The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) celebrates the achievements of students across Victoria through a range of programs that encourage creativity, skill development, and excellence. From public speaking to engineering innovation, students are making a meaningful impact in their fields and can look forward to bright careers ahead.
A journey to international public speaking
Lucy Eales, who completed her VCE in 2024 at Loreto College Ballarat (Wadawurrung Country), will represent Australia at the English Speaking Union’s International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) in London after winning the 2025 National Final of the Plain English Speaking Award (PESA).
Lucy’s journey to this prestigious competition was shaped by her dedication and passion for public speaking. After competing in the PESA Semifinals in 2023, she refined her approach in 2024: "In Year 11, I thought PESA had to be serious and intellectual, so I spoke about Australian democracy. But I wasn’t passionate about it. In Year 12, I focused on the Voice Referendum and Yarning—topics I truly cared about—and it made all the difference."
Her advice to aspiring public speakers is to choose a topic that resonates personally: "Write about what you love, practice your speech with as many people as possible, and keep refining your delivery right up until the final moment."
The competition provides an opportunity for more students to develop their public speaking skills locally and on the global stage. Registrations for the 2025 PESA Victorian State Heats close in April.
Engineering innovation showcased at Top Designs
Presented alongside professional artists and exhibitions in the public arena, the Top Designs 2025 exhibition at Melbourne Museum celebrates the design practices of outstanding VCE and VCE VET students. Amy Robertson, a VCE VET Engineering Studies student from Ringwood Training, will have her functional model metal lathe on display, showcasing her skills in engineering design and problem-solving.
Inspired by her father’s apprenticeship project from 40 years ago, Amy set out to create her own version: "He no longer has the casted lathe that he made, so I thought—why not challenge myself to make one for him?"
The project took nine months to complete and involved sourcing recycled materials, learning new technical skills, and overcoming design challenges.
On being selected for Top Designs, Amy says: "It means a lot to me. My parents are proud, and I’m proud. It’s exciting to have my work showcased and to inspire others."
The student design exhibition features a broad range of disciplines, from product design and technologies to visual communication and systems engineering.
Top Designs provides an invaluable springboard for students as they embark on their post-school journey, with many alumni having gone on to make their mark in their creative field.
Celebrating 25 years, Top Designs 2025 will open at Melbourne Museum from 29 March to 20 July, with other VCE Season of Excellence exhibitions including Top Arts at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and Top Screen at ACMI.