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VCE - Students 'At Risk'

Satisfactory Completion of a VCE Unit

A student is awarded a Satisfactory (S) for a VCE Unit when they have demonstrated achievement of all outcomes as defined in the relevant VCAA Study Design. Teachers determine this by reviewing the student’s performance across the designated assessment tasks for the unit.

 

An S is awarded when the student’s work:

  • demonstrates the required knowledge and skills for each outcome.
  • can be authenticated as their own.

 

The S/N decision is separate from the student’s level of achievement or SAC/SAT score.

 

Students may be identified as ‘At Risk’ of receiving an N when they are not meeting key expectations, including:

  • Maintaining attendance in line with school and VCAA requirements
  • Completing classwork and homework
  • Demonstrating required knowledge and skills in submitted work
  • Meeting deadlines for coursework, SACs, and SATs
  • Satisfying authentication requirements
  • Showing sufficient understanding of the outcome through assessed work

 

Compass notifications (Letters of Concern or GPA reports) are used to formally communicate At Risk status to families.

 

Unsatisfactory Completion of a VCE Unit

A student may receive an N (Not Satisfactory) for a unit if they do not meet one or more outcomes. Reasons may include:

  • Work does not meet the required outcome standards.
  • Coursework or a SAC/SAT is not attempted or submitted by the due date without approved exceptional circumstances.
  • A school deadline is missed, even with an extension.
  • Work cannot be authenticated.
  • A significant breach of VCAA or school rules (including attendance) prevents satisfactory completion.

 

Students who require more than one SAC re‑sit per subject per unit must work with their teacher and the Senior School Team to establish an improvement plan. A re‑sit is required when a student scores below 40% on the original SAC. Re‑sits may be refused if the student does not follow agreed support strategies.

Students are responsible for ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements. An N result can have serious implications for progression and pathways.

 

Process for Students Identified as ‘At Risk’

When a teacher believes a student is at risk of not meeting an outcome:

  1. A Letter of Concern must be issued via Compass immediately.
  2. The Coordinator and Head of Year Level are automatically notified.
  3. Any incomplete or missing work must be recorded on Compass to maintain an accurate record.
  4. Ongoing concerns should be communicated to the Coordinator and Head of Year Level via email.

 

Before an ‘N’ can be issued on the semester report or submitted to VCAA, the student must have been identified as ‘At Risk’ in the termly GPA report. Teachers may consult their KLA Leader for support with moderation and consistency.

 

Heads of Year Level will follow up all N results with families.

 

Appealing an Unsatisfactory Result

Students may appeal an N result if they believe it was awarded due to:

  • Missing a deadline despite having an approved extension
  • Attendance-related concerns
  • Not completing the required proportion of coursework
  • Authentication concerns

 

Appeal Process

  1. The student submits a written appeal to the Senior School Team within five school days of receiving the N.
  2. The Senior School Principal convenes an appeals panel (Principal, Head of Year Level, and an uninvolved subject teacher).
  3. The panel reviews documentation and may interview the student.
  4. The student receives at least 24 hours’ notice and may bring a support person.
  5. The outcome is provided in writing within five school days.
  6. Any relevant work must be submitted to the Senior School Team, not the classroom teacher once an appeal is lodged.

 

Grounds for Appeal (aligned with VCAA Guidelines)

Students may appeal on the basis of:

  • Illness: Medical certificate confirming inability to complete or attempt the task
  • Major illness or bereavement in the family: Supporting documentation required.
  • Extenuating circumstances: Significant events impacting the student’s ability to meet assessment requirements, supported by a statement from Wellbeing or an external professional.

 

All documentation must be submitted within five school days of receiving the N notification.

 

Students must continue attending Units 1 and 2 classes while an appeal or review is underway. Students who receive an N for a Unit 3 or 4 subject will not continue in that class and will be assigned study periods.

 

The Senior School Team maintains records of all N results. Students with multiple Ns may be referred to the Careers and Pathways Coordinator to explore alternative options.

 

In some cases, a panel (Learning Area Leader and another subject teacher) may review evidence to determine whether an S can be awarded. This applies only where sufficient work exists to make a judgement.