Learning & Teaching
Subject Selection & Pathways Planning
Wantirna Collage provides a rich and diverse curriculum, and our students have a large menu of subject offerings and pathway choices to consider in the subject selection process.
The process of selecting courses and subjects for 2027 began this week with a Year 9 and 10 presentations by Darren Hoogkamer, Stuart Horner and Daniel Brooks.
There are many decisions to make throughout this period particularly about which subjects support which future pathways and we aim to support students and parents along the way.
The attached calendar shows key events and activities to be aware of and attend to ensure that your child gets the opportunity to access the subjects and courses that they want.
Our support also extends to Year 12 students who are making a significant transition at the end of the year, beyond the college and into post-secondary options.
Our extensive curriculum is published in a Curriculum Handbook provided to students and parents early in Term 3.
The Year 7 and 8 program provides a traditional curriculum program where students remain in their Core Classes and experience a range of creative, design and performance electives over the two years. They emerge from this period with a clearer understanding of what they like and what they are good at.
In the transition from Year 8 into 9 students can select from 60 plus elective subjects in addition to their core offerings. Year 8 students will be supported through this selection process and through the transition to very individualized programs in Year 9, based on individual student choice.
When moving from Year 9 into 10 students have nearly 70 elective choices plus the opportunity to participate in some select entry programs (with interviews process) such as sports excellence and peer support.
Another opportunity opens to Year 10 students through the Early Start VCE program with students able to apply to enrol in a VCE subject from a selection of VCE subjects.
This Early Start program is recommended for students who have demonstrated the capacity to learn, engage and achieve at school. Year 9 students have been informed about these select entry options for 2027 and the application and selection process.
Year 10 students have to make an important choice about whether they will engage in a VCE or VCE VM pathway based on their future aspirations and their individual strengths.
The following flow cart provides an overview of the VCE, VCE VM and SBAT programs and the VET programs.
The traditional Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) program includes a compulsory English study, and a minimum number of additional studies students select from any learning area.
A VCE pathway includes participation in end of Year 12 VCAA VCE exams. VCE students receive a study score for each VCE subject which combine to determine each student's ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank). This can give students a direct entry into university courses.
The VCE Vocational Major (VM) offers an applied learning pathway within the VCE, providing students the flexibility to pursue their specific interests. Through real-life workplace experiences, the program equips students with the essential skills and confidence to navigate their transition into further study or the workforce.
The VM option includes the opportunity to enroll in SBAT which is a School Based Apprenticeship Traineeship (SBAT) - an Australian Apprenticeship which is undertaken part-time while the apprentice or trainee is at school.
It combines paid employment, on or off the job vocational training and senior secondary school studies. A SBAT provides senior secondary students with hands-on industry experience, and the ability to work towards or complete an apprenticeship.
All VCE students can also choose to enrol in a VET subject which is a Vocational Education & Training subjects (VET) courses are undertaken as part of a student’s school studies. VET courses enable students to earn credit towards a recognized VET qualification while they complete their senior secondary certificate. There are over 45 VET subject offerings for Wantirna students.
Natalie Manser
Assistant Principal
mar@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au