Assessment tasks

Pieces of work which are undertaken over a designated period of time, or as an examination, and are graded to determine the student’s level of achievement.

ATAR

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). A score that is generated from a student’s result. This score is used by most tertiary institutions as a primary criterion for selection purposes.

GAT

A general knowledge examination, undertaken by all students who are studying any Unit 3 & 4 sequence. The GAT is used by the VCAA as a means of verifying grades.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are the basis for satisfactory completion of VCE units. There are 2 to 4 learning outcomes per unit. Learning outcomes define what students will know and be able to do as a results of undertaking a study.

Prerequisite subjects

These are units that must be satisfactorily completed before a student is eligible for selection into specific tertiary courses. Students should check prerequisites with the relevant institutions before finalising their VCE course selection.

SAC

School Accessed Course Work (SAC) Unit 3 & 4 are assessment tasks that are specified in a study design and set by class teachers which students must complete satisfactorily. This work is completed in class and assessed by the teacher.

SAT

School Assessed Tasks (SAT) are completed in subjects that produce a product, portfolio, or model. This Unit 3 & 4 work receives a grade from A+ to UG based on the quality of the work. The work is marked internally, according to VCAA specifications, and the score is confirmed externally.

Study Score

A score of 0 to 50 is given for each Unit 3 & 4 study. This sums up a student’s total achievement, relative to all other students doing the same study. The score is based on school assessments and examinations.

Unit/Unit of Study

A self-contained study of approximately one semester’s length.

VCAA

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) - the body that administers the VCE.

VCE

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). A senior school certificate based on mainly theoretical learning.

VET

Victorian Education and Training Studies (VET). Industry endorsed programs that enable joint VCE and TAFE qualifications.

VCE Vocational Major

Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major. A senior school certificate based on applied learning.

VTAC

The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) - the body that processes students' application for entry to most tertiary institutions.