Student Lectures

Q. What are Student Lectures?
A. Three times a year the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria runs student lectures for VCE and IB History students. They are designed to prepare students for exams and coursework mandated by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO.)

Q. What is covered in the March, July and October lectures?
A. Broadly speaking, VCE Student Lectures are structured the following way:

March: topics studied in Unit 3
July: topics studied in Unit 4
October: revision and exam preparation

In March and July, VCE lectures tend to focus on Areas of Study and Outcomes, while October lectures examine the different sections of the exam. All VCE lectures address content and skills required by VCAA.

Revolutions students: If you are doing, for example, France in Unit 3 and Russia in Unit 4, we recommend you go to Lectures 1 and 2 for France in March, and Lectures 1 and 2 for Russia in July. Alternatively, you may choose to do one content-based lecture (e.g. Lecture 1 Russia) and one skills-based lecture (e.g. essay writing.)

IB students: There are several lectures to choose from. Most topics are content-based and a few are skills-based (see above.) Choose your lectures according to what you are studying in class – consult with your teacher if necessary, or phone the HTAV.

From time to time we offer theatre-based sessions on particular themes, such as a reconstruction of the final years of Tsarist rule in Russia.

Q. When are lectures held?
A. Lectures are held on Sundays, three times per year. They are planned with examination dates in mind. The dates for 2010 are 21 March, 1 August and 10 October.

Q. Where are they held?
A. Student Lectures are held at the Economics & Commerce Building, University of Melbourne, Parkville. See below for directions.

Q. Are there discounts for country students?
A. Yes. If your school address is more than 50km from the Melbourne GPO you are entitled to a discount.

Q. How much do Student Lectures cost?
A. See registration form for prices.

Q. Do teachers have to pay?
A. Yes, however teachers accompanying ten or more students may attend for free however, all tickets must be purchase with one application.

Q. How can I buy a ticket?
A. Most of registrations are made online, however hardcopy forms are available as well. If a hardcopy registration form is used, please fill in ALL the information required; post or fax your form to the address given on the form, BEFORE the closing date for registrations. All tickets are sent via EMAIL ONLY.

Q. How do I pay for my ticket?
A. Online applications can only be paid by credit card. Hardcopy applications can be paid by cheque or money order as well. A payment must accompany the application form, in order to be processed. Ensure ALL the information requested is NEAT handwriting (including name on card, expiry date and contact number if payment is made by credit card). If your teacher is organising a group payment, consult with him or her first. Applications must be received online or using an HTAV registration form - we do NOT take orders via phone or email.

Q. Can I buy a ticket on the day?
A. No. You must book your ticket in advance.

Q. What if my ticket doesn’t arrive?
A. All tickets are e-mailed a few days before the event. If a registration has been sent to HTAV but you have not received an electronic ticket a week before the event, phone the HTAV on 9417 3422 and check that we received your registration form.

Q. How do I find the venue?
A. There will be a map showing how to get to the Economics and Commerce Building e-mailed with the ticket. There is also a map at the bottom of this page, or see Melway 2B C7 (Building 148).

Q. Do I have to sign in at the registration table?
A. Not necessarily. If you have your ticket already (which will be the case for most students) please go directly to the appropriate lecture room. Refer to signs in and around the foyer – a staff member will check your ticket at the door of your lecture. If you have arranged to COLLECT your ticket on the day, please come to the registration table 30 minutes prior to your first lecture.

Q. What should I bring on the day?
A. Bring your own writing materials and, if necessary, food and drink. There is a snack machine in the foyer and shops about 10 minutes’ walk away. Bring some extra money in case you see a book or study guide you’d like to buy.

Q. Will I be given handouts?
A. Most lecturers prepare handouts for participants. Some lecturers also allow the HTAV to put lecture summaries on the website a few days later.

Q. Is time allowed for questions?
A. Lecturers try to allow 5-10 minutes at the end for questions. Most are happy to answer brief questions afterwards.

Q. Are students with special needs provided for?
A. Yes. Please contact the HTAV prior to the event if you have a disability or other requirement and we will do our best to assist you.

Q. Where can I find further resources?
A. The HTAV sells a variety of books and study guides for students. Most of these are available at Student Lectures. Please see the catalogue under Resource Shop on this website.


We look forward to seeing you at Student Lectures. If you have any queries please telephone the HTAV on 9417 3422.