1. WHAT IS THE VCE? Victorian Certificate of Education -A certificate which recognizes the successful completion of your secondary education. - Usually undertaken in Years 11 & 12 -Highly regarded qualification. -A valuable pathway to further study at University, TAFE and the world of work. -Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) is responsible for VCE delivery in Victoria.

2. STUDIES AND UNITS  A VCE program is the set of subjects, or studies, undertaken.  Studies usually consist of 4 semester length units: -Units 1 & 2 – Year 11 level: May be taken as single units. -Units 3 & 4 – Year 12 level: Must be taken as a sequence.

3. STUDIES AND UNITS  A VCE program is the set of subjects, or studies, undertaken.

4. CAE  Time to refer to the pamphlet.  VCE in the city.

5. TYPICAL SECONDARY COLLEGE  Year 11 - Twelve units  Year 12 – Ten units  Must include: -English 4 units from English 1 – 4 (or ESL) -Foundation English 1 & 2 -Literature 1 – 4 -English Language 1 – 4  3 sequences of Level 3 & 4 studies, in addition to English  There are no prerequisites for Year 11 subjects.

6. ASSESSMENT To pass a unit (Units 1 – 4):  Learning outcomes are set by VCAA.  Students must demonstrate achievements of outcomes.  School decision -> Reported to VCAA.  “S” satisfactory “N” not satisfactory.  Need at least 16 “S” results over 2 years, including 8 from year 12.

7. GRADED ASSESSMENT Units 1 & 2:  Assessment tasks are set by the school (SACs).  Grades are usually reported on school reports which are issued at the end of each semester. Units 3 & 4:  Usually 2 per outcome graded assessments per study.  Some SACs are set by the school and marks are forwarded to VCAA.  All studies have 1 or 2 external examinations. These are set and assessed by VCAA.

8. WHERE CAN THE VCE TAKE ME?  For each subject at Year 12, a study score is calculated.  Your ATAR* is developed using your study scores.  The ATAR is used as a primary source of selection in approximately 50% of courses.  Other course selection authorities use a variety of criteria that may include the ATAR.

9. VCAL  An alternative to the VCE.  Combines literacy and numeracy with personal development, work related skills and industry specific skills.  Time to refer to the handout, “VCAL in the city”.

10. IS YEAR 11 ANY DIFFERENT TO YEAR 10 Differences:  Strict adherence to policies  VCAA invests responsibility in schools  Due dates  Attendance policy  SACs and work requirements