VCE Information

What is a VCE Program?

A Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) program is usually a 2-year course that typically includes 22 units to be studied over 4 semesters. However, the VCE may be completed over a longer time frame and for some students, 3 years may be more appropriate. Not all students will have a clear idea of what their career direction is, and some who do may change their directions. For this reason, the programs that are selected may be changed at the end of the first semester (Year 11) and at the end of the second semester (Year 11) subject to availability of suitable options and any prerequisite requirements. Changes are limited in the second year of the VCE because Units 3 and 4 are sequential and must be studied within the same year.

Requirements of the VCE

To be awarded the VCE, a student must successfully complete at least:

three units from the English group (English, Foundation English, English Language, Literature), including a Unit 3–4 sequence;
at least three other sequences of Unit 3–4 studies, which can include further sequences from the English group;
at least 16 units in total;

VCE students study 6 units per semester in Year 11 and in Year 12 they study a unit from the English group plus four other sequences for the whole year.

Reminder about VCE

A VCE Program is usually a two year course that includes 22 units studied over 4 semesters;
Students may attempt either or both Units 1 and 2 for many VCE studies (e.g. Psychology, Art) but must attempt both Units 1 and 2 for other studies (e.g. Chemistry, Accounting);
Units 3 and 4 (Year 12) must be done as a sequence for all studies.
In order to satisfactorily meet VCE requirements of a minimum of 50 hours of class time per unit, students must attend a MINIMUM of 80% of classes in a semester. However, in order to support students in meeting subject requirements the College has a policy that 90% attendance is essential.

VCE (Baccalaureate)

The VCE (Baccalaureate) provides an additional form of recognition for those students who choose to undertake the demands of studying both a higher-level mathematics and a language in their VCE program. To be eligible to receive the VCE (Baccalaureate) the student must satisfactorily complete the VCE and receive a study score for each prescribed study component.

Eligibility for the VCE (Baccalaureate) requires:

a Units 3 and 4 sequence in English or Literature or English Language with a study score of 30 or above; or a Units 3 and 4 sequence in EAL with a study score of 33 or above
a Units 3 and 4 sequence in either Mathematics Methods or Specialist Mathematics
a Units 3 and 4 sequence in a VCE Language
at least two other Units 3 and 4 sequences

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.

Other 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 is moving 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 will give 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 will include:

the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Vocational Major
the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

A fully integrated VCE will be implemented from 2025.

VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM)

The VCE Vocational Major is a 2-year vocational and applied learning program within the VCE The program aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, confidence and agency needed to prepare for the world of work and further education and training. The VCE Vocational Major will prepare students to transition successfully into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university, or directly into employment. The VCE Vocational Major will support students to develop both academic and practical skills. It employs a more diverse range of assessment strategies rather than exams, alleviating some of the pressure that students face when considering the VCE.

Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)

The VPC is an inclusive Year 11 and 12 certificate that will meet the needs of the minority of students not able or ready to complete a certificate at the VCE level. The VPC provides students with a standards-based certificate and will provide opportunities to progress to the VCE, including the VCE Vocational Major. It will provide an enriched curriculum and excellent support for students to develop the skills, capabilities and qualities for success in personal and civic life. The VPC has been developed to be flexible, without a mandated period in which a student must complete the certificate. This allows students to complete it in a timeframe that suits their capability.

Requirements of the VCE VM

To be eligible to receive the VCE VM, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 units, including:

3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3–4 sequence)
2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units
2 VCE VM Work-Related Skills units
2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units, and
2 VET credits at Certificate II level or above (180 nominal hours)

The VCE VM can be tailored to the needs and interests of the student, to keep them engaged while developing their skills and knowledge. Students can also include other VCE studies and VET, and can receive structured workplace learning recognition. Most students will undertake between 16-20 units over the two years.

Eligibility

To be eligible to receive the VPC students must complete at least 12 units, including:

2 units of VPC Literacy (or units from the VCE English group, including VCE VM Literacy)
2 units of VPC Numeracy (or units from the VCE Mathematics group, including VCE VM Numeracy)
2 VPC Work Related Skills units
2 VPC Personal Development Skills units

Many students will undertake more than 12 units in their VPC. More VPC study choices will be added over the coming years.

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