St Peter’s College VCE or VCAL Which is right for me? Chris Denny East Campus

Futures Expo Prayer Prayer for Futures Expo Lord God, you are the Supreme Teacher who enlightens our minds with truth. As we think and pray about our future let us remember that we are called to echo your Word and to sow truth and justice. We give you thanks for your care for us and for your many gifts, and we pray that you will continue to direct us as we journey through life. Lord bless our deliberations and discussions today and may the time we spend be fruitful and pleasing to you. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen

Pathways It is important to identify some sort of pathway for a student as early as possible This means that a student has some idea of whether they would like a skills based or professional career. Selection of subjects in Year 10 may be critical to this pathway. Students and Parents need to take advantage of all offers of counselling and advice and do lots of research.

Opportunities for Advice tions 2015 Year 10 subject interviews. Talk with a staff member about a student’s subject selection and what would be the best choices. Visit Universities and TAFEs during open days. These begin early August and Ms Melissa Dillon or Ms Robyn Cardamone will have published a list of open days for Talk with Learning Advisors, Subject Teachers, House and Curriculum Leaders, Ms Dillon or with Ms Cardamone to ensure that you have made the best choices.

Choice of Passion and Skill Students need to identify their strengths, the things they like doing or the things they are passionate about. Students should choose a pathway in which they: – Achieve consistently good results. – Enjoy studying. – Have a real interest or passion.

Get the right information

Overview of VCE and VCAL VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) Literacy & Numeracy, Industry Specific Skills, Work Related Skills, Personal Development Skills Senior School Certificates VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) Usually units many different studies available Vocational Education & Training VCE VET Program School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Other VET Certificates

What is VCAL

VCAL stands for the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning. VCAL provides a pathway for those who are heading towards a skills based career such as apprenticeships, traineeships, direct employment or further study at TAFE. It does not provide a student with an ATAR. It is a 2 year course and is assessed through course work.

What does VCAL involve? Through studying VCAL a student will: – Complete school based studies at the college. – Complete a certificate course through a VET study. – Engage in workplace experience one day in every week of the school year. – VCAL requires students to be organised and be self starters. – You will need to demonstrate initiative and consistency to succeed in this study.

Further Study in TAFE after VCAL Courses offered in TAFE may offer: – Certificate Courses. – Diploma and Advanced Diploma Courses. – Undergraduate Degree Courses. These courses may cover some of the traditional Trade areas as well as Health, Digital Technology, Engineering as well as providing alternative pathways to other tertiary qualifications.

What is VCE

VCE stands for Victorian Certificate of Education and is the academic arm of senior secondary school study. It will prepare you for a professional career. It will provide you with an ATAR for applications to University and Tertiary courses. It is assessed through work in the classroom and exams at the end of the year.

What is VCE A study in VCE will require a student to undertake a two year course of subjects achieving the minimum of 16 satisfactory units from at least successful completion of 4 unit3/4 subject sequences, as well as 8 unit1/2 sequences, including 3 units of English. (only 3 units of English will compromise an ATAR) Students usually study 11 units at year 11 and 11 units at year 12 including Religious Education.

What is VCE at year 11 Students may study a variety of combinations on units at VCE at year 11. RERE English Unit 1 Alternative Unit 3 & 4 units or Vet course instead of a unit 1 and 2 subject sequence English Unit 2 Unit 2 Unit 2 Unit 2 Unit 2

What is VCE at year 12 Students may study some combinations on units at VCE at year 12. RERE English Unit 3 Unit 3 Unit 3 Unit 3 Unit 3 Alternative Vet course instead of a unit 3 & 4 subject sequence English Unit 4 Unit 4 Unit 4 Unit 4 Unit 4

Questions to Ask When a student decides on a pathway he or she needs to find out the following: Are there any prerequisite subjects? Does the study require an ATAR and what is it? Where is it offered? How can I find out more about it?

What is an ATAR? An ATAR is a score derived from the study scores of any Unit 3&4 subjects you complete. It is calculated by adding together – English study score and – The next three best study scores and – 10% of any fifth and sixth study scores a student has achieved and/or – Block credit for VET subjects, which is calculated as the average of the best four study scores and then 10% of this is added into the ATAR.

Enhancement of the ATAR To maximise your ATAR score, consider beginning a VCE enhancement study sequence or a VET subject that offers a scored assessment or a block credit at year 10. On completing this enhancement study, as a unit 3&4 sequence at year 11, and then five unit 3&4 sequences at year 12, a student will have six scores to contribute to the ATAR. This means that students may increase their ATAR by – Completing 6 Unit 3&4 subjects – Completing 5 Unit 3& 4 subjects and a scored VET study – Completing 5 Unit 3&4 subjects and a block credit from a suitable VET study.

Plan of Attack Our new timetable structure is built so that a student can develop deep understandings because of the depth of study. Plan to include the prerequisite subjects in your study. Do not necessarily add similar subjects to your area of study unless your have a real interest in them. For example, a preparation study for medicine may include Chemistry and Mathematical Methods as prerequisite subjects and then be accompanied by perhaps Art, Humanities, Science or Technology subjects that may particularly interest the student. VCE is a numbers game.

Achieving your Goal Set up a study plan for your subjects Seek help from your teachers with any work that is not understood. Revise your work regularly. Form study groups to assist your understanding and motivation. Complete as many practise exams as possible. Organise time for yourself to relax and socialise.