Years 11 & 12

The Senior Years can set the direction for future studies and occupations, so it is important that students develop an understanding of their own learning style, academic strengths and personal interests. Then, with support from parents, teachers and the Careers Counsellor, students can pursue the program that can take them toward their dream destination.

Students in Year 11 select 13 semester-length units, with the possibility of including an accelerated Year 12 study.

Year 12 students select 11 units (five 3/4 sequences plus Religious Education). This may also include University studies through the VCAA’s Higher Education Studies Program.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

To obtain the VCE students must satisfactorily complete the following Units of Study:

• two Units of English
• English Units can be from English, English Literature, English Language  or English as an Additional Language.
• two Units must be a Unit 3/4 sequence
• three sequences of Units 3/4 in studies other than English, two of which may be a VET Study.

Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major (VCE-VM)

While the VCE is a good option for students who would like to go on to further education at university, there are alternative pathways. The VCE-VM is a vocational and applied learning senior secondary qualification within the VCE. It gives students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths and interests and develop the skills and capabilities to succeed in further education, work and life.

To obtain the VCE-VM students must satisfactorily complete the following Units of Study:

• three Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3 and 4 sequence).
• two Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units.
• two Work Related Skills units.
• two Personal Developmental Skills units.
• two VET Credits at Certificate II level or above (minimum 180 hours).
• a minimum of four Unit 3/4 sequences which can include the units listed above as well as any VCE units.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET provides an opportunity for schools, training institutes and industry to work together in preparing students for employment and further training.
Mater Christi College offers VET courses that contribute to satisfactory completion of the VCE, VCE-VM and provide a VET credential that is recognised nationally. Some VET programs offer VCE Units 3 & 4 status and can be included in the calculation of the ATAR. Details of this should be confirmed with the College’s VET Learning Leader or Careers Counsellor.

School-based Apprenticeships or Traineeships

School-based Apprenticeships or Traineeships also provide vocational options that contribute to the VCE. Students can be in paid work and engaged in a training contract. This program would then include:

• VCE/VCE-VM studies at school
• vocational training at a Registered Training Organisation, e.g. a TAFE institute
• part-time, paid work and training in industry.