Written by
Ava Akbarian
From 2023, changes to Victorian senior study mean students can pursue any style of learning under one VCE.
The VCE in Victoria allows students taking different pathways to be recognised equally.
VCE is the Victorian Certificate of Education.
This is undertaken by most students in Victoria to demonstrate that they have completed secondary education.
Under the new changes, the VCE is often used to study at university, TAFE or another VET provider.
Students will have a choice between:
This is appropriate for students interested in attending university straight away via an ATAR pathway.
The VCE Vocational Major is an option within the VCE. It is a 2 year vocational and applied learning program
The VCE Vocational Major provides a pathway for students interested in practical experience.
This is an appropriate option for students interested in entering:
Apprenticeships
Traineeships
Further education and training
University through college or other alternative entry pathways (non-ATAR)
Employment
The VCE Vocational Major consists of a minimum 16 units.
In addition to Literacy/English and Numeracy/Mathematics units students will need to complete:
2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units;
2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units;
2 VET credits at Certificate II or above; and
3 other VCE studies or VET studies at a year 12 level.
Once your child has completed the VCE Vocational Major they will receive a Victorian Certificate of Education with the additional words ‘Vocational Major’.
They will finish school with their ‘Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major’.
The VPC is also a new and flexible certificate.
It is a pathways certificate appropriate for students who wish to progress to the VCE Vocational Major, TAFE, VET or employment.
This may include students with additional needs or who have missed a lot of schooling.
For example, if your child has not completed year 10 English they could instead complete the VPC unit equivalent (Unit 1 Literacy).
The requirements of the VPC include:
A minimum of 12 units including VPC Numeracy, Literacy, Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills;
VCE and VCE Vocational Major units or VET units; and
Structured workplace learning.
According to the Victorian Department of Education, VPC study choices are going to increase over the coming years.
The VPC is usually completed across years 11 and 12. However, students may choose to study at their own pace and begin earlier or finish later.
Students can complete the VPC over a period longer than the standard 2 years.
The Victorian Department of Education recommends families to discuss the suitability of this option with their child’s school.
Students can incorporate VET subjects in either the VCE or VCE Vocational Education.
Many VCE students complete one or more VET subjects to gain practical skills in an area they are interested in.
If your child chooses to do a VET subject, this will contribute to their VCE program.
For example, your child may choose to do 5 VCE subjects and 1 VCE VET subject and they will still receive a VCE and enter university straight away.
Counts towards ATAR and completion of the VCE
Students have the opportunity to undergo school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (including potentially paid positions)
Gaining hands-on or practical experience in a particular industry
Exploring a potential career or passion
Studying a subject you are interested in learning more about
Many independent schools offer extra support for senior Year 11 and 12 students.
Xavier College has a unique program to support their senior students undergoing the VCE in Victoria.
At Xavier College, our Magis Scholars program sees our recent, high achieving graduates along with recently graduated teachers come back each night to support our VCE students in our College Library with tutoring, coaching and academic skill development. Open until 8pm each night, with dinner available, our library is a place full of collaborative and personal study for our VCE students working in an inspiring, supportive environment Michael Ilott, Director of Senior Campus
At Xavier College, our Magis Scholars program sees our recent, high achieving graduates along with recently graduated teachers come back each night to support our VCE students in our College Library with tutoring, coaching and academic skill development. Open until 8pm each night, with dinner available, our library is a place full of collaborative and personal study for our VCE students working in an inspiring, supportive environment
Michael Ilott, Director of Senior Campus
Choosing a school for your child can be difficult, if you wish to receive further information please see Choosing a School NSW 37 or Choosing a School VIC 34.
About
Ava works as a Digital Writer for School Choice Magazine as well as a a contributor to the annual ‘Choosing a School Magazine’.