VCE Extension Studies

Extension Studies – VCE

No tertiary course has prerequisites that cannot be obtained with a 2 year VCE. However, some students may wish to study a Unit 3/4 sequence in Year 11, or a University subject in Year 12. Studying a Unit 3/4 sequence in Year 11 is excellent preparation for Year 12.

Some benefits include:

• the challenge to work at a higher level and extend particular skills or interests;

• the opportunity to complete VCE Units 3 and 4 in Year 11 and university extension studies in Year 12;

• for students seeking entry to tertiary courses with very high 'clearly in' scores, the opportunity to enhance their ATAR by studying a 6th Unit 3/4 sequence or a first year university subject.

Students wishing to study a Unit 3/4 sequence in Year 11 or a University subject in Year 12 should seek advice from the Careers Coordinator; Mentor Teacher or Student Learning Leader.

Senior Secondary Certificate Reform

Victoria has moved to a new integrated senior secondary certificate that will bring together our two senior secondary certificates, the VCE and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). This gives all students the learning opportunities to develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life. From 2023, enrolment options for Year 11 and 12 students have included:

• the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Vocational Major

• the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

A fully integrated VCE is being implemented from 2025.

Extension Studies

The college ensures that curriculum offerings provide challenge for all students, including students who are highly able. Such students and their parents have the option of developing an Individual Education Plan, which can provide guidance and assist in developing long-term mentoring relationships. In addition to this, Castlemaine Secondary College offers activities and programs aimed at extending our highly-able students, some of these are:

Instrumental Music

Students studying instrumental music have numerous opportunities to extend themselves through participation with the various college ensembles, the regional schools’ orchestra or band and performances around the district. Students are also encouraged to undertake AMEB grade examinations.

Mathematics Challenge

The Australian Mathematics Trust “Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians” targets the top 20% of secondary students in Years 7–10 and provides activities which help talented students reach their potential. There are two stages, the Challenge stage and the Enrichment stage. Students are selected to enter the enrichment stage.

Writing Workshops

The college has strong associations with local authors and poets. We offer students opportunities to extend their writing skills through regular writing workshops organised in conjunction with the Library. Students regularly enter a variety of national writing competitions. Awards are conferred in assemblies.

Distance Education Studies

If a unit is not available at school, it may be possible to study the unit through the Distance Education Centre. It is advisable that any student considering this mode of study be aware of the difficulties associated with it. Advice should be sought from a Student Support Leader before a decision is made. Currently, the cost per semester per subject is approximately $100 which is paid directly to Distance Education by parents. Enrolment dates are set by the Distance Education Centre and are not negotiable.

Studying Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units at Year 10

The opportunity exists for students to study a VCE unit as part of their Year 10 program. Benefits include:

• The challenge to work at a higher level;

• The extension of particular skills or interests;

• The opportunity to complete a VCE Unit 3–4 in Yr 11;

• The ability to complete an extra (6th) Year 12 sequence – 10% of any 6th subject is added to the calculation for a student's Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)

The workload involved in VCE units is greater than expected for Year 10 units. Students who are considering taking 1 or 2 VCE units in Year 10 should seek advice from their Mentor teacher and other relevant teacher(s). If you are interested in undertaking VCE units in Year 10, you will need to complete the endorsement section of the online Course Selection form.

VCE Extended Investigations

The VCE Extended Investigation enables students to develop, refine and extend knowledge and skills in independent research and carry out an investigation that focuses on a rigorous research question. The investigation may be an extension of an area of curriculum already undertaken by the student or it may be completely independent of any other study in the student’s VCE program. Through this study, students develop their capacity to explore, justify and defend their research findings in both oral and written forms to a general, or non-specialist audience.