Early Access to VCE
What is Early Access to VCE for a Year 10 Student?
It is possible for students identified as high achieving to be given early access to a VCE study (Unit 1&2) in Year 10. Only a limited number of VCE studies are available to year 10 students due to timetabling constraints and class sizes.
Students are unable to gain Early Access to:
English
Foundation Maths
General Maths
Maths Methods
Specialist Maths
Chemistry
Biology
Students undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) can include a maximum of six subjects in the calculation of their ATAR.
High achieving students who meet specific selection criteria can achieve this by studying a VCE Unit 1 and 2 sequence in Year 10 and then completing the Unit 3 and 4 sequence of that subject in Year 11.
There are potential advantages by completing a VCE study in Year 10:
Early exposure to VCE requirements - pace of work, academic writing, presentation and deadlines.
A path of extension and challenge
Experiencing School Assessed Coursework (SACs) and external examinations
Potential to maximise your ATAR for future Tertiary study
Some disadvantages of choosing a VCE study in Year 10:
The student may have insufficient maturity or organisation skills to manage the intellectual demands of a VCE study
Is not ready for the stress and pressure of a VCE study workload
Putting too much effort or focus on the VCE study to the detriment of year 10 subjects and outcomes
Eligibility for Early Access
The College Pathways Counselling Team will take the following information into consideration:
VCE Attendance for all subjects at or above 95%.
PAT reading result at or above standard.
Subject Teacher recommendation for relevant subject application/s. This teacher must have taught the student in the past year.
Evidence of a student's pathway/further study goals.
A history of a reasonable level of maturity and organisation with their Academic studies; for example, the student should not have been put on Redemption classes for non-completion of work.
A statement from a parent or guardian that demonstrates support for the student’s aspiration for an accelerated study.
Application Process for Early Access to VCE Studies
Acceptance into a VCE Subject is based on student applications and meeting the requirements above.
This process is completed prior to Year 10 Subject Selection and may affect your choice of electives.
To apply for Early Access to VCE Studies, Year 9 2024 students need to complete the Year 10 Early Access Program - VCE Subject Application Form. The form has been added to this website as "View only" and students will need to "Make a copy" under "File" to be able to edit it.
This form must be completed, signed by a parent/caregiver, and returned to Mr Mark Hollebone by 16 July 2024.
