Victorian Certificate of Education
How is the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) organised?
- There are well over 40 different VCE studies as well as 49 LOTE’s
- Each VCE study is divided into 4 units
- Each VCE unit will take a semester (half year) to complete
- VCE Units 1 & 2 in a study are generally undertaken in Year One (Yr 11)
- VCE Units 3 & 4 in a study are generally undertaken sequentially in Year Two (Yr 12)
- Some VCE Units may cycle over two years. Students must take care to select a program that will meet their pathways requirements.
How do I complete my VCE?
Regardless of how many units you do altogether, you must satisfactorily complete
- At least three units from the English Group listed below. At least one of these units must be at Unit 3 or 4 level. However, VTAC advises that for the calculation of the ATAR, students must satisfactorily complete both Unit 3 and Unit 4 of an English sequence.
- Foundation English Units 1 and 2
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Units 1-4
- English Units 1 to 4
- Literature Units 1 to 4
- Three sequences of Units 3 and 4 studies in addition to the sequence chosen from the English group. These sequences can be from VCE studies and/or VCE VET programs.
- You need to be aware that VTAC places restrictions on certain combinations of VCE and VET studies. If you intend to apply for an ATAR score at the end of your VCE, you will need to be aware of these restrictions. Consult your VCE Coordinator.
VCE Assessment
Regardless of how many units you do altogether, you must satisfactorily complete:
- Successful graduation requires satisfactory completion of units or that make up a study. Satisfactory completion is indicated by the award of an “S”. Not meeting the requirements for satisfactory completion is indicated by an “N”. Decisions about satisfactory completion are based on the demonstration of each set of outcomes specified in the Study Design. An outcome describes what knowledge and skills are expected by the end of the unit.
- Classroom teachers set assessment tasks to determine progress. Tasks and deadlines need to be attended to. Failing to do so may mean not achieving satisfactory completion of units.
- Year 11 studies generally focus on “S” or “N” but a grade may well be added to this to supplement reporting on the standard demonstrated in assessment tasks. For Year 12 studies, graded assessments, through school based assessment or examination, applies.
General Achievement Test (GAT)
The GAT is a test of general knowledge and skills in written communication, mathematics, science and technology, humanities, the arts and social sciences. The GAT plays an important role in checking that school assessments and examinations have been accurately assessed. All year 12 students and year 11 students undertaking a Unit 3&4 sequence will sit the GAT exam mid year. GAT results will be reported with a final Statements of Results.
What is a VCE / VET Program?
You can choose a VCE VET program as part of your VCE. This means that you will be undertaking training in a specific vocational area, for instance engineering, furniture, building, automotive studies, building and construction, sports and recreation or business studies.
As part of your training you would complete structured workplace learning that provides you with the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice.
This training will contribute towards satisfactory completion of your VCE and it will give you a nationally recognised vocational qualification. The vocational qualification will provide you with access to further training, for instance at a TAFE institute, and may improve your chances of getting work when you leave school.
VCE VET programs will give you credit at Units 1-4. A number of the programs also have a study score available and these and most others contribute to an ATAR. A program booklet for each of the VCE VET programs is available on the VCAA website at www. vcaa.vic.edu.au
Students at Leongatha SC meet requirements of their course by studying a combination of relevant VCE and VET subjects which are delivered on campus, off campus, in the workplace and sometimes in block work placements. VET subjects may be studied as a 3/4 sequence without examinations.
How do I complete a VET qualification?
VET training packages are studied in units of competencies with scheduled hours of training required.
- Competencies achieved are signed off by a Workplace assessor when the required sets of modules have been completed.
- VET students may spend considerable time in work placements within their timetabled program or during school holidays
VET Essential Services Contribution
This fee is set and approved by the 2014 College Council. The fee is set at $160 per annum for each VET study undertaken at Leongatha Secondary College.
Students undertaking other VET courses will be asked to contribute the full cost of course less the college approved subsidy. This should be paid prior to 2015.
Note: Outside VET courses can be expensive. No refund is available after week 4 of the beginning of course delivery.
Queries may be directed to the LSC VET Coordinator on (03) 5662 4333.