Sitting a final exam is a significant moment for any senior student. For those who learn online, attending a campus for supervised VCE exams can feel especially unfamiliar and confronting. Behind the scenes, thoughtful planning goes into shaping an environment that feels calm, welcoming, and supportive from the moment students arrive. From the layout of the rooms to the outdoor spaces they move through, every detail is designed to ease nerves, encourage focus, and remind students they’re not doing this alone. Our gardener and administrative support officer Emily Hall’s reflections offer a glimpse into the care, intention, and quiet details that help set the tone for the exam period.
VSV is surrounded by Darebin Parklands, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere of our garden and makes the space feel larger. Walking through the garden before VCE exams offers more than just a nice view; it creates a calm transition space for students and parents as they move from the street into the exam environment. The walk encourages everyone to slow down, take a breath, and prepare for what’s ahead. The tended garden beds help clear the mind and support focus, while the greenery, smells and sounds of lorikeets add a welcome distraction before signing-in.
Inside, we put just as much care into creating a calm, supportive space for our students. Even with the school still operating for online learners in primary all the way up to middle years, we plan wherever we can, from sign-in and locker access, to a warm, quiet spot to wait before the exam. Tables are neatly organised, and rooms are free from distraction, so students can focus. Every detail is considered to give them the best possible experience
There are many quiet spots throughout the garden where students can sit and take a moment away from the bustle of the student sign-in process. We’ve recently created a small habitat garden to not only enhance the ecological health and educational value of the school, but also to provide a welcoming space for students who need time to recharge, including those with neurodiverse needs. By designing the space with these needs in mind, the garden creates a sense of belonging while encouraging engagement and attendance. This initiative not only addresses individual challenges but also promotes inclusivity and understanding across our school community.
After the first exam, as students walk back out into the garden, the stress starts to lift and they can notice the little things, a chair and table to sit at and maybe chat with new friends, the bunch of flowers on the table as they pick up their belongings, and the smiling faces of the teachers who helped them get there. These small touches show that the space and the people around them are there to support them. We hope it helps them feel more at ease so that when they return for the next exam, the garden feels familiar and comforting, easing some of the nerves and letting them face the next challenge with a bit more confidence.
Emily Hall is an experienced horticulturalist who thoughtfully designs garden spaces.
