The topic of VCE subjects causes anxiety among most parents and students. However, it’s a subject that you can only postpone for too long. At some point, you have to sink your feet into it and figure out the VCE subjects your child will take in Year 12.
This unique journey starts at Year 10 for students in Victoria who want to take steps to lock in their future education aspirations. This is the time they choose their VCE subjects for Years 11 and 12. In order not to put undue pressure on students, the VCE subjects determine a student’s preferred career. This makes understanding the number and subjects you pick for VCE crucial.
What is VCE?
VCE stands for Victorian Certificate of Education. It is the main senior secondary school certificate in the state of Victoria. Victorian students typically take the VCE in Year 11 and Year 12. Most students can complete their VCE in two years, but it is possible to take longer if required. Some schools offer students the opportunity to begin with some of their VCE units in Year 10 in what is called accelerating.
The general idea behind VCE is that it recognises a student’s successful completion of secondary education in Victoria. The VCE is considered the beginning of the pathway to tertiary education and employment, so it’s equally important.
How Does VCE Work?
VCE is not as complicated as it sounds once you understand how it works. It consists of four units (1-4), which are pursued over two years. In Year 11, you take Units 1 and 2, and in Year 12, you take Units 3 and 4. However, the subjects can also be taken as accelerated courses of study. In this case, the students may undertake Units 1 and 2 of a subject in Year 10 and Units 3 and 4 of a subject in Year 11.
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This is the most common form of acceleration, but some schools also allow units to be taken even earlier in the school year. In some cases, it is possible to undertake Units 3 and 4 of a subject without having completed Units 1 and 2.
Basically, VCE is structured around a study design that details all the content to be learned by the students. The content is broken down into key Areas of Study and tested on the Outcomes, with the results indicated as ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Not’ for Units 1 and 2 and School Assessed Coursework (SACs) that are graded as A+ to UG (Ungraded) in Units 3 and 4, as well as the final VCE exams at the end of all four units.
The final exams test only learning from Units 3 and 4. However, content from Units 1 and 2 is assumed knowledge and, therefore, necessary to complete the exams. At the end of the process, students receive a study score for each unit 3 and 4 subject undertaken, as well as an overall ATAR. The SAC score and the ATAR form the student’s final mark and are ranked against the performance of other students.
ATAR Vs. Study Score: Why Are There Two Marks?
Understanding the VCE ranking system can be confusing because of the marks. The first is the ATAR, which is the national ranking. Every year, Year 12 students receive an ATAR, which is given out in 0.05 increments from 0.05 to 99.95.
There’s a common misconception about the ATAR. It is not a percentage grade of how well a student has performed during exams. But rather a ranking. An ATAR of 85.50 does not mean a student scored 85.5% on their final exam, but rather that they are top 14.5% of the country. An ATAR score of 99.95 is in the top 0.05% of the country. This is also why it is impossible to score a 100 ATAR. That would require me to be at the top, 0%which doesn’t make any sense.
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On the other hand, the Study Score is an internal mark only given to VCE students. Students in other states receive other internal marks based on their internal systems. A student’s study score is then used to calculate their ATAR so they can be compared nationally on an even scale.
How Many VCE Subjects Do You Have to Do?
To achieve a VCE, a student must complete a minimum of 16 units. Students have their pick out of a plethora of subjects, for the 4 subjects they would like to pick. The most important thing to note is that the student must pick at least one English study.
Also, it is completely up to the student, but some students choose to take on more subjects because there is no limit on the number of studies that a student can complete. However, only the student’s best six scores, including their best scaled English subject score, count towards their VCE and ATAR.
VCE Subjects – Key Learning Areas
VCE offers over 90 subjects across nine ‘Key learning Areas’. These Key Learning Areas Include the following:
- English
- Languages (other than English)
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- The Arts
- Technology
- Humanities
- Health and Physical Education
- Business Studies
Subject Choices Include the following
- 4 English subjects
- 5 science subjects
- 5 mathematics
- 10 arts (3 music, 3 performing arts and 3 visual arts)
- 5 technology subjects
- 17 humanities subjects (including 8 history and 3 politics subjects
- 5 business subjects
- Over 40 language subjects other than English
- 3 health and physical education subjects
What are the First Steps Towards Choosing VCE Subjects?
With a substantial number of subjects to choose from, it can be difficult to select the right subject. But there are a number of factors you should consider that could help make the task of choosing the right subject easier. Understandably, most students don’t have a fixed idea of which career they may pursue, but several questions can help point you in the right direction.
What are You Passionate or Curious About?
As with anyone, you will be eager to learn some subjects over others. You should list the subjects that ignite your passion and curiosity. Once the list is completed, find links between those subjects to see if any of them sit within the same VCE Key Learning Areas. If so, you should consider exploring other subjects within the same learning areas.
What Subjects Have You Always Scored High In?
If you find it difficult to highlight subjects that interest you, the next best step is to consider the subjects that you have always performed well in. You can use these subjects as a starting point that will help you explore other VCE options available to you.
What Do You Wish to Study at University?
If you have an idea of what they wish to study at university, you can research the entry requirements, specifically the VCE subjects that must be completed successfully, and pick those ones.
How Does VCE Link to Tertiary Education Options?
Your VCE subject choices are vitally important when applying for your desired university degree. This is the link between VCE and tertiary education.
If tertiary education is an option down the line, you should take time to consider the potential degree or university course options that make sense for Year 10 students. You should at least have a general idea that will serve them well when deciding upon VCE subject choices.
Closing Remarks
Understanding VCE, subject selection, and the scoring system is crucial to ensure the learner makes the most out of their Year 12. Simply put, in Year 12, you may have up to 8 VCE subjects to take in units 3 and 4.
