Where to start?
Where to start?
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Begin with what interests and energises you.
Think about readiness as well as interest—are you prepared for the level of challenge?
Balance passion, progression, and pathway: what you love, what will help you grow, and what you may need for your future.
Use your supports
Use your supports
Speak with your subject teachers, Homeroom teacher, and Careers team to gather advice.
Attend Subject Selection Conferences and Expo evenings to explore your options.
Discuss your choices with your family, so they are informed and can support your decisions.
What to avoid?
What to avoid?
Choosing subjects just because your friends are doing them.
Picking the easiest option without considering how it may affect your engagement and future opportunities.
Selecting a subject without reading its description in the handbook.
Check List for Subject Selection
Check List for Subject Selection
✅ Have you explored the subject offerings in the handbook?
✅ Have you completed the Subject Selection Exercises?
✅ Have you spoken to your Homeroom, Subject teachers or Careers about your choices?
✅ Do your choices reflect your interests and a mix of challenging and manageable subjects?
✅ If you are considering acceleration, have you discussed this with your teachers and followed the approval process?
✅ Are your parents or carers informed and supportive of your choices?
Pathway Options
Pathway Options
(Victorian Certificate of Education)
What is it?
Two-year academic program with assessments and external exams, leading to an ATAR for university entry.
Who it suits?
Students aiming for university, academic study, and careers requiring an ATAR.
Outcomes
University, TAFE, or workforce pathways.
(VCE Vocational Major)
What is it?
Two-year applied learning program within the VCE with practical, hands-on learning and Structured Workplace Learning (SWL). Includes VET.
Who it suits?
Students who prefer practical learning and want to develop work-readiness skills while achieving VCE.
Outcomes
Apprenticeships, traineeships, direct entry to work, further education, or university (non-ATAR pathways).
(Vocational Education and Training)
What is it?
Nationally recognised certificate completed alongside VCE or VCE VM, providing industry-specific skills.
Who it suits?
Students wanting to develop practical, industry-based skills during their senior years.
Outcomes
Contributes to VCE or VM, can lead to employment or further vocational study.
(Victorian Pathways Certificate)
What is it?
A flexible, foundation-level applied learning program for Years 11 and 12, may include VCE/VM units and VET certificates.
Who it suits?
Offered by invitation to students who would benefit from a practical, individualised program to build skills, gain workplace experience, and work towards personal goals.
Outcomes
Further education, training, or entry to work, supporting future pathways.
How do students achieve their VCE?
How do students achieve their VCE?
At Marian College, we are committed to ensuring every student has the best opportunities for post school pathways while engaging in a learning program that reflects our values and Catholic identity.
To receive a scored VCE and an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) for university entry, you must:
Complete at least 16 units over Years 11 and 12. This includes:
At least three (3) units of English (English, English Language or Literature) - including a 3/4 English sequence.
At least three other 3/4 sequence (Year 12 subjects)
Complete School-Assessed Coursework (SACs) and/or School-Assessed Tasks (SATs) and sit external exams set by the VCAA.
Receive a Satisfactory completion (S) in each unit.
Have four (4) studies (including English) that can be counted towards the ATAR calculation.
Completing these requirements ensures your child will receive a scored VCE and an ATAR, keeping their options open for university, TAFE, and other pathways after Year 12.
Full Course Load at Marian
Full Course Load at Marian
While the VCAA minimum is 16 units, Marian College requires all students to complete a full VCE course load to keep future options open:
6 - 7 subjects in Year 11 (Units 1 & 2)
6 subjects in Year 12 (Units 3 & 4)
Religious Education is compulsory each year, but students have the option to either complete a VCE study or School based RE program. Please see subject offerings for more details.
Why is this important
Why is this important
A full course load ensures students develop strong study habits and resilience in preparation for further study, training or employment
Students maintain maximum flexibility for university, TAFE or apprenticeships
Sample Scored VCE Program
Sample Scored VCE Program
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Year 11 (Units 1 & 2) English, Math Methods, Psychology, Business Management, Health & Human Development, Italian and Religious Education
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Year 12 (Units 3 & 4) English, Math Methods, Psychology, Business Management, Health & Human Development and School Based RE
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How do students achieve their VCE VM?
How do students achieve their VCE VM?
At Marian, the VCE Vocational Major is part of our Aspire program, supporting students to confidently step into their future with practical skills, workplace experience, and the values needed to contribute to their community with courage and hope.
To achieve the VCE Vocational Major (VM) students need to complete:
16 VCE units over two years (11 & 12)
Literacy (English), Numeracy (Math), Work-Related Skills, Personal Development Skills, and a VET Certificate.
Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) to develop practical work skills
Satisfactorycompletion of ALL required units (S/N)
Active participation in applied learning, projects and community-based learning
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
At Marian, students complete a full and engaging program including, that can include both VM specific subjects, or subjects from the traditional VCE program. VM subjects include:
Literacy
Numeracy
Personal Development skills
Work Related Skills
A VET course (Certificate II or above) either internal or external
Religious Education
Structured Workplace learning (This is blocked)
Sample VM Course
Sample VM Course
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Year 11 (Units 1 & 2) Literacy, Numeracy, Personal Development, Work Related Skills, VET Cert II Allied Health, Religious Education
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Year 12 (Units 3 & 4) Literacy, Numeracy, Personal Development, Work Related Skills, VET Cert III Allied Health, School Based Religious Education
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Sample VM Hybrid Course
Sample VM Hybrid Course
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Year 11 (Units 1 & 2) English, Numeracy, Personal Development, Work Related Skills, VET Cert II Sport and Recreation, Religion and Society
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Year 12 (Units 3 & 4) English, Numeracy, Personal Development, Work Related Skills, VET Cert II Sport and Recreation, School Based Religious Education
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Why choose VCE VM at Marian?
Why choose VCE VM at Marian?
The VCE VM at Marian is more than just a hands-on option. It is rigorous, purposeful pathway for students who learn best through applied learning while wanting to develop the knowledge, skills and values need to thrive beyond school.
Develop real world skills: Learning through projects, community-based learning and structured workplace experiences that connect learning to meaningful contexts
Grow your independence: Build confidence, self-management and resilience in preparation for adulthood, further study or employment.
Gain a nationally recognised VET qualification: Open pathways for apprenticeships, traineeships or further vocational of tertiary study
Contribute to your community: Engage in personal development and service-learning that reflects our Brigidine values of social justice, hope, courage and compassion.
Maintain flexibility for your future: Whether you want to enter the workforce, pursue further study or undertake an apprenticeship, VM keeps your options open while giving you a strong foundation.
Be known and supported: At Marian you will be guided by dedicated teachers who know you well, supporting your learning journey as you step confidently into your future.
Acceleration at Marian College
Acceleration at Marian College
Acceleration may be a good option if you have demonstrated consistent achievement and are ready for the workload and challenge of a VCE subject. It should be part of a broader plan for your senior years, not just a decision based on interest alone.
If you wish to accelerate, you will need:
Strong performance in all subject areas.
Excellent work habits across all subjects.
A clear reason linked to your future goals.
Maturity and independence to handle VCE-level expectations.
Discuss with your subject teacher and Community Leader to determine if acceleration is the right path for you.
Make sure to use the right acceleration form below
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