Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Sign In Skip to Content

VCAA Bulletin
No. 50 - July 2019 Excellence and awards

Back to VCAA Bulletin No. 50 - July 2019

VCE Season of Excellence

2019 VCE Season of Excellence Board Appreciation Award

Four men stnding in a row two are holding certificates

Presentation of the Board Awards, L to R: Dr David Howes, CEO VCAA, Chris Wardlaw, Chair VCAA, Lorimer Marshall, Markus Begutter

The winners of the 2019 VCE Season of Excellence VCAA Board Appreciation Award were announced on Wednesday 26 June 2019. Lavalla Catholic College student Lorimer Marshall was awarded the prize for Top Designs, and Mazenod College's Markus Begutter won for his entry in Top Arts.

Lorimer's unique bushfire warning system Fire, Analytics, Detection and Emergency Response System (FADER) was developed as a potential key to early bushfire detection. The device measures changing weather conditions, such as wind speed and direction, to notify emergency services of bushfire threats.

Hailing from Gippsland, Lorimer said that he and his family were deeply affected by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

a model of a warning system made of metal an antenna on top and four legs

Lorimer Marshall’s unique bushfire warning system Fire, Analytics, Detection and Emergency Response System.

'The experience undoubtedly motivated me to use the opportunity of modern technology to develop an innovative solution to help combat the threat of bushfires,' he said.

Lorimer also commented that the Systems Engineering design could have real-world applications in the future.

Top Arts entrant Markus Begutter was recognised for his series of intimate charcoal portraits of his grandparents. Titled Wizened, the works are rendered on pieces of aged and textured cardboard, reflecting the ephemeral effects of time. Markus said he was influenced by the work of British artist Guy Denning, in particular his use of unconventional packaging materials.

a pencil drawing of an elderly woman

Markus Begutter’s portrait of his grandmother, part of his work Wizened.

On his pieces being displayed at the NGV, Markus said, 'I am incredibly honoured to be chosen out of all the applicants to have my work presented in such a respected and esteemed public space.'

Both winners expressed their gratitude to the VCAA Board. Lorimer said he was moved and thankful. 'The response to my work has been overwhelming. I greatly appreciate the amount of interest shown in the piece.'

The Board Appreciation Award recognises student works that are impressive aesthetically and show innovation. The winners each received a cheque for $1000 and a certificate for their efforts.

The VCE Season of Excellence is a five-month annual arts festival showcasing outstanding work by senior secondary students from Victorian schools. The season presents works created by VCE students in design, technology, multimedia and the cinematic, visual and performing arts through exhibitions, screenings and performances. It is supported by talks, forums and panel discussions, catalogues, programs and online material. The VCE Season of Excellence is produced by the VCAA in collaboration with some of Melbourne's leading cultural venues.

Plain English Speaking Award

Invitation to the 2019 VCAA Plain English Speaking Award state final

Students and teachers are invited to attend the 2019 state final of the Plain English Speaking Award (PESA), presented by the VCAA and State Library Victoria.

Refer to Notice to Schools 65/2019