VCE
The VCE is a senior secondary certificate that provides pathways to tertiary education, advanced certificate courses and the workforce. It is a world-class credential that enables students to study a broad range of subjects. It is recognised nationally and internationally. At Somerville Secondary College we encourage all our students considering a VCE Pathway to begin their VCE in Year 10 by choosing one VCE subject.
How is the VCE structured?
- The VCE course is made up of studies and units, some of which must be studied as a sequence.
- A study is a subject, for example, English or Biology. It is made up of four units (Units 1, 2, 3 and 4), each of which is a semester in length.
- For most students, the VCE is completed over two years. Students typically study Units 1 and 2 in their first year, and Units 3 and 4 in their second year of the VCE.
The rules for obtaining your VCE
To achieve your VCE you must successfully complete 16 units, including:
- three units from the English group, two of which must be a Unit 3 and 4 sequence.
- at least three sequences of Unit 3 and 4 studies, which can include further sequences from the English group.
While it may be possible to vary the number of units you can enrol in, a typical VCE program at Somerville Secondary College is made up of 22 units which are completed over two or 3 years. Generally twelve units at the unit 1/2 level and ten units at 3/4 level would constitute the normal full time program for most students.
Sample VCE and VET Programs
| Example Student A | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
After finishing school, this student wishes to complete an Arts Degree. They know they will need to get an ATAR to gain entry into a course. They choose the subjects they are best at to help them to achieve these results. As a result of having undertaken a Unit 1 & 2 subject in Year 10, they may complete the Unit 3 & 4 sequence in Year 11. |
Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 |
| Core Subjects | English 1 & 2 | English 3 & 4 | |
| 20th Century History 1 & 2 | Revolutions 3 & 4 | ||
| Legal Studies 1 & 2 | Legal Studies 3 & 4 | ||
| Indonesian 1 & 2 | Indonesian 3 & 4 | ||
| Studio Arts 1 & 2 | Studio Arts 3 & 4 | Total of 22 Units | |
| Example Student A | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
After finishing school, this student wishes to complete a TAFE course in Health Services. They may not need an ATAR score, but choose subjects that they have enjoyed the most and will provide them with the prerequisites for entering either of the professions they are interested in. |
Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 |
| Core Subjects | English 1 & 2 | English 3 & 4 | |
| Psychology 1 & 2 | Psychology 3 & 4 | ||
| Biology 1 & 2 | Biology 3 & 4 | ||
| Health & HD 1 & 2 | Health & HD 3 & 4 | ||
| VET Health Services |
VET Health Services Total Units 20 |
||
Electives
- All
- Mathematics
- English
- Humanities
- Science
- LOTE
- The Arts
- The Technologies
- Health and PE
Biology
The study of Biology focuses on living things from complex multi-cellular to single celled micro-organisms. Students study the relationships between living things, their interactions with ...
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Business Management
In studying VCE Business Management, students develop knowledge and skills that enhance their confidenceand ability to participate effectively as socially responsible and ethical members, managers ...
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Chemistry
Chemistry is a key science in understanding the workings of our universe. It is used to explain natural phenomena at the molecular level as well ...
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English
The study of English enables students to extend their English language skills through thinking, listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing. Students develop their ability to ...
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General Mathematics
The areas of study for Unit 1 and 2 of General Mathematics are ‘Data Analysis’, ‘Graphs of Linear and Non-Linear Relations’, ‘Arithmetic and Number’, ‘Decision ...
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Health & Human Development
VCE Health and Human Development takes a broad and multidimensional approach to defining and understanding health and wellbeing. Through the study of VCE Health and ...
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Legal Studies
Legal Studies provides students with an analytical evaluation of the processes of law making and the methods of dispute resolution. Students are able to develop ...
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Mathematical Methods
Mathematical Methods CAS provides students with a range of mathematical techniques that are commonly used in analytical and problem solving situations. Students are exposed to ...
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Physics
Physics is a theoretical and empirical Science, which contributes to our understanding of the physical universe from the minute building blocks of matter to the ...
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