VCE, VM, VET

VCE

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the certificate that the majority of students in Victoria receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment. To satisfactorily complete the VCE a student must:

• Complete at least 16 units over the two or three years of the certificate, including three units from the English group
• Complete English Units 3 & 4, English language Units 3 & 4 or Literature Units 3 & 4
• Complete three other Unit 3 & 4 sequences

VCE VM [Vocational Major]

The VCE VM is a full time alternative course to VCE and includes studying a VET subject. Some students prefer subjects that have a more practical approach and a VCE VM course may be more suitable as it is geared towards applying what has been learnt in class to real life situations. It often focuses on preparing students to work after school. The VCE VM is only offered at Years 11 and 12.

Program

The four subjects studied are:

• Literacy 
• Numeracy 
• Work Related Skills 
• Personal Development Skills 

Students are required to select a number of VET units in areas of interest. They do not need to complete any single VET qualification, but can choose to undertake units in different vocational areas, for example, hospitality and horticulture.

As part of the program, students must participate in community-based projects, voluntary work and/or structured activities that will help develop self-confidence, teamwork skills and other skills important for life and work.

Application Process

Places at Norwood are strictly limited to one class per year and subject to a selection process that involves a suitability interview and a review of effort and motivation.

VET

VET stands for Vocational Education and Training. VET subjects are part of the VCE and VCE VM but are more practical studies. Theory is put into practice, providing students with the opportunity to develop work skills and knowledge that relate to real jobs in industry.

By undertaking a VET subject, students:

• Apply what is learnt in class with the opportunity of practical work placements
• Gain a nationally recognised VET qualification
• Gain confidence and develop communication and employment skills
• Gain industry experience and enhance career opportunities
• Gain credit towards the calculation of their ATAR score (when a two year program is studied)

The range of VET options is extensive with recognised training packages available from industries including automotive, engineering, building and construction, hospitality and retail, agriculture, horticulture, warehousing and hair and beauty. Apart from Sport & Recreation, all VET subjects involve students travelling away from Norwood to either a neighbouring school or to a TAFE provider. VET subjects are taught in a weekly three to four hour block, which is factored into the Norwood timetable.