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 85% of classes in a semester. In order to support students in meeting subject requirements the College has a policy that 85% attendance is essential.

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 or Year Level Leader.