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A good rule of thumb is from Years 9 - 11 a student gradually gets to choose more of their subjects but the number of subjects required narrows.
In VCE at Aquinas, a student undertakes 5 units per semester in Year 11 and five units per semester in Year 12
VCE VM (Vocational Major) has opportunities for applied learning, work placement and staying in the same year level as current classmates. It begins in Year 11.
Subjects are mainly compulsory or core subjects with some options available.
Most subjects are core:- English, Maths, Science, RE, PE/Health, History, Technology, Arts and Languages.
Students have choices relating to options in Technology, Arts, Science, Humanities, English, Health/PE and Languages.
New in 2026 EISM is part of subject selection and is partnered with a subject called Sports Performance for the whole year. EISM is two choices.
There are effectively four choices across the year.
Students are advised to choose carefully as the opportunity to change their selection in the following year is very limited
All students work in Café N9ne and participate in other hands on experiences throughout the year.
This is the entry to the Senior Years and a time to prepare for VCE.
Students must do English, RE, PE/Health.
Students must complete:
two semesters of Maths
at least one semester of Science
at least one semester of Humanities
Six subjects are studied in each semester including the subjects listed above.
Students are advised to choose carefully as the opportunity to change their selection in the following year is very limited
New in 2026 All Year 10 students will be required for classes on Wednesday afternoon. Normal classes will run at this time.
New in 2026 If students want to play EISM they need to select that option and it will be partnered with an HPE subject (Human Movement or Sports Science) for the year.
Students can study Year 11 subjects. This is when a student is VCEReady. It is arranged by the agreement of the student and the College and successful navigation of admission processes.
Students can take VET subjects in Year 10.
This is the start of the VCE. In VCE, subjects are called units. Year 11 subjects are usually Units 1&2.
Students choose all subjects but must study an English.
Career planning has an impact on choice, particularly in Maths.
Students will usually study five units in Year 11 each semester plus RE.
Some students are VCEReady and study Units 3&4 in Year 11.
Students can study VET. VCE students may study a VET subject.
Students can elect to study VCE-VM but must study a VET subject if doing so.
Year 12 subjects are usually Units 3&4.
Students choose all subjects but must study an English. Students will usually study five Unit 3&4 subjects.
All students must attend Year 12 Seminar.
The study scores from these units count to university entry.
Students may study VET.
Students may also choose to undertake a university extension subject
VCE/VCE-VM/VET
VCE/VCE-VM/VET
The terms VCE, VET and VM are used often on these pages. Here are what they mean and how they are different from each other.
VCE
VCE
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the certificate that the majority of students in Victoria receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.
VCE-VM
VCE-VM
VCE-Vocational Major is a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12. The VM gives you practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. VCE-VM is an accredited Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
VET
VET
At Aquinas VET refers to particular subjects, not a whole course. VET allows students to include vocational studies within their senior secondary certificate. Students undertake nationally recognised training from either accredited state curriculum or national training packages which may contribute to their VCE and VCE-VM.
VCAA offer some helpful information on VCE, VCE-VM and VET. These can be found on the the Careers and Pathways page of this website.
For further information see:
Head Senior Years: Ms Crawley
VCE-VM Coordinator: Ms Street
VET Coordinator: Ms Monteau
Student Programs Coordinator: Ms Meredith Greenwood
How to choose
How to choose
Part of what you need to do to make choices about subjects is to have an understanding of your own interests and ability. The three most common questions asked to help are
What do you like?
What are you good at?
What do you need for the future?
If you have more questions about Careers and Pathways and essential subjects go to the Careers and Pathways page or look to the contacts to find who to ask.
Where can I get advice?
Where can I get advice?
This year there will be a subject selection expo on Thursday 14th August. You will make an appointment to see your homeroom teacher or mentor with your parents. It will be online. Students and parents will be able to
discuss choices with your Homeroom teacher or Mentor
speak to specific subject teachers about any subject you are considering
look at displays of work and course content
hear about the next year, VCE, VET and VCE-VM
get careers advice
actually submit your choices after the meetings if you have decided
Before the meeting it will help if students have completed a draft of their subject choices. Students should submit frist draft of choices to the Select My Subjects portal and we can ensure their Homeroom teacher or Mentor has the appropriate information. Final choices do not have to be submitted until Monday August 18.
Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms
APPRENTICESHIP
An arrangement between a young person and an employer for the purpose of learning a trade. This arrangement provides for on-the-job training plus a course of study at a TAFE College. There is no special level of education required.
ARTICULATION
Moving from one sector of education to another and gaining credit, eg. “articulating” from a TAFE course to a degree course with advanced standing.
ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)
The percentile ranking of an applicant for a tertiary course compared to all applicants for that particular tertiary course for that year. eg. If a student receives a rank of 75.00, it would mean that they achieved an over all result equal to or better than 75.00% of the applicants for that year. The ATAR is calculated from the applicant’s English score, the applicant’s best three other subject scores and 10% of the applicant’s fifth and sixth subject scores.
BACHELOR
When the word 'Bachelor' appears before the name of a course (eg. Bachelor of Science) this indicates the course of study is taken at a University, usually over a minimum of three years. Successful completion of the course results in the award of a degree.
CAMPUS
Most universities have more than one teaching site. Each site is called a “campus” (eg. Deakin University has campuses at Burwood, Geelong, Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool).
COURSE GUIDE
A publication which every TAFE college and university publishes to describe their courses and the facilities available.
CSP
Commonwealth Supported Place – is a subsidised place at an Australian university or approved higher education provider where the Australian Government pays part of your tuition fees. The remaining cost is called the student contribution amount. You are responsible for paying the student contribution amount either upfront to your provider by the census date, or by applying for a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan by the census date.
DEFERMENT
A place is offered to a student and accepted, but study is postponed for a semester or year. Available for most university courses but not all.
DEGREE
An academic qualification awarded by a higher education institution after a course of study for three - five years. Requires Year 12 for entry, although there are arrangements for credit transfer of some TAFE studies. Can be completed part-time in some cases.
DIPLOMA
A nationally recognised qualification from a TAFE, college or university on completion of a one to two year fulltime (or equivalent part-time) course. Generally requires completion of Year 12 for entry. These courses focus on developing skills or knowledge in a specific industry or profession.
DOUBLE DEGREE COURSES
Some degree courses can be combined with another course – the prerequisites for each need to be satisfied for an offer to be made, eg. Arts/Law. This arrangement allows for a shorter completion time of the two qualifications.
FACULTY
A department within a university responsible for a particular area of learning (eg. Engineering Faculty, Arts Faculty, etc.)
FURTHER EDUCATION
A term used for learning after secondary school, applied to TAFE courses, adult learning centres and universities.
GAT
This is a General Achievement Test, which all VCE students studying a 3 & 4 Unit must take. The test results are used by VCAA to verify a student’s achievements in school assessed tasks.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Higher Education refers to study taken after secondary school either at a University or a TAFE
MAJOR STUDY
Three years of study in a particular area of knowledge at University.
OFFER
Offer of a place in a tertiary or TAFE course when a student meets the prerequisites.
PREREQUISITE
A unit or VCE study which must be satisfactorily completed in order to be eligible for entry to a particular course.
PROVIDERS
TAFE colleges or employers who provide vocational training.
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)
Credit given for study done in the past or for experience in taking up further study.
SCALING
A way of adjusting study scores for tertiary selection purposes.
SCHOOL ASSESSED COURSEWORK (SACs)
Internal assessments conducted by schools to evaluate students' understanding and application of knowledge and skills.
SCHOOL ASSESSED TASKS (SATs)
The components of particular VCE subjects that are designed to assess specific practical skills and knowledge as outlined in the VCE study design.
SEAS
Special Entry Access Scheme – equity considerations targeted at University and TAFE applicants who have been unable to reach their full potential because of life circumstances.
SEMESTER
Two school terms (six months) of study.
SPECIAL PROVISION
Special Provision aims to provide students in defined circumstances with the opportunity to participate in and complete their secondary level studies.
STUDENT PATHWAYS
A course for a student through the VCE and on into TAFE, tertiary study or employment.
TAFE
Technical and Further Education – there are approximately 15 TAFE colleges throughout Victoria. TAFE offers short courses, apprenticeship training, traineeship, Certificate courses and Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses.
TERTIARY COURSES / TERTIARY STUDY
Courses at universities. This term is also occasionally applied to TAFE courses.
UNDERGRADUATE
A person studying for a first degree at a university.
VCAA
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority – controls the design and teaching of the Victorian Certificate of Education, a four semester course of study commenced at Year 11.
VCE
Victorian Certificate of Education. This term has its own separate explanation page
VCE - VOCATIONAL MAJOR
Victorian Certificate of Education - Vocational Major. This term has its own separate explanation page
VET
VET stands for Vocational Educational Training. VET in the VCE or VCE-VM allows students to include vocational studies within their senior secondary certificate. Students undertake nationally recognised training from either accredited state curriculum or national training packages which may contribute to their VCE and/or VCE-VM.
VOCATIONAL PATHWAY
A program setting out career options for students, including study at school, TAFE college or university and on into work.
VTAC - Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre
VTAC issue the ATAR and provide advice, information and resources about tertiary education opportunities, admissions processes and requirements, and a wide range of pathways.
YOUTH ALLOWANCE
Financial support provided by the Federal Government to students l6 years and over, to encourage and assist them to continue their studies.
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