In the Senior Years the focus is on both academic achievement and realising their goals and aspirations.

Year 10 – ‘A Time to Choose’

Students complete core and a range of choice subjects within the curriculum at Year 10 in line with their interests and future aspirations. Students may also opt to undertake a VCE study in Year 10 pending results are at the expected level. Students are encouraged to begin considering the pathway they will follow through Years 11 and 12 (see VCE and VCAL handbooks) and the potential to go onto higher education, further studies or employment. These choices are supported through the Work Experience program where students engage in the workforce for a week long period.

Year 11 & 12

The programs offered at Years 11 and 12 allow all students the opportunity to develop to their full potential in VCAL or VCE.

This involves the completion of the Victorian Certificate of learning (VCE) or Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), including Vocational Education and Training (VET) and guiding students to choose appropriate pathways to support their future once they leave school

Year 11 — ‘A Time to Specialise’

Year 11 VCE students select six subjects including English or Literature. Subjects should be selected based on interests, chosen educational or employment pathways, ability and academic results. VCE students also required to complete formal examinations at mid-year and the end of the year. VCAL students must meet the individual requirements of their subjects and complete a vocational component within their course. This includes a VET subject.

Year 12 — ‘A Time to Excel’

Year 12 students are challenged to build on their previous year’s achievements through their academic achievements and commitment to learning. The Senior Study Centre is an ideal environment in which our Year 12 students can work productively and seek assistance from their teachers.

VCE Subjects

The subjects offered in VCE are extensive and aim to prepare students for pathways available at the tertiary level, at TAFE and the workforce.

To obtain a VCE, students select a program over two years that satisfies the requirements of the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA).

There is provision for students to take longer to complete their studies and to change direction during that time.

Students need to choose a meaningful course of study which will provide pathways into further study and employment.

VCAL and VET Options

VCAL is a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12. The VCAL gives students practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. Like the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCAL is an accredited secondary certificate.

Students should consider the following guidelines and factors when choosing a VCE/VCAL program and subjects.

  1. Career intentions. Studies should be appropriate for the career a student intends to follow.
  2. Future options. In choosing a VCE course, students should endeavour to keep career and further study options as open as possible. Consider two or three possible VCE courses rather than just one.
  3. Prerequisite subjects for tertiary courses. Many courses at Universities and TAFEs have prerequisite studies. Students should research the prerequisites for courses they are interested in. Prerequisites are compulsory to gain entry into those courses.
  4. Interests and abilities. It is important that a student chooses studies which interest them and in which they can achieve. Students who choose unwisely and are unable to cope with a study may lose confidence and find themselves struggling in other studies as well.
  5. Achieving a balance. It is important to maintain a balance between career interests and the value of education in its own right. Students should attempt to balance their emotional, intellectual, physical and artistic needs when choosing their subjects.

 Learning support

To assist Year 10-12 students with their learning and development the following additional programs are offered to the students:

  1. MIPs- designed to assist students to develop an individual pathways plan and to make informed decisions about effective transitions between education, training and employment. Students are offered assistance with subject selection, course information, vocational pathway planning, resume writing, job applications, employment information and  VTAC applications.
  2. Elevate Education- educational seminars run by an external agency that provides practical and proven educational study skills to best equip the students to improve their study habits and techniques.
  3. Peer Support- Year 11 students receive training and guidance to assist the Year 7 students in developing key skills in resilience, assertiveness, decision making, problem solving and leadership.
  4. Year 12 Study Camp – Run over the first three days of the academic school year for all Year 12 students, The camp is an opportunity for students to engage directly with their teachers, and external presenters, partake in team building exercises, wellbeing and motivational sessions that set them up for success.

Students should discuss their subject selections with a wide range of interested people – parents, subject teachers, Home Group teachers, careers staff and Sub School Leaders/Student Managers.

At all times parents are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s education. If students or parents do have any concerns, then they are advised to ring to school and discuss any issues with the relevant Student Managers/ Sub School Leader.

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