Subject Acceleration

Acceleration at Donvale Generally, students study VCE Units 1 and 2 in Year 11, and study VCE Units 3 and 4 in Year 12. Students may apply to accelerate into a VCE subject beyond their Year level under certain circumstances. You will need to carefully consider if acceleration is for you and whether it is possible for the subject you are considering. You can only apply to accelerate in one subject only, unless there are exceptional circumstances. 

For students to apply to accelerate, they must have demonstrated the following attributes in the year prior: 

• A high level of organisation 

• Commendable learning attitude 

• Commendable effort 

• Consistent academic performance 

• A high proportion of ‘A’s and ‘B’s in their school report 

Acceleration should be viewed as adding a bonus subject, not completing a subject early to reduce subject loads in Year 11 or 12. Students are still expected to complete a full load of subjects in Year 11 and 12, regardless of accelerating. 

Year 11 – 6 subjects (Units 1 & 2 and possibly one Unit 3 & 4 subject) 

Year 12 – 5 subjects (Units 3 & 4) 

Acceleration is suitable for some students only. Those who may benefit from acceleration include students whose individual learning pathway provides space for acceleration. 

Possible benefits of Acceleration: 

• It fits within the student’s individual learning pathway 

• Provides a pathway of academic extension and challenge 

• Increase the number of VCE subjects studied which may benefit students with a breadth of interest areas 

• A very small increase in ATAR 

Before deciding on whether acceleration will be suitable, consideration should be given to the following: 

• Acceleration may reduce the breadth of studies/electives taken at Year 10 

• There may be a lack of maturity to meet the expectations of VCE 

• Too much emphasis may be given to the accelerated subject at the expense of ‘regular’ subjects 

• Any perceived ATAR benefit could be achieved by wise subject choices and subject bonuses (further information about subject bonuses can be found through contacting our Careers and Pathways Coordinator) 

Students considering acceleration should fill in the appropriate ‘Application for Acceleration’ form. This form will be made available to Year 9 students in term 3. 

It may not be deemed appropriate for a student to accelerate, even if they have applied to do so. Each application will be considered by staff and the best outcome recommended. Students who are not successful will need to choose subjects from their own Year level. 

If a student, who does accelerate, is not achieving success, they may be recommended to withdraw from the accelerated subject and choose a subject from their own Year level or repeat the subject unit(s) the following year.