Students receive an S (satisfactory) for a module when the teacher determines that the student has:
produced work that demonstrates achievement of the learning goal(s)
submitted work that is clearly their own.
Schools are solely responsible for decisions about satisfactory completion. Results for each module must be based on a judgement of satisfactory (S) or not yet complete (N) for each learning goal(s).
At the beginning of their students’ VPC enrolment, schools must provide students with clear written details of both the VCAA rules and the school’s rules and procedures. For all units in the VPC, schools must specify the learning program that a student must complete to achieve an S for a module and the conditions under which the work is to be done.
Students receive an S (satisfactory) or N (not yet complete) result for each VPC unit. Students receive an S (satisfactory) for the unit upon satisfactory completion of all modules within that unit.
At Sunshine College, teachers work collaboratively to determine module outcomes and student achievement. Sunshine College has established processes to ensure consistency in the activities and tasks used to demonstrate achievement of each module. Assessment decisions made by individual teachers and across multiple classes of the same study must be consistent and aligned with agreed expectations.
Where more than one class is delivering the same study, teachers are required to consult and collaborate to determine appropriate learning activities and assessment tasks that will be used to evidence student achievement.
To support consistency and shared understanding, teachers are encouraged to engage in moderation practices, including the early sharing and review of student work samples. Establishing a shared understanding of standards at the beginning of the module supports fairer and more consistent assessment decisions throughout the course.
The student will receive an N (not satisfactory) for the unit when one or more of the following occurs:
the work does not demonstrate achievement of the outcomes
the student has failed to meet a school deadline for the school-based assessment task (which can include time granted through an extension for any reason or a special provision or both)
insufficient work or work cannot be authenticated
there has been a substantial breach of the VCAA’s rules and the school’s rules and procedures.
Students with record of an N for a VPC unit can record an S for individual modules achieved within the unit (existing credit).
Students with existing credit will only need to complete the outstanding modules for the VPC unit that they were yet to achieve to record an S for the unit. This will assist VPC students who have interruptions to their studies, including those who:
have a significant illness
have significant personal hardship
·are returning to VPC after changes to their career pathway, for example, if they left VPC to take up employment but then lost their job
have other interruptions to their study, for example, if they became disengaged and left school
·have taken a long time to achieve their VPC.
If a student is initially assessed as Not Yet Satisfactory (N) for a VPC module outcome, the school will provide at two opportunities for the student to demonstrate satisfactory completion.
Teachers must provide alternative tasks or different ways for students to demonstrate achievement of the module outcome, where appropriate.
Any additional assessment tasks must be scheduled to minimise disruption to classes and must be completed within the timeframe outlined in the Course Planning Calendar and before unit deadlines.
If a teacher judges that work submitted by a student does not meet the required standard for satisfactory completion, the teacher will consider other work the student has undertaken and submitted for the module.
class work
homework
·supplementary or modified assessment tasks
evidence collected throughout the unit
teacher observations of student performance and participation
structured discussions, interviews, or oral explanations that demonstrate the student’s understanding
When a student is at risk of not meeting satisfactory completion, the teacher must notify the VPC Coordinator and consult with them regarding appropriate next steps and support strategies.
The VPC Coordinator will liaise with the Student Engagement Leader to determine and coordinate suitable interventions and additional opportunities for the student.
Parents/guardians must be informed of the concern and the support process being implemented.
The school will work collaboratively with the student to provide targeted support and opportunities to achieve a satisfactory (S) result.
Students who are unable to complete or submit VPC tasks or projects by the due date must apply for an extension prior to the due date, using the school’s Extension Application process and providing appropriate supporting documentation where required (e.g. medical or other relevant evidence).
The classroom teacher, in consultation with the VPC Coordinator, will review the request and determine an appropriate outcome, including whether an extension is granted and the revised due date or conditions of completion. The Student Engagement Leader may be consulted where appropriate.
Students will be formally notified of the outcome and any revised submission arrangements. Where an approved extension is not granted or work is not submitted within agreed timelines, the student may be deemed Not Yet Satisfactory (N) for the module outcome, with further opportunities provided.
If a student's work is lost, stolen or damaged, the teacher must notify the VPC Coordinator as soon as possible. The student and/or teacher must provide a signed and dated written statement outlining the circumstances, which will be retained by the school.
The school will maintain a record of the incident; however, there is no requirement to report the matter externally.
The Student Engagement Leader, in consultation with the VPC Coordinator and the classroom teacher, will determine the student's result based on the available evidence and records of the student's achievement.
A student who uses technology to produce work for assessment is responsible for ensuring that:
there is an alternative system available for producing assessable work in case of malfunction or unavailability
hard copies of the work in progress and backup versions are produced regularly.