VCE Information


How VCE Works

You will graduate with the VCE by satisfactorily completing a minimum of 16 units, three of which must be from the English group with at least one unit from Unit 3 and 4 level, with at least three Units 3 and 4 sequences in studies other than English. Of these 16 units, 13 can be from VET. Most students graduate with between 20 and 24 units. in order to be eligible for an ATAR calculation, you must have a Unit 3 and 4 sequence with a study score from the English group, and at least 3 three other Unit 3 and 4 sequences with study scores.

Each unit has outcomes that describe what you are expected to know and be able to do. The decision about satisfactory completion of units is based on a student's ability to demonstrate outcomes specified for each VCE study. There are also two types of graded assessment in the VCE: school based assessment (SAC's or SAT's) and external examinations.

External examinations – written, oral, performance or electronic – are set and marked by the VCAA. Most exams are held in November, although the General Achievement Test (GAT) is held in June and oral and performance exams are held in October.

This is what you need to get your VCE:

Students must take a course over at least two years. Most students will complete a total of 23 units (13 in Year 11 and 10 in Year 12) of different studies.

Regardless of how many units you do altogether, you must satisfactorily complete:

  • At least three units of English. Literature 3 & 4 can be taken instead of English 3 & 4; plus

  • A sequence of Units 3 and 4 in three other studies, apart from the compulsory English.


ADVICE

The following factors should be taken into account when choosing your subjects:

  • The ability of the student to handle a subject with a reasonable degree of success:

Experience has shown that if a person cannot handle a subject at Year 10 level, success at Year 11 would be very doubtful. Students in doubt about their capabilities of handling a subject at Year 11 should see their subject teacher, Community Leader or Teacher Advisor for advice.

  • The need to keep options open:

Experience has shown that many students change direction during Year 11. Selecting a range of subjects which permits such change is desirable.

  • The relevance of a subject to a career and tertiary selection:

Some tertiary courses require that students have studied certain subjects (prerequisites) whilst others are recommended. Current Year 10 students and parents should familiarise themselves with the Tertiary Entrance Requirements.

  • DO NOT select certain subjects because you have been told they score better on the ATAR.

This is false. You will find it much harder to gain a good Subject Study Score in the hard subjects even though it may be increased later. The greatest factor in gaining a high ATAR is in the effort you have made.