Media release

Exams start rolling with rock bands, dancers

Students studying dance or languages are the first of 72,094 year 11 and 12 students to begin their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) exams today.

More than 5,600 students are set to express their creative talents in the 2005 VCE performance exams in dance, drama, music and theatre studies, and be judged by 300 assessors at 82 regional and metropolitan exam locations.

Drama is the most popular performance subject this year, with 1,891 students expressing their skills in the solo performance examination.

Monday also marks the beginning of Language Other Than English (LOTE) oral examinations, with 10,366 students tested in languages including Bengali, Czech, Latvian, Lithuanian and Slovenian by 660 assessors at 15 venues.

The Minister for Education, Lynne Kosky, wished students a successful exam season.

“Every year, students bring a great deal of passion, energy and commitment to their performance and LOTE studies and these exams give them a chance to shine,” Ms Kosky said.

“I would also like to thank the dedicated teachers and families who have supported the students throughout the year and nurtured their talent.”

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Acting Chief Executive, John Firth encouraged all students to do their best.

“Get plenty of rest the night before, make sure you get to the exam venue in plenty of time so you’re relaxed and can perform at an optimum level.

“Many students taking part in performance/LOTE exams will also be sitting written exams in November, so it’s important for students to keep stress levels to a minimum and get into a healthy routine.”

For information contact Justin Shortal, at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, on 0437 002 945