VCE in Year 10

The College invites students in Year 10 to study a VCE Unit 1 & 2 subject as part of their course. This program aims to provide opportunities for these students to:

• Undertake extension work and achieve breadth within their VCE course of study
• Experience the demands of a VCE unit with the view to developing sound and appropriate study and work habits conducive to a high achieving student.

Year 9 students invited to undertake a VCE unit at Year 10 will apply through the selection process as outlined below. However, it is emphasised that students will be approved a VCE unit on the basis of their ability suitability to undertake a chosen subject, and the availability of places within the class. (Year 11 students have priority of placement in VCE Units 1 & 2).

*Note: Students undertaking a VCE Unit 1 & 2 subject will be unable to complete the equivalent Year 10 subject in order to ensure access to a broad range of studies. The only exception to this is when Year 10 students undertake Units 1 & 2 General Mathematics. In this case, these students will also undertake Year 10 Mathematical Methods.

Possible Advantages

• Extend and challenge student learning
• Experience the demands of a VCE unit and the VCE process
• Better enable the option of studying an additional Unit 3 & 4 in Year 11 (provides students with a 10% bonus to ATAR scores for fifth and/or sixth studies)
• Achieve breadth of study by completing an additional VCE unit.

Possible Disadvantages

• Increased workload
• Absence from a VCE class due to Year 10 commitments such as school sport, excursions etc.
• Limiting access to a wider range of subject areas at Year 10.

Selection Criteria

• Recognisable aptitude and sound academic achievement in Year 9 subjects
• Strong written communication skills as demonstrated by English reports, NAPLAN and/or PAT testing results
• Commitment to study and attendance above 90%
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently
• Strong Grade Point Averages (GPAs), indicating exemplary work habits
• Evidence of student’s ability to manage the workload (student has a history of meeting deadlines and has sound organisational skills).

Selection Process

• Students will be invited to study a VCE unit early in Term 3 after which they can apply online
• A selection panel will be formed to consider each application according to the criteria above
• The Head of Year 9 will notify applicants early in Term 3 about the outcome of their application

VCE Units 1-2 Offered in Year 10

The following VCE Units 1 & 2 are offered to Year 10 students in 2025.

NOTE:

• Students in Year 10 may select to study one VCE subject
• VCE Unit 1 & 2 English, English Language, Literature, French, Chemistry, Physical Education or Physics are not offered to Year 10 students.
• It is a privilege to study a VCE subject early and the purpose of it is to maximise results. Students who undertake a VCE subject early are still expected to complete 5 VCE subjects during Year 12, as failing to do so may place them at a disadvantage and negatively impact their ATAR.
• Students undertaking a VCE subject early are expected to achieve results at a higher level. Their progress will be closely monitored by the sub-school, and their elligibility to continue to Units 3 and 4 will depend on their performance in Units 1 and 2. Students who are underperforming, or who do not meet the attendance requirement, may be asked to withdraw from the subject.