VCE & VCE VM Overview

VCE Requirements
- Must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 units
- Must include:
- 3 units of English and
- 3 sequences of units 3 and 4 studies other than English
- Can be made up of a combination of VCE and VET studies
VCE Vocational Major (VM) Requirements
- Must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 units
- Must include:
- 3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3–4 sequence)
- 2 VCE Foundation Mathematics or General Mathematics units
- 2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units
- 2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units, and
- 2 VET credits at Certificate II level or above (180 nominal hours)
More details on VCE VM can be found in the curriculum section.
Unit of study (subject)
- A unit of study in VCE is completed in one semester.
- Year 11 - Units 1 & 2
- Year 12 - Units 3 & 4
At DCC
Year 11:
- VCE - normally 6 subjects plus ‘Faith and Life’ (13 units of study)
- VCE VM - normally 4 subjects plus VET and work placement day
Year 12:
- Normally 5 subjects (10 units of study)
- VCE VM - normally 4 subjects plus VET and work placement day
Most VCE students at DCC complete 22 - 24 VCE units.
Acceleration
Students may apply for acceleration into a subject beyond their actual year level. You will need to carefully consider if acceleration is for you and whether it is possible for the subject you are considering. A strong work ethic is essential for undertaking an accelerated subject.
Acceleration should be viewed as adding a bonus subject, not completing a subject early in order 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, whether or not they have accelerated.
Students considering acceleration should read the full Acceleration Policy which can be found on Schoolbox. After reading the policy and you feel that acceleration is for you, please fill in the appropriate ‘Application for Acceleration’ form which can also be found on Schoolbox.
Unscored VCE Pathway
Year 11
There is no option for an Unscored VCE Pathway at Year 11.
Unit 1 & 2 subject scores do not contribute to the ATAR, however, achievement levels are an important part of the learning progression for each student.
All students are expected to sit Year 11 exams unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The VCE Coordinator must approve students not sitting exams.
Year 12
Students may elect to complete an Unscored VCE Pathway in their Year 12 subjects (Unit 3&4).
It is important to note the following:
- The student still needs to satisfactorily meet all outcomes in each subject as specified in the study design.
- If sufficient Units are satisfactorily completed, the student will receive their VCE certificate*
- The student is still required to sit both parts of the GAT exam.
- The student will not sit the October/November exams.
- The student will not receive an ATAR.
As most university courses require an ATAR, an unscored VCE is usually not suitable for students pursuing university entrance directly from school.
Students can opt in for an Unscored VCE Pathway at anytime up to August of their Year 12 year.
Prior to choosing an unscored pathway, students must make an appointment with the Careers and Pathways Coordinator to discuss options and pathways for the future.
Regardless of the pathway selected, it is expected that all VCE students will contribute positively to the learning environment in their classes and to try their best.
95% attendance is still a requirement.
To formalise the decision, students and parents must complete the relevant form to indicate they fully understand the decision being made. This form can be obtained from the VCE Coordinator.
