VCE

Introduction to the Senior School 

Cheltenham has always taken a great deal of pride in the academic success of its students however, success can be measured in many ways such as academic skills and personal or social achievements. At Cheltenham, we work with students to help them achieve their goals. Therefore, at the conclusion of their senior studies, students depart Cheltenham Secondary College with the knowledge that they had a solid education, they have a direction in life and the skills, ability and confidence to meet the life challenges that lie ahead.

In all VCE studies, assessment methods focus on the completion of tasks both during normal class time and after school. After school assessment allows for fairness and consistency in all classes in a given subject. All units require a minimum class attendance rate of 90% to achieve a satisfactory result. 

Year 11& 12 VCE VM students attend classes at school four days a week (and are expected to also meet a minimum class attendance of 90%) in addition to attending a VET course and undertaking Work Placement or part-time/casual employment. They must be organised to manage each of these components of their course. 

Senior studies are stressful and require a lot of dedication. The Senior School Team of Year Level Coordinators as well as the Careers and Student Welfare Teams are always here to assist students. 

VCE/Year 11&12 VCE VM Course Selection

The goal of the Course Selection process is to choose a VCE/Year 11&12 VCE VM course that is well researched and suited to the individual student.  The following steps will ensure students are confident in the choices they make not only for Year 11, but also for Year 12, through forward planning.  Following discussions with parents, students should prepare themselves to explain and outline the course they wish to undertake during the course counselling interview.   

Choosing between VCE, Year 11&12 VCE VM 

At Cheltenham Secondary College students can choose to study the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), complete the Victorian Certificate of Education - or the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM). 

The key differences between VCE and VCE VM are summarised below: 

• VCE is a two-year certificate with scored assessments leading to the award of an ATAR. An ATAR is required for entry into University courses.

• VCE VM consists of several one-year certificates, making it more suited to students who are not intending to go on to University study, or who are not sure whether they intend to undertake year 12 studies. Students who complete VCE VM (studied at Year 12 level) are eligible for entry into many TAFE courses. However, many students undertaking VCE VM are planning to go on to a trade or employment. 

• VCE students typically select 6 subjects at Year 11 level and 5 at Year 12 level.

• VCE VM students select a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course, with the remainder of their study consisting of compulsory units - Literacy, Numeracy, Personal Development and Work Related Skills. 

Acceleration

Year 10 Students Wishing to Undertake Units 1 & 2 Studies and Year 11 Students Wishing to Undertake Units 3 & 4 Studies

Students interested in undertaking a Unit 1 & 2 study in Year 10 or a Unit 3 & 4 study in Year 11 will apply through the normal course selection process. For Year 11 students, it is recommended that students have completed Unit 1 & 2 in the same study.  Year 10 students will be sent an invitation to select a VCE Unit 1 & 2 subject.

Students who wish to enrol in VCE Units 1 & 2 in Year 10 and Unit 3 & 4 studies in Year 11 must meet the following requirements: 

• A high attendance rate for the current year.

• Demonstrated academic excellence over the entire curriculum in the current year. 

• Some studies cannot be taken at Unit 3 & 4 level without the completion of Units 1 & 2. Where this is the case, students must satisfactorily complete both Units 1 & 2 and achieve results that indicate that they will succeed with Units 3 & 4 of the study.

• Demonstrated commitment to study and well-developed time management skills.

Please note: completing a Unit 1 & 2 sequence in Year 10 does not automatically qualify students to continue with Unit 3 & 4 of that study in Year 11. 

Step 1 - Complete the "Career Action Plan"

 All VCE and VCE VM students in the new year are required to complete the "Career Action Plan" on the Career Tools site.  Time will be given to complete this plan during a Pastoral Care session.  Students will not be given an interview for Course Counselling until this plan is completed and saved via the website.

Step 2 - Research Subject Information

All subjects have an A4 handout available to assist students in choosing subjects. They can be found using the VCE subject tab on the left. It is recommended that students look at each of these handouts and make a  preference list of 8 subjects they would be interested in studying. 

Step 3 - View the Senior School Course Selection Video

All current Year 10 and 11 students wishing to enrol in the Senior School for the new school year need to view the Senior School Course Selection video to ensure they know how to complete their course selections. Once you have viewed the video, complete the Course Selection process.

Year 10 into 11 and Year 11 into 12 Subject Selection

Step 4 - Complete the Course Selection Process

Once you have viewed the video, please complete the course selection process. 

Step 5 - Course Counseling interview with parents and guardians

Course Counselling will take place on the following dates for all students entering Year 11 and those students entering Year 12 that would like to discuss a subject change: