St Mary MacKillop College Newsletter

VCE INFORMATION

MR NATHAN LANE 

Earlier in the year we held an informative evening to support our students completing VCE and VCAL. At the start of the new term I thought I would provide some further information on the VCE policies and procedures.

What is a Study Design?

  • Each subject at VCE level has a Study Design. The study designs for each subject are produced by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). They detail the areas of study, key knowledge and skills students are required to demonstrate an understanding of in order to achieve a satisfactory result for each unit.
  • Study designs are available from the VCAA website, and our VCE teachers refer to them frequently in their classes.
  • The external examination for Unit 3/4 (Year 12) is constructed using the key knowledge and skills outlined in the Study Design.
  • Students should make sure they understand the key knowledge and skills from the Study Design before the end of year examinations.

Examinations

  • The end of year Unit 3/4 (Year 12) exam is externally set and assessed by the VCAA. Every student taking the same Unit 3/4 subject will complete the same exam at the same time. Languages, Music, Dance and Drama also have a performance exam, along with a written exam.
  • The external examinations are marked by assessors who are experts in their area of study. All VCE studies are marked to the same standard and there are multiple checks to make sure marking is fair and consistent.

Past Exams and Reports

  • Past VCE and VCE VET examination reports are a great tool for students to use when they are preparing for their Unit 3/4 external examinations. By completing past examination papers, students are able to familiarise themselves with the format of the exam, the time required to complete each section, practise applying their knowledge and skills, and understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
  • All past examinations on the VCAA website are accompanied by an examination report. This report contains useful information and advice based on the previous performance of students in the study. The reports usually contain sample answers to questions from the written examination. It is highly recommended students read these reports as they prepare for their exams.
  • Further information can be found on the VCAA website at: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/HomePage.aspx

 

A guide to support parents of VCE/VCAL students is available on PAM.

 

We wish our VCE and VCAL students all the very best for their studies this year.