Testimonials
Testimonials about VCE help.
Here are just a sample of our VCE help success stories as written by the thousands of students, parents and teachers that use the VCE help resources. Click on the link to go to the relevant testimonials section or simply scroll down (which may take awhile!)
VCE Toolkit
"I just wanted to say how valuable the VCE toolkit was to me. I had all the resources right there, and even though I had it all year, I only started using it in the second semester (stupid me, i know) but when I started using it properly, I lifted my grades two letters! In most cases, my marks went from a D to a B or B+, and Its all thanks to the VCE toolkit! Listen to the people that have done it already, and you will find out just how they did it, and then you can put those tips into practice. Sincerely, Verity Lissenden (2005 VCE Student) Email received: Sun, 02 Oct 2005 14:50:43
" Thank you for all your strategies and important messages over the past year. They have been INVALUABLE!!!!!!! And I hope they will be useful/invaluable to many, many others in the years to come. Thank you! First preference was achieved - equals an ecstatic result!!! Now it's up to uni marks and hard work to achieve further accomplishments, but advice on study methods have helped to realise what needs to be done in the future. " Vicky Hayward (2007 VCE Student). Email received: Tuesday, 15 January 2008 8:50 PM
" Dear Heath, I just wanted to take the time to thank you so much for the emails that I have been receiving from you. And i really must admit that when my mum brought me the VCE Mastery Toolkit i was a little curious about it and wasn't so sure whether or not it would work. But many many months after "the age" expo i've found that I'm no longer so stressed about my school work and also I'm not so teary after finishing a SAC and thinking that I've failed. The meditation on the disk has been to me a real life saver. Its changed my attitude to my studies and has given me sooo much more confidence and helped me to unlock my potential…something that i didn't know that i had inside me. This VCE toolkit has been my life-saver as its helped to see a more positive outlook on life and also helped me to study better! As with the emails i've been revieving, i've found them to be a great help to me and also very insightful!" Fiona Ngov (VCE student 2007) Fri 25/05/2007 4:55 PM
Hey guys, I bought the cd (VCE toolkit) at the Age Careers expo and it has been fantastic. The study timetables are really good and i have found them really useful. All the emails keep me motivated and remind me that i still have work to do. Thanks for the continuing inspiration. Keep up the good work. Cheers Lauren (Lauren Snell Wed 21/04/2004 4:46 PM)
To all at vce help, I just wanted to give you a quick email to thank you for your wonderful efforts and help during the year. I purchased the kit at the start of the year and found it so valuable! I loved your emails during the year, as they kept me on track towards my goals and allowed me to know that almost all other yr 12's at the time where feeling exactly the same as me! I am more than willing to help you if you need anything. I had a heavy work load of sporting commitments through my netball this year: which consisted f coaching, playing, training, travelling and being away for week ends many times through out the year. I also had a social life and maintained close friendships and a strong relationship with my family. Last monday i received my enter: 84.9- i was stoked. I just wanted to let upcoming vce students know that it is possible to actually have a life outside vce- it actually really helps. Thank-you so much for all you great work. Keep it up, it really does help. If you want any help- let me know! Thanks…Emma Roache: VCE student from Hawkesdale P-12 College (VCE student 2006)
"Hi Heath First of all, I would like to give you and all the staff at VCE help a HUGE THANK YOU!! I received my ENTER today… 91.35 I am very pleased with it! At the start of the year I doubted that hard, intense effort would get me very far. But I listened to all the advice I received from various sources, including VCE help and your regular e-mails. I'm so glad that I did and put in all my effort, because I have reached beyond my initial target! (my initial target was 90.5). As a result of my experience with the VCE and the various obstacles that I had to conquer, I'm willing to write some tips or even articles on topics relating to the VCE! This is as I know just how crucial it is to have that little extra support and guidance from those who have conquered the VCE first hand. Please let me know how I would go about doing this. Thanks Kind regards and best wishes, Sharon Gomez" (VCE student 2006)
"Dear Heath, I've had quite a good perusal of the CD we bought for Erin for VCE next year and the following year. It is an invaluable resource and I found myself actually working through some exercises and practice exams and I've already done my HSC 25+ years ago!!!!!!! There is much to like about it from snippets of nutrition, lighting, etc. , websites on different modules to exam tactics. One of the things that impressed me was the fact that a student could click on any topic and get a solid understanding of it even before the topic was discussed in class, thereby gaining maximum benefit when the topic was introduced in class. Another thing that impressed me was that legible handwriting (not necessarily perfect) was important to examiners. I'm sure that Erin will gain full benefit from using this tool at her disposal. Thanks for alerting me to the existence of the CD in the "Learn" liftout of the "Herald-Sun." Well done guys. Carna Cats" Denise Hammond (Parent of VCE student)
"Dear Heath, I recently purchased your VCE package. As a teacher I am finding this a very useful resource. I look forward to recommending and using this resource with next years VCE students." Wayne Haworth VCE Course Manager Dandenong High School
"Hi Heath Adriana has been using your CD over the last few weeks. Her only Unit 3 and 4 subject at the moment is IPM and she has accessed some useful links using the CD. Has also used for maths, geography and others, but they are still year 11 and not as stressed. She is happy with the cd and the tips she has checked out. One of the few resources she has found to be very relevant and useful. She says thanks to you for developing this and friend that recommended this resource. Same goes for me, less of a headache. Have also recommended this resource to friends with chn in VCE" Rosa Fazzari (Parent of VCE student 2006)
" Dear Heath, I'd just like to say thankyou for your VCE Help CDs over the last couple of years. Even as an IB student, I found many of the suggestions and ideas useful and relevant to implement into my own study habits. Although I never particularly struggled with my studies, I found that some of the study and exam tips helped me to study much more effectively and willingly. In particular, I found using a study timetable and the suggestion of identifying realistic goals and motivation for study, and the obstacles standing in the way of these goals very useful as I reached the end of year 12 and was running out of puff! Being able to stand back and have some perspective on what I was working towards, and how much work I was doing and when, helped me to stay focused, and feel like I had the time to take study breaks without worrying too much about getting everything done.
I really appreciated the opportunity to read through the information on the CD, it was definitely worth the few hours it took to work through it for all the hours I saved on bad study habits and procrastination! Thanks again, Alex Cotter" (IB student 2006)
" I think the VCE toolkit is a wonderful resource and wish there had been something like it many years ago when I was doing my HSC!" Fiona Austin (Parent of 2 VCE students in 2007)
"hey Heath…The Ultimate VCE toolkit has been a big help…There's my feedback i promised, lol." thnx (Joe Sat 17/04/2004 4:48 PM)
ENTER-Life Ezine
" Dear Heath, I'm in yr 10 this year (2008) but I have found your e-mails so helpful and it's true.. they do help me to complete my work on time and get organised. I'm loving the advice and I also got an academic award this year for outstanding results, in all subjects and sport. I believe your e-mails had a lot to do with it, thanks very much menaka :)) " Menaka Wimlarathna (Yr 10 - 2008) Received: Mon 18/02/2008 4:15 PM
"hi heath! i found this ezine episode very motivating! these past few weeks have been a major drag for me, and even though i know the exams are getting closer and closer, i just can't seem to push myself to put in the extra work! the mp3 motivator definitely put things more in perspective for me as well as the article on the hurdles of vce. thanks for putting in all this effort despite the ribs! you're the bomb! beth" Bethany Chuah VCE student (2006) 27/8/06
" I just wanted to thank you for all the support and advice you have given over the past two years. it has really helped with my VCE. Although i didn't get the score i needed which i have to admit was a huge blow. After reading "your VCE results" it helped me realise that it's not the end of the world and that there are still other courses I can do, which will ultimately get me where i want to go.. so once again thanks." Khayla Seneviratne (2007 VCE student) Mon 17/12/2007 2:55 PM
Thanks for always sending an email that is related to exactly how I am currently feeling with school and year 12! Keep it up, looking forward to hearing how best to prepare in the holidays. Cheers, Gemma (Gemma Holleran - VCE student 2006)
That email was awesome and you have already inspired me to CHANGE!!!! Just want to thankyou you all for you emails, its much appreciated. ("Fran" Fri 26/03/2004 5:15 PM)
Hi Heath!! I just like to say that what you're doing is really great, your regular emails are very motivating and I feel I can relate to it! So keep it up and thank you for all your work!! From Catalina ("Catalina Florez" Sat 3/04/2004 11:35 AM)
ok, ok, i take back any weird looks and crabby remarks i gave you at the expo. i am converted, and i believe what you are doing is great. sorry for doubting you, but these days i'm sceptical of everything. so many scams around; but from what i've gathered this isn't, and you actually give a stuff about what we're doing. thankyou for your newsletters, they're really good. Clare ("Clare Arden" Mon 5/04/2004 5:12 PM)
Hi Heath! …you'll probably not remember but i met u at the VCE age expo on sunday (I told u u had great marketing skills if that helps!) something that really set u apart from all the other stands was your charismatic enthusiasm and approach to VCE…i remember just walking away physced up…and your contagious personality and faithful delivery of your newsletter is so inspirational it really serves as a pick me up in times such as these… I especially love the quotes in your newsletter… I really liked how u spoke about exercise in this newsletter instead of continuously bashing us over the head with MORE STUDY STUFF…lol. But all in all keep up your superlative and kwazy personalitiy! It really shows thru your newsletters and is so fresh, upbeat and inspirational to all of us doing the psycho thing called…VCE So I don’t’ know how helpful this actually was but… hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!Jen (Jenny Ling) Wed 21/04/2004 3:56 AM
hey. i have been receiving enter life for about a month now and find it really helpful to my coping with year 12. when my concentration is beginning to wane, or im beginning to think "whats the point" all i have to do is go to my inbox and a small gift of motivation is there waiting for me. I especially enjoy the quotes as they are open to interpretation and and challenge the individual to their own degree of needs. i do not have any suggestions sorry. Thanks heaps A happy customer (Tammy lane Wed 21/04/2004 10:04 PM)
You guys are doing a great job, the emails you write are very inspiring and motivational and the emails together with the VCE Success Kit I bought have made a big difference in my life especially in relation to time organization. So thank you and keep up the good work. (osama majoka Sun 2/05/2004 3:03 PM)
Heath, Just letting you know that i have a new email address:!! please send your editions to this email because i love them!! They are fantastic and for when us year 12's are feeling a bit un-inspired, your emails definitely help me to pick up again and get on a roll! Thankyou for your continuous support throughout this stressful but FANTASTIC year! (Fran Mon 6/09/2004 9:15 PM)
hey guys, overall, i think you have done a great job. I like the quotes that you start off with because they really make sense when you think about them. I particularly like the way how u relate everything back to things that are happening around us, making it easier to comprehend eg. the olympic stuff. There really isn't anything to dislike about the ezines. Gaya (Gayathirri Sritharan Tue 7/09/2004 5:56 PM)
hey, emails are really good. Very informative and valuable. Thanks for spending ur time, to write up all these… has helped heaps cheers dan 
(Dan Thu 9/09/2004 4:31 PM)
To Heath, What u said hit me like a bell. u see im in year 11 and i really like reading ur advice newsletters( especially 4 the quotes). i sometimes have trouble dealing with "TIME MANAGEMENT" especially when writing essays. i find it hard to get a good essay going. ive always blamed it on my lack of inspiration…. i guess now to come to think of it, its a combination of poor time management and lack of knowledge with issues and current affairs… i have only come to realise this when i tried doing an entrance exam. thanks 4 listing these key points down… if it matters to you, im gonna print it and keep it on my desk so that i make sure i dont fall into those traps…Sorry ive realised ive written too much… thank u for reading and hope you didnt get bored. anywayz keep the life edition thing going… its a great help and quite fun to read (Vi Nguyen Sun 12/09/2004 7:01 PM)
hey Heath, thanks for all your eZines this year, they have been good to read. I was a huge skeptic when i signed up at the VCE expo; but you have exceeded my wildest expectations, and yeah; great stuff. thanks. All the best, Clare (Clare Arden Sun 3/10/2004 12:03 PM)
Hi, i really like receiving your emails, they have heaps of great tips and strategies to succeed, and i love the quotes pursuing u to do ur best. i have one favour 2 ask you. i am only in yr11 this year and i don't remember how i signed up for this, but could you pls keep sending me these if u still write them next year coz there really really helpful. love your work, Jess. (Jess Sutherland Thu 21/10/2004 4:41 PM)
thanks for all the advice and helpful tips this year, they have been invaluable (Aaron Nguyen Tue 14/12/2004 1:51 PM)
Heath, Throughout the year, I have received the emails "ENTER-life". I would like you to know how much they have helped me throughout the year, and that every edition was very much appreciated. Even though some stuff either didn't quite involve me or I didn't need help in that particular area, other tips and facts were really good to read. It is really good knowing that these emails are coming from somebody who knows what they are talking about and has not forgotten the stress and important life decisions year 12's have to make. Hopefully, next year I will be doing a Bachelor of Arts course in Melbourne (a big move for me since I live 4 hours away!!) studying music and literature, and then go on to being a secondary teacher. So…thank you very much for your help throughout the year, and continue the good job! (Kristen Hornby Tue 16/11/2004 11:39 AM)
I wish to confirm receipt of VCE Help ezine for next year. I am a homework program co-ordinator at Melbourne Citymission - Thanks for your information it is very valuable for our Program and the students receiving assistance as many are from ESL background. Thanks Mary O'Brien, Tutoring Program Co-ordinator (Mary O'Brien Wed 3/11/2004 12:15 PM)
Dear Heath, I am passing all your information onto my son who is currently doing VCE. I have read all the information and found it helpful and encouraging. Many thanks, Debbie Tilley (Thu 9/09/2004 11:05 AM)
G'day Heath, I am the Head of Senior School at Blackburn High and we receive your e-journal…I must say it is full of great ideas which I pass on to our students. Thanks!!! Greg Fitzgibbon. (Gregory T Fitzgibbon Thu 16/09/2004 12:32 PM )
VCE Seminars
“It has provided some useful information to aid with study processes and programs. It was useful to see how different approaches can be used to deal with Yr 12 study. It gave insight how past students dealt with Yr 12 and to study and harness our brain power and abilities.” Will Koenig (VCE student 2003)
“Fantastic! Inspiring! Invaluable not just for VCE but for life!”
(Regarding Speed Reading activities) “The practice session that Mr. McGregor took us through. The result was huge!” Laura Denehy (VCE Student 2004- Box Hill Senior Secondary College)
“It was a great eye opener and it has made me more determined which is great. Thank you heaps!! Melanie Crawford (VCE Student 2004- Box Hill Senior Secondary College) “Interesting. Helped out with not only VCE techniques but life skills that I will apply and use in my every day life. I really enjoyed the meditation, note-making, memory and time mastery. Would highly recommend to other VCE students who are not quite sure not only about VCE but about Life!” Spencer Skey (VCE Student 2004- Box Hill Senior Secondary College)
“It was good. I learnt a lot and gained some confidence in myself and getting my goals. It really opened my mind and gave me useful knowledge that I can use in school and in my life.” Russell Clark (VCE Student 2004- Box Hill Senior Secondary College)
“ I learned sooooo much. I thought that it would just be about school stuff but it gave me so many life skills that I know my life will be much better lived and used now that I have been to this seminar. THANK YOU! Very much.” Sarah Taylor (VCE Student 2004- Box Hill Senior Secondary College)
“Outstanding! I loved the seminars. Each and everyone can be used and applied in our everyday lives. The overview at the end was extremely valuable, something that I haven’t found at other seminars. Thank you.” Jen White (VCE Student 2004)
“Interesting, extremely interesting. I thought it was a really good seminar & good to receive help like this to help achieve your goals. Thanks a lot & keep up the good work! (On speed reading activities) “ I found this really good, I was cynical towards this and wasn’t going to think it would work for me because I’m not very good at reading but I found the speed reading was really good.” Kate McKerrell (VCE Student 2004- Box Hill Senior Secondary College) (
Time mastery): “I have always had trouble with not having enough time so this topic was perfect and extremely useful to manage my time. I have always been a procrastinator. Not any more.” (Sleep): “Having the right amount of sleep to have energy the next day. This topic was very enlightening and will definitely be used by me in the future. I slept like a baby last night!” (Meditation): “After meditating I found I was more relaxed but still got more energy out of the task.” (Ergonomics): "This information was valuable to know when studying and not hurting myself. I went home last night and made sure my desk was ergonomically correct. Big improvement." (Note making, Sac & Exam preparation): “I am very confident that there should be an improvement in my sac and exam results. Don’t worry you will receive a thankyou email at the end of the year. My goal is a 90+ ENTER score and I get a laptop if I succeed!" Kim Truman (VCE Student 2004- Box Hill Senior Secondary College)
“It was hands on, informative and a life-changing experience.” Warwick Bettles (VCE Student 2002)
“It was constantly electrifying and didn’t slow down at any time.” Stephen Riella (VCE Student 2002)
“I liked the presentation of ideas. It was really creative, interactive and made the audience laugh and smile. Very well organised to maximise attention and convey information using a great modern approach. Excellent.” Kate McLinton (VCE Student 2002)
“It was energetic and fun! The presenters really enjoy what they are doing which makes the presentations all the better.” Georgia Barbayannis (VCE Student 2002)
“The (techniques) are really useful, all are applicable in my situation and will help me with my goals and to succeed in life. I thought this seminar was AWESOME. Thank You!” David Kent (VCE Student 2002)
“Making us think about different techniques and skills such as speed reading and memory retention which are practical. Everyone could benefit as they are essential.” Lisa Hirai (VCE Student 2002)
“I loved knowing more about time management and the goal setting. The goal setting session was fantastic in making me realise what I REALLY did want. Loved the door demonstration! The amount of energy and motivational speaking within you guys is mind blowing.” Jenny Lee (VCE Student 2002)
“It wasn’t just listening…making us active in what was relevant helped me understand it and made it interesting.” Bronwyn Fleming (VCE Student 2002)
"I found the nutrition and speed-reading the most beneficial. Meditation was a nice and positive way to complete the session. Great work!" Yael Myerson (VCE Student 2002)
"The presenters were very good, they looked at everybody when they were talking and engaged with the audience." Tina Konstantinou (VCE Student 2002)
"I found all the information about sleep and nutrition really interesting and they should be good to know in the future. The second last session about the VCE study Plan should also be really helpful. All the info was really helpful and taught in an innovative and creative way." Lucy Jarvis (VCE Student 2002)
“It was energetic and not boring. It was easy to understand and we were given examples on how to apply them to our own lives everyday.” Desiree Yong (VCE Student 2002)
“I liked the meditation parts, that stuff has always interested me but we don’t get taught it in school.” Nilushan Nagorajah (VCE Student 2002)
“The seminar was enjoyable and enlightening. The points raised I believe will help me in succeeding and achieving the goals I have in the future.” Justine Fernand (VCE Student 2002)
“Fun, Interesting & Interactive. Techniques can be easily implemented by anyone throughout life.” Kanishka DeSilva (VCE Student 2002)
“It was fun and they were interesting. I believe they have helped me. Having jokes while the talks was good.” Brea Grose (VCE Student 2002)
“The people presenting were entertaining, inspirational, especially by the way they speak.” Kai Hong (VCE Student 2002)
“The way they presented you were able to relate to what they were saying. The amount of energy they have and that they are genuine.” Amanda Nicholson (VCE Student 2002)
“It will help me for life. I can use what I have learnt continuously in life and the motivation showed me how motivated some people are.” Matthew Collins (VCE Student 2002)
“Memory techniques seem quite interesting like the eye movement & olfactory techniques. I have to see if they work.” Kinga Kotlarski (VCE Student 2002)
“The nutrition and meditation areas really are going to help me. Staff presented with GREAT enthusiasm and really got into it. Keep up the energy and Good Work!!” David Marinakis (VCE Student 2002)
“Great presentation. Both presenters very enthusiastic. This makes the audience more involved. Metaphors easy to understand. Techniques easy to do & easy to learn. Content = GREAT. Inspiring session and great advice”. Ashwin Rajan (VCE Student 2002)
“The meditation was very relaxing. I didn’t want to come out of it.” Mayar Singh (VCE Student 2002)
“I liked the broad range of topics covered such as nutrition and sleeping habits.” “I thought the study skills section was very good. The speed reading was very helpful.” Zoe Warrell (VCE Student 2002)
"On the 18th of November, a man named Dr. Matthew Bateman came to our Year 9 and 10 Mind, Body and Soul class. He spoke to us about our goals and dreams for the future. He told us to do many activities that include us talking about what we want out of life. He included conversations that made us think about our life. Also if we want to do something in our life that we can do it no matter what anyone says to us. He spoke to us about what it really means to be successful and happy. He told us to make a plan for our future and actually do it, don't wait around thinking it will magically happen. We learnt about the 3 laws of Kaizen. Kaizen is constant and never ending improvement. He spoke to us about different affirmations. One of them was, "Beliefs are only opinions, not facts." We really enjoyed him coming to talk to us and most people took in his information and got a lot out of it. We hope he comes again because the information was very useful to us. " Linda.M & Skye.J Year 10 Mind Body and Soul class Banksia Secondary College 2004.
" Dear Dr Bateman, On behalf of the students and myself in the Mind, Body and Soul class of 2004 Banksia Secondary College, I would like to thank you for your inspiration presentation. The information was so clear, easy to follow and very relevant to my Yr 9/10 students. As you know a "one-off" information session is never enough. We had follow up classes where we discussed your information and recommendations and some students took up the challenges. For their exam, students gave a talk on any topic/s that inspired them. Your presentation was often mentioned. Actually several students said they want to be in the "5%"! This would have to be one of those experiences that will remain in my memory bank for ever. I achieve one of my goals! Thankyou for giving my students the opportunity to hear such a high quality motivational talk that I'm sure will have an impact on their future lives. May I take this opportunity to wish you well in your endeavours in this field. I hope you will be available when I teach this subject in mid 2005. Wishing you and yours greetings for the festive season. Sincerely, Betty Dalla Riva (Teacher of Food & Health- Banksia Secondary College).
“My daughter was absolutely “pumped” after each day of your course. She had several discussions with the family which were incredibly positive and uplifting. Thank You. Jenny Denehy - Mother of VCE student 2004.
“Great learning experience.” Peter McKerrell – Father of VCE student 2004.
“My son attended one of Peak Potential Success Centres Australasia Pty Ltd talks and raved about it for weeks as did his friends. He thought it was absolutely fantastic! I don't know what was taught, but he has motivational words of wisdom posted up all over his bedroom wall. He's set himself goals and has laid down plans to reach them. I've noticed his attitude has changed dramatically and he's now even more motivated and organised. Sounds like the guys hit the nail on the head and were a great success. This course should be run in every school, and should be part of the curriculum. Well done guys!” Dr. Ange Marinakis WINLIFE Pty Ltd – Father of VCE student 2002
VCE help website
" Hi Heath, Congrats on your piece in yesterday’s Herald Sun Learn section. You continue to provide awesome support for all VCE students, not just those under your direct care! Enjoy your day!" Rob ( Rob Malpeli - VCE Physical Education textbook author, former chief examiner and lecturer)
"Hi Heath, Thanks for your great ideas - they are similar to the organisational concepts we have used in our business and they really work !" Regards Kim Kim McNamara Email received: 4/10/06
"Overall I think your website is a fantastic resource for both students and their parents – well done!!!" Kind Regards Valerie Clifford (Parent of VCE student)
"Gidday Heath, Thank you for the info. to date on the 7 Deadly Mistakes. I have been a secondary teacher for 33 years and my wife Jan for 32. We have been teaching VCE for the last 10 years at the Mill Park SC (senior campus) in 4 different subjects… I had never seen the vcehelp website until yesterday. It is really a must use tool for every student at Year 11-12 and teachers of VCE. My wife has posted a letter about it in her staff room and will put a notice in the bulletin for all students to access the info. (she is the Year 12 co-ordinator). Just wanted to say thanks and hope to meet up with you at some time in the future to compare notes on our experiences in education… Anyway must fly. Glad to make contact with you and once again thanks for the info. I plan to spread the gospel of this website to all and sundry in my presentations this year and in the future. Regards, Dale Platek. (VCE teacher and motivational speaker (http://www.daleplatekspeaking.com)
"Hi Heath! I was just googling for good VCE help websites.. and I must say that your one has certainly been the most helpful! I especially enjoyed Dale Platek's motivational talks and would appreciate it if you could put more on your website. Thanks, and keep up the good work!"