Towards the Finishing Line – Setting Up for Success
As our Year 12 students head into the final stages of their secondary schooling, preparation is key to helping them finish strong. The next session in the Damascus College Family Partnership Program, Towards the Finishing Line, will be held on Wednesday 27 August 2025 at 6:00pm in the Damascus Events Centre.
This event is intentionally scheduled ten weeks before the end of classes and the commencement of the VCE exams, giving parents and carers plenty of time to support their students in developing the strategies, structures, and routines that lead to success. It provides an opportunity for students, families, and staff to align on key dates, expectations, and available resources in the lead-up to the exam period.
What You Can Expect
- Guidance from our learning area leaders on:
- VCE and VM exam preparation.
- Creating and maintaining effective study timetables.
- Balancing wellbeing and workload.
- VTAC applications and tertiary pathway planning.
- Key dates and deadlines to keep in mind for assessment submissions, VTAC timelines, and final exam schedules.
- Wellbeing strategies to help students manage stress and maintain motivation in the final term.
Why This Matters
Research from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and studies published in the Journal of Educational Psychology consistently show that students who plan and prepare well in advance of examinations are more likely to achieve their potential. Structured study routines, combined with strong family support and clear goal-setting, are proven to improve both academic performance and emotional resilience.
In particular:
- Time management skills allow students to distribute their study load evenly, reducing last-minute stress.
- Positive parental engagement offering encouragement, interest, and practical support has been linked to higher motivation and achievement.
- Wellbeing practices such as adequate sleep, regular breaks, and stress-reduction techniques, contribute to better memory retention and focus.
Be Part of the Journey
We encourage all Year 12 families to attend Towards the Finishing Line. By starting early, we can work together to ensure students enter their exams feeling confident, prepared, and supported.
For more details and to register your attendance, please visit:
Damascus College – Family Partnership Program