examination. Please
note that the new product Adobe Animate CC will not be supported in 2016.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
8
Victorian Certificate of Education
VCE Drama solo performance examination
The examination paper for the 2016 VCE Drama solo performance examination will be published on the VCAA
website in early April.
For this examination, teachers and students are advised that the terms ‘moment(s)’ and ‘example(s)’ are
used throughout the Performance focus. A ‘moment’ or an ‘example’ can be interpreted as a scene, a dramatic
image, a vignette or series of vignettes, a montage or combinations of each. For example, a solo may include
a scene and a dramatic image in response to the term ‘moments’.
Teachers and students are also reminded that the solo performance examination is an acting task and should
therefore show the information rather than tell it to an audience. Reading from a script does not constitute a
performance and will be assessed as off-task.
VCE Languages: Marking descriptors for Section 3
Descriptors that will be used to assess the extended piece of writing in Section 3 of the VCE First and Second
Languages written examinations in 2016 are now available on the relevant study pages of the VCAA website.
There are no changes to the assessment criteria, as published in the Languages Assessment Handbook.
The descriptors provide teachers and students with additional information about the expected qualities for
each mark range.
2016 GAT centres, appointment of supervisors and principal’s
agreement
VCE providers with students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3−4 sequence must meet
the VCAA requirements for the conduct and administration of VCE external assessments as outlined in the
2016 Agreement to conduct and administer VCE external assessments form. Refer to Notice to Schools
21/2016 for documentation and additional forms, which must be completed and returned by Thursday 10
March 2016.
Training for the conduct and administration of 2016 VCE external
assessments
It is a VCAA requirement that all newly appointed chief supervisors attend training prior to starting their role.
Training sessions will be held between Monday 2 May and Thursday 5 May 2016 at the VCAA Assessment
Centre, Coburg. Refer to Notice to Schools 20/2016 for details.
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning
See also Administrative Advice and Bulletin Board
Quality Assurance arrangements for 2016
VCAL Quality Assurance (QA) is an important part of the delivery of the VCAL. Notice to Schools 3/2016
includes information about VCAL Quality Assurance arrangements for 2016. VCAL Coordinators should note
that Sample Assessment Task Templates (SATTs) must be submitted to the relevant VCAL QA region’s VCAL
Liaison Teacher (VLT) by Friday 25 March 2016.
Webinar: Completing a VCAL SATT
Schools and providers are required to submit SATTs to their VCAL Liaison Teacher in each VCAA VCAL QA
region by the due date (25 March). To help providers complete a SATT, the VCAL Unit has organised a webinar
on Tuesday 8 March 2016 at 3.30pm. The session will use Adobe Connect. Teachers wishing to join the
webinar can connect via https://connect.vic.edu.au/vcalsatt/.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
9
Vocational Education and Training
See also Administrative Advice and Bulletin Board
Enrolment Advice for VCE VET Community Services: Program 2
All new students who are undertaking CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2016
need to ensure they are enrolled on VASS in CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
(VES).
Students with an enrolment in 2015 in CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or
prior can continue their enrolment in the CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Block
Credit Recognition (VFE) enrolment on VASS.
Scored Assessment Workshops
A series of professional development workshops for assessors of scored programs (school and RTO based)
will be held at Moonee Valley Racecourse in March 2016. The workshops will consist of activities relating to the
design and development of scored assessment tasks in each scored VCE VET program. These workshops
provide opportunities for sharing and networking while preparing tasks for 2015.
Refer to Notice to Schools 5/2016, which was sent to schools in February. Further information is also
available on the VET Professional Development page. Schools are urged to pass on this information to their
RTO partners. For further information, contact the VET Unit: vet.vcaa@edumail.vic.gov.au
Victorian Training Awards
The Victorian Training Awards have two categories appropriate to schools:
• The Victorian School Based Apprentice of the Year Award
• The Victorian VET in Schools Excellence Award.
The winner of the Victorian School-based Apprentice of the Year Award receives a $10,000 fellowship and
is invited to represent Victoria at the 2016 Australian Training Awards. Finalists each receive $500 cash. The
winner of the Victorian VET in Schools Excellence Award will have the opportunity to win $10,000 and be
recognised as the best in Victoria’s world-class training system.
Applications for the awards are opening soon; further information is available on the Department of
Education and Training website.
Changes to VCE VET Programs
Teachers are reminded that the current version of each VCE VET program is contained in either a Program
Summary or Program Booklet Extract on the relevant VCE VET program page from the VET section of the
VCAA website.
These programs are current as of the start of the school year and will not change as a consequence of
changes to units of competency throughout the year. It should also be noted that additional units of competency
will not be included in VCE VET programs. If schools are advised of different units by their RTO, they should
refer them to the relevant program publication.
VCE VET Interactive Digital Media (IDM) update
Teachers and trainers of VCE VET Interactive Digital Media (IDM) should refer to the VCE VET IDM program
page for important information on operating systems and software to be used in the 2016 examination. Please
note that the new product Adobe Animate CC will not be supported in 2016.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
10
Administrative Advice
Survey: 2016 VCE English, English as an Additional Language (EAL)
and Literature Unit 3 and 4 texts
The VCAA surveys schools on an annual basis to obtain an indication of the number of students studying each
of the prescribed Unit 3 and 4 texts for:
• English and EAL − Text Lists 1 and 2
• Literature − Text Lists A and B.
The VCAA collects this information to determine the allocation of assessors to appropriate text groups for
the marking of the English and EAL written examinations and to assist the English, EAL and Literature text
panels.
This is an online survey, conducted on behalf of the VCAA by a third party. Before clicking on the link to
the survey, read this important information about privacy on the VCAA website. By clicking on the link to
proceed to the survey, you acknowledge that you have read and understood, and consent to, the terms of the
Collection Notice and Privacy Statement. The survey closes on Thursday 24 March 2016.
Release of new VASS function
Schools are reminded about the new VASS function for creating PDO/Year 10 student records. Refer to Notice
to Schools 9/2016 for details.
Professional Development
On Demand Testing: Content Development Workshops
The VCAA is seeking expressions of interest from current English and Mathematics F–10 teachers to participate
in item development workshops from Monday 4 to Thursday 7 April 2016. These workshops will develop new
content for the On Demand Testing program with reference to the Victorian Curriculum.
Ideally, participants in the workshops will be familiar with the types of items presented in the VCAA On
Demand Testing program and will be using the program with their students. Item writers gain a rich and
rewarding experience working individually and in small teams to develop assessment content. Information on
content development process will further inform teachers’ understanding of the development cycle to which
each item is subjected for inclusion in On Demand tests. Participants in the workshops will be trained in the
VCAA content management software for the On Demand Testing program.
This will allow participants to work from home on specified days. An introduction to item writing workshop
will be held on Monday 4 April 2016 at the VCAA Coburg Assessment Centre. This workshop will be followed
by domain-specific workshops focusing on required content for the On Demand system. There will be three
more full-day workshops. Payment will be by CRT. Registrations will be managed online through the Sessional
Staff Management System. Registrations close on Friday 11 March 2016. Places are strictly limited and
successful applicants will be notified by email by Friday 18 March 2016.
The New Technologies Curriculum for Primary Teachers
Teachers are invited to join the Design and Technology Teachers’ Association, Digital Learning and Teaching
Victoria and Home Economics Victoria for an in-depth look at the new Technologies Curriculum for primary
school teachers. There will be advice and practical support, including teacher resources, classroom activities
and a focus on STEM teaching and learning. Visit the DATTA website for more information.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
11
Bulletin Board
Long Tan Anniversary history competition for students
The closing date for the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (VVAA) Victorian history competition is
Sunday 10 April 2016.
The competition is open to students in Years 10 and 11, and the prizes include a 10-day study tour of
Vietnam in September 2016. This tour will mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Entries will respond to the topic ‘The Controversial Vietnam War’ and may be in the form of an essay, a
story, an audiovisual presentation or a diorama. Students are encouraged to source material from interviews,
experiences of friends or relatives, online resources or library resources or organisations such as Vietnam
Veterans Sub-Branches or the National Vietnam Veterans Museum.
Further information about the competition, including briefing notes, entry form, assessment criteria and
notes for teachers, teacher chaperone application information and the VVAA student tour brochure, please
see the VVAA website.
Creative arts at the Chinese Museum
The Chinese Museum offers a range of programs including ‘Making a home in a new country’, ‘Learning about
life on a goldfield’, ‘Exploring Australia’s longest settled Chinatown’ and ‘Hands-on craft activity learning
traditional techniques’. The museum also offers a subsidy program. Qualifying schools can bring two students
free in every group of five, to selected programs during Terms 1 and 4. Visit the Chinese Museum website for
details.
International Student Exam (ÏÜYÖS-2016) for admission to Istanbul
University
As Turkey’s oldest and largest institution of higher education, Istanbul University holds an exam for overseas
students, non-Turkish students and non-residents of Turkey who wish to study a Bachelor of Science or
Bachelor of Arts degree at Istanbul University. ÏÜYÖS-2016 (Exam for International Students) will take place
on Saturday 30 April, concurrently in five continents and 65 exam centres. The candidates will also be able to
use their results for admission to more than 100 universities in Turkey.
Applications will be accepted online until Friday 25 March 2016. Information about application requirements,
examination content, questions from previous exams, sample questions, grading procedures and life in
Istanbul is available via the registration webpage.
VCAA Bulletin March 2016
12