The Brunswick Secondary College VCE Early Start Program allows eligible Year 10 students the opportunity to make an early start on their VCE studies.  

Year 10 Students undertake a VCE subject (Units 1&2) as one of their elective subjects.

The school calls for Expressions of Interest from students during Semester 2 of their Year 9 studies.

Undertaking a VCE Early Start subject will mean that a student will

• complete Units 1 & 2 of their chosen subject as part of their  Year 10 classwork

• complete Units 3 & 4 of their chosen subject as part of their Year 11 classwork

Notes:   

•  VCE Early Start Subjects are offered within a Year 10 Elective Subject block.

• Units 1 & 2 are completed over one year of study. A student who studies a VCE Early Start subject in Year 10 completes one less Year 10 Elective Subject in both Semesters 1 & 2 of Year 10.

Participation in the Early Start Program allows a student to

• experience the demands of the VCE coursework

• build their understanding of (and capacity for) the rigours of VCE study

• have greater flexibility when designing their Year 12 course load, allowing the opportunity to

o   enrol in a University Enhancement subject as part of their Year 12 studies

o   expand their Year 12 course load by adding a sixth subject (instead of five)

or

o   reduce their Year 12 course load to allow time for focused study across four subjects (instead of five)

Students who wish to undertake a VCE Early Start subject must meet specific criteria in Work Practices and assessment results.

1. The student has consistently demonstrated a high level of achievement in Year 9:  85% and above for assessed tasks in the area relevant to the VCE Early Start subject selected.

2. The student has excellent organisational and time management skills, as well as a proactive approach to their learning. This will be reflected in their Work Practices   A strong work practice average over ALL subjects (students can check their score with Ms Goss).

3. The Application form must be received by the due as advised via Home Groups, Teams and Compass.

4. Approval of the application requires consultation by the selection panel.

5. The offer to participate is dependent on the availability of places in Year 11 classes.

6. The offer to participate is dependent on availability of the subject at a time which does not create a timetable clash with a core curriculum subject.

7. Letters of Recommendation from staff are not part of this process and will not be considered.

8. The panel initially uses a student’s Year 9 Semester 1 Report to assess their application, however, teachers will be asked to advise the selection panel about the student’s work practices and assessment results throughout the second semester to date.