VCE VM & VPC

The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE designed to be completed over two years. The VCE VM will give students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths and interests and develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work, and life. It prepares students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce.

The purpose of the VCE VM is to provide students with the best opportunity to achieve their personal goals and aspirations in a rapidly changing world by:

• equipping them with the skills, knowledge, values, and capabilities to be active and informed citizens, lifelong learners, and confident and creative individuals; and
• empowering them to make informed decisions about the next stages of their lives through real life workplace experiences.

Students who do the VCE VM are more likely to be interested in:

• going on to training at TAFE
• doing an apprenticeship or traineeship
• getting a job after completing Year 12.

Subjects studied in VCE VM

The VCE VM specific subjects are:

• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Personal Development
• Work-related Skills
• One other VCE subject of interest (in Year 11 only) 
• Industry Specific Subject (VET Subject – completed on a Wednesday afternoon, usually off-site)
• Structured Workplace Learning (likely to be one day a week at a workplace).

VCE VM structure

All VCE-VM students will spend Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at the college completing the VCE VM specific subjects mentioned above, and one other VCE subject of their choice. On a Wednesday, the students complete their VET subject, usually off-site. Thursdays are spent on the students’ Structured Workplace Learning placement.

Structured Workplace Learning

Year 11: Structured Workplace Learning comprises a minimum of 100 hours, including a minimum of 80 hours of Work Placement, and up to a maximum of 20 hours in part-time/casual employment.

Year 12: Structured Workplace Learning comprises a minimum of 200 hours, including a minimum of 180 hours of Work Placement, and up to a maximum of 20 hours in part-time/casual employment.

Ideally the Work Placement should link in with the VET program being studied. Evidence of work placement will be recorded by the student and employer.

What must I do to satisfactorily pass the VCE VM

• Complete all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard
• Contribute meaningfully to all group work tasks to a satisfactory standard
• Attend all school-based classes, including your VCE subject, to a minimum of 90%
• Attend all VET classes to a minimum of 90%
• Participate and contribute satisfactorily in the VCE VM major projects

How will an “N” affect my results?

An N result may mean you have not gained enough units to achieve your VCE VM Certificate.

How are you assessed in VCE VM?

Although there are no exams, you will need to complete each of your studies to a satisfactory standard.

Assessment in VM will take into account:

• a satisfactory level of understanding of the set tasks
• personal organisational skills
• timely submission of work
• bringing all required materials to class
• taking responsibility for your own learning

Application Process 

Expressions of Interest forms for the VCE VM are available from the Head of Year 10.

There will be an interview process during Term 3 to ensure that the VCE VM is the appropriate pathway for the student. An expression of interest does not guarantee the student a place in the program.

The qualities and attributes considered include:

• why you would like to study VCE VM
• your progress in subjects studied
• your attendance rate, work attitude and behaviour
• how you intend to find work experience – whether you have any contacts
• whether you can select a suitable VET subject to study

There are limited places in VCE VM meaning that any concerns in Year 10 may affect access to VCE VM at Norwood. 

What are my Attendance Requirements?

If your attendance falls below 90% in any of your Norwood classes, you will be required to attend extra classes to make up the missed classes. These classes can only be attended progressively throughout each term and semester. It is neither acceptable nor possible to catch up in bulk at the end of the term. If attendance falls below 70%, it will not be possible to redeem that level of absence, and an ‘N’ result will apply for that class.

Missing any VET classes may make it difficult to complete certain modules and would result in an unsatisfactory assessment for that unit.

Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)

The Victorian Pathways Certificate is a one‑year program designed for students who benefit from a highly supported, practical, and flexible learning environment. It also focuses on building essential skills in literacy, numeracy, personal development, and work‑related capabilities through hands‑on, applied learning.

The VPC is ideal for students who may need more time, structure, or individualised support to succeed in their senior years. It provides a pathway into further training, entry‑level employment, or continued learning through VET programs.

Suitability Testing

Before a student is enrolled in the VPC, the school conducts testing and readiness assessments. These help determine whether the VPC is the most appropriate pathway for the student’s learning needs, strengths, and future goals. This process ensures that students are placed in a program where they can experience success and meaningful progress.