VCE students finish English exam, 2023 duxes share their top study tips

Geelong Year 12s have emerged from their first VCE exams, as last year’s duxes reveal how to smash exam period.

Jude Payne, Kaine Shaw and Oliver Sanders after the VCE English exam. Picture Brad Fleet

Thousands of VCE students across Geelong and the Surf Coast have entered their exam period, which kicked off with the English assessment on Tuesday morning.

At St Joseph’s College, Year 12 students Jude Payne, Kaine Shaw and Oliver Sanders said there was nervous excitement in the air waiting outside the hall before their first exam.

They emerged from the test agreeing it was challenging but manageable.

“I woke up this morning thinking ‘today’s the day’,” Jude said.

Year 12 English exam at St Josephs. Jude Payne. Picture Brad Fleet

“I might go for a fish tonight — but then it’s back to studying for maths on Friday.

“And then when it’s all done we’ll go for a camping trip on the Murray.”

Fellow student Oliver Sanders said he was already feeling relieved to have English out of the way but he’d have to stay focused for the next few weeks.

The trio’s English teacher Angela Baker said it was great to see so many smiles come out of the exam.

“It’s a good sign, and I’m feeling very proud,” she said.

All VCE students complete at least one English-based subject – English, English Language, Literature or English as an Additional Language – and it contributes to their final VCE study score.

Geelong High School 2023 dux Alexander Aidt said if he could give students one piece of advice for exam time it would be to take a deep breath and stick to their routine.

“Don’t study too much on the day, the bulk of the world is done,” he said.

“Trust that it will all work out.

“And don’t start drinking coffee.”

Mr Aidt achieved an ATAR of 93.6, including a 50 in Theatre Studies, and is now living in Melbourne and studying a double degree at Monash University.

He said he was “loving” the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and Music (Composition and music technology).

Christian College dux of 2023, Oscar Fassin, said VCE students should remember to keep a balance in these last few weeks of exams.

“You’re better off spending 60 per cent of your time studying with 100 per cent effort, than 100 per cent of the time studying at 60 per cent effort,” he said.

VCE exams will continue until Wednesday November 20, with International Baccalaureate diploma exams finishing on November 11.

VCE students will receive their ATARs on December 12.

Originally published as VCE students finish English exam, 2023 duxes share their top study tips