Glossary of VCE terms

VCE study score

A score from 0-50, determined by the VCAA, which shows how you performed in a study relative to all other students doing that same study. 

It is based on your results in school assessments and examinations.

Study

A VCE subject, for example History, Biology, Media.

Unit

Part of a VCE subject studied over two terms. Unit 1 is in Semester 1, Unit 2 is in Semester (year 11). Year 12 VCE studies are Units 3 & 4. 

VET

A Vocational Education and Training qualification that can be undertaken as an optional subject in the VCE, but is compulsory in the VCAL.

VM

VM or VCE:VM refers to the Vocational Major. The Vocational Major was introduced in 2023 and is an alternative to the mainstream VCE, incorporating elements of Work Related Skills, Personal Development and Practical elements. A VCE:VM study must include a VET.

School Assessed Task (SAT)

A VCE assessment task that is designed to assess a specific set of skills and results in an extended body of work, such as a folio. 

School Assessed Coursework (SAC)

A test, or other assessment used to measure each student’s overall level of achievement on the tasks designated in the Study Design, undertaken at school and normally in class time. 

Authentication

Each VCE student submits work for assessment purposes, which demonstrates their own individual understanding and provides concrete evidence that it is indeed their own work. 

GAT

The General Achievement Test is divided into two Sections:

• Section A is two hours and assesses your Literacy and Numeracy Skills

• Section B is an hour and a half and assesses your general knowledge and skills in written communication, maths, science and technology, humanities, arts and social sciences. 

It is an essential part of the VCE assessment process and undertaken by all VCE and VCE:VM students.

Special Provisions

Students may be eligible for special provisions if, at any time, they are adversely affected in a significant way by: an acute or chronic illness (physical or psychological), factors relating to personal circumstance, an impairment or disability, including a learning disorder. 

ATAR

The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank is an overall percentile ranking reflecting your comparative Year 12 achievement relative to the relevant age group in a given year.

Scaling

The adjustment of a VCE study by VTAC used in the calculation of the ATAR, so that the scaled study scores are comparable across different studies.  It ensures that 

students are neither advantaged or disadvantaged by the studies they choose.  

All VCE study scores are scaled (see scaling) by VTAC.

SEAS

Special Entry Access Scheme.  A special consideration program for students applying for entry to courses at tertiary institutions.

Primary Four

The top four studies that are counted first in the calculation of the ATAR.

Increment

Increments are added to the primary four during the calculation of the ATAR. An increment is 10 per cent of any fifth or sixth permissible scaled score that is available.

Aggregate

The total used to calculate the ATAR, by adding the primary four studies to a maximum of two available (and permissible) increments.

VTAC 

The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre administers the centralised application process for Victorian tertiary courses.