The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the certificate that Victorian students receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.
The VCE is made up of a range of units or studies. A study is a subject, for example, English or Biology. It is made up of four units (Units 1, 2, 3 and 4) each of which is a semester in length.
For most students, VCE is completed over two years. Students typically study Units 1 and 2 in their first year, and Units 3 and 4 in their second year. A unit usually lasts for one semester (half a year). Units 1 and 2 are usually undertaken in Year 11 and can be completed as single units. Units 3 and 4 are normally attempted in Year 12 and must be undertaken as a two-semester sequence.
Students usually study from 20 to 24 units (five or six studies) in Years 11 and 12.
You can take longer than two years to finish VCE if you need to. Some students start VCE in Year 10 and some study Units 3 and 4 in Year 11 . Students entering Year 11 who have not completed Units 1 and 2 and wish to undertake a Units 3 and 4 sequence must complete an Fast-track application form available from the Senior School Assistant Principal. List of VCE studies that can be fast-tracked.
The College provides students and families with extensive assistance with course selection. This is to ensure that the VCE pathway developed for each student is the most appropriate program for them. The Year 11 and 12 Year Level Coordinators, the Senior School Leading Teacher and the Careers Coordinator are always available for extra advice.
You have a variety of study options in VCE through which you can pursue your interests and build your skills, across the humanities, sciences, mathematics, technology, arts and languages, as well as vocational studies.
At Mount Clear College you may choose to undertake a traditional academic VCE pathway, or a vocational VCE pathway, known as the VCE-Vocational Major.
These may also include VET (Vocational Education and Training) subjects, or studies with the Virtual School Victoria or the Victorian School of Languages.
The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a new vocational and applied learning program within the VCE.
The VCE Vocational Major will prepare you to move successfully into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university through alternative entry programs or directly into the workforce.
To achieve your VCE you must successfully complete 16 units including: three units of English study selected from the following units. They must include at least English or Foundation Units 1 or 2 and at least one Units 3 and 4 sequence:
▶ English Units 1 through to 4
▶ Foundation English Units 1 and 2
▶ Literature Units 1 through to 4
▶ A minimum of four Units 3 and 4 sequences (including your English units)
Units 1 and 2 are marked by the school; your teachers will set a range of assessments to see how you are progressing. The assessments have deadlines and you will need to plan and submit your work on time. Deadlines can only be extended in special circumstances.
There are three graded assessments for each VCE study at Unit 3 and 4 level. All VCE VET programs with scored assessment have two graded assessments.
Depending on the study, these may be School-based Assessments and/or external assessments.
External assessments are set and marked by the VCAA. They are the same for all students taking the same VCE study. Usually this will be an examination – whether written, oral, performance or in an electronic format.
Your external assessments are marked by assessors who are experts in their area of study. All VCE studies are marked to the same standard and there are multiple checks to make sure that marking is fair.
Exams are held each year in October and November. You will receive plenty of notice about the exact dates of your exams from your school.
School-based assessments are set by your teacher and include School-assessed Coursework (SAC) that is completed at school, and School-assessed Tasks (SAT) that are completed at school and home. These are marked at your school. The VCAA checks the marks to make sure that all schools in Victoria are marking to the same standard. You can read about the rules for marking/assessment on the VCAA website, or you can ask your teachers.
If you obtain at least two graded assessments and achieve an S for both Units 3 and 4 in a study in the same year, you will receive a study score. A study score is a number between 0 and 50 that indicates your ranking in terms of all students doing that study in that year.
Tertiary institutions look at the ATAR and the combinations of VCE studies students have completed before offering places.
The ATAR is calculated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) on the basis of study scores and is presented as a ranking between 0.00 and 99.95.
If you want to obtain an ATAR, you need to have at least four study scores, one of which must be from the English group.
You can find out more information about the ATAR, subject combinations and course choices through VTAC.
Each VCE Vocational Major unit of study has specified learning outcomes. Your teacher will supervise and mark your assessments and will let you know that you’ve passed the specified learning outcomes through a range of learning activities and tasks.
Unlike other VCE subjects, there are no external assessments, apart from the General Achievement Test. This means you don’t have study scores and you will not get an ATAR.
English/EAL Units 1 – 2 or Foundation English Units 1 – 2 are compulsory studies for students enrolled in the academic VCE pathway.
Our careers support is delivered by qualified Careers Practitioners and provides an accessible resource at Mount Clear College for our students and their families.
Mount Clear College prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, including pathways into universities, TAFE, apprenticeships, and employment. Students can access personalized help from subject selection to pathway options and explore a diverse range of possibilities. Our careers department stays up to date with everything from scholarship opportunities to Early Entry Programs, prerequisites for courses, and employment opportunities, including apprenticeships. We have developed close relationships with key networks and stakeholders, giving us a strong understanding of the expectations of industry.
As active members of the Ballarat Careers Education Network, we stay up to date with the latest information. Our students and families have easy access to our extensive resources, available on our College Careers website www.mountclearcollegecareers.com.au or via the Mount Clear College Careers Facebook and Instagram pages.
Students undertake learning tasks to explore their skills, strengths, and attributes and how these contribute to the world of work.
All students participate in career planning as part of the Year 9 program, covering everything from offering students the opportunity to complete a Morrisby Profile, resumes and job applications, to mock job interviews with local stakeholders and industry guest speakers from business and tertiary sectors.
Students receive one-on-one subject selection interviews, course and pathway guidance. Information sessions and the Work Experience Program in Term 3 offer students the opportunity to further investigate future pathways.
Students receive one-on-one subject selection interviews, opportunities to participate in guest presentations with further education institutions, and job seeking. Students and families can schedule a one-on-one interview to discuss pathways, including completing a Career Action Plan.
Every Year 12 student has at least one appointment with one of our qualified Careers Practitioners to develop their future pathway goals and aspirations. Students are supported with the completion of further education requirements, including VTAC and Special Access Schemes applications. Assistance with job-seeking opportunities and the application processes is available.
The VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM) is a pathway within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) aimed at students in Years 11 and 12 who are interested in taking up a traineeship, apprenticeship, TAFE studies, or employment after completing Year 12.
The VCE-VM is based on principles of applied learning that seek to relate student learning to real life experiences, including workplace, vocational study, and community settings. Students are taught skills and knowledge in the context of real-life situations, and apply what they have learnt by doing, experiencing, reflecting, and relating their acquired skills to the real world.
VCE-VM students undertake 20 units over a two-year period and will typically undertake 4 units each of the following five subjects:
A unit usually lasts for one semester (half a year). Units 1 and 2 are typically undertaken in Year 11 and can be completed as single units. Units 3 and 4 are normally attempted in Year 12 and must be undertaken as a two-semester sequence.
To be awarded a certificate, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 units, including:
Students must complete a minimum of four Unit 3-4 sequences and can include VCE units in their learning program which may count towards the calculation of an ATAR.
The VCE-VM curriculum is competency based and there are no written tests or exams. However, VCE-VM students are required to sit the Literacy and Numeracy section of the General Achievement Test (GAT) during their Year 12 studies and their score will appear on their Statement of Results.
Students seeking to enter the VCE-VM are required to have achieved 65%+ VCE approved attendance at Year 10 (as evidenced on Compass) and have completed a minimum of five days work experience. They also need to have passed a minimum of eight Year 10 units, including one English unit and one Maths unit. Students who do not meet these prerequisites may be required to enrol in the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) until they have demonstrated the capacity to cope with the demands of the VCE-VM.
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is a foundation-level course offered to students in Years 11 and 12. Unlike the VCE and VCE-VM, the VPC is not an accredited senior-level certificate. It is designed to provide a pathway to entry-level VET and employment for students with additional learning needs and/or those who have missed significant periods of schooling and are at risk of disengaging from education. It is not intended for students seeking direct entry to university courses or many professional occupations.
The VPC is based on principles of applied learning, relating student learning to real-life experiences, including workplace, vocational study, and community settings. Students are taught skills and knowledge in the context of real-life situations and are required to apply what they have learned through practical experience, reflection, and real-world application.
To be awarded a VPC certificate, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 12 units, including:
Students generally complete these units over 3-5 contact days per week and may negotiate access to regular industry-based work experience.
Students making satisfactory progress may apply to transfer into the VCE or VCE-VM, though completed VPC units cannot be credited towards a VCE or VCE-VM certificate.
The VPC curriculum is competency-based with no written tests or exams.
Students seeking admission to the VPC must demonstrate:
Alternatively, students who have not passed eight Year 10 units (including one English and one Maths unit) or do not have a VCE attendance of 65% are recommended by Mount Clear College to complete the Victorian Pathways Certificate.
VET in VCE allows students to include vocational studies within their senior secondary certificate. Students undertake nationally recognised training that contributes to their VCE. VET may contribute to VCE at the Units 1 and 2 or Units 3 and 4 level, and may also contribute to the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). VET contributes to VCE – Vocational Major through satisfying the requirements of the Industry Specific Skills or Work Related Skills strands. 180 hours of VET is a compulsory component of VCE – Vocational Major.
Mount Clear College is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). RTOs are registered to deliver quality-assured and nationally recognised training and qualifications. Mount Clear College (No. 21741) is registered under the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority.
The RTO is responsible for ensuring students are enrolled in an accredited State or nationally recognised VET course. Most courses are based on Training Packages that are nationally agreed units of competency and qualifications. Students deemed competent in all units of a training qualification will receive a nationally recognised certificate. Students deemed competent in some units will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment.
Students will be notified of any training provided by a Third Party.
As Highlands LLEN Cluster programs may clash with regular VCE and VCE-VM classes, students are required to catch up any missed work. Work placement and additional classes are a compulsory component of some VET programs and may need to be undertaken during school holidays.
Government schools no longer request payments from parents for essential learning materials for Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies. These fees are now paid by the Department of Education. This does not include any excursions associated with VET studies.
Given sufficient enrolment, the following programs may be offered internally at Mount Clear College. Students need to complete the Subject Selection Form to apply for:
Building and Construction |
Hospitality |
Music Industry (Performance) |
Given sufficient enrolment, the following are an indication of programs that may be offered at various Ballarat locations as part of the Ballarat cluster of secondary schools. Students need to apply online and attend an interview for:
Program Category | Program |
Animals | Certificate II in Animal Care |
Certificate II in Racing ‘Horse Industry Taster’ | |
Certificate III in Equine | |
Building/Construction/Electrical | Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry Stream) |
Certificate II in Engineering Studies | |
Certificate II in Furniture Making Pathways | |
Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) | |
Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) Year 11 Only | |
Certificate III Carpentry/Bricklaying/Block laying ‘Tradie Taster’ | |
Business | Certificate II in Workplace Skills (Recreational Assistant) |
Certificate II in Workplace Skills (Generalist – Term 2 start) | |
Cars, Trains and Trams | Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation |
Certificate II in Heavy and Light Rail Fundamentals | |
Certificate III in Community Services | |
Certificate II in Active Volunteering (Events Focus) | |
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care | |
Computers | Certificate III in Information Technology |
Certificate III in Screen and Media | |
Creative – Music/Dance/Fashion/Screen & Media | Certificate II in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles |
Certificate II Creative Industries | |
Certificate II in Dance (Full) and Partial Certificate III | |
Certificate III in Music – Sound Production | |
Certificate III Music (Performance) | |
Hair and Beauty | Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics |
Certificate II in Salon Assistant | |
Certificate II Hair and Beauty ‘Beauty Taster’ | |
Health | Certificate II in Health Support Services |
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance | |
Hospitality | Certificate II in Cookery |
Certificate II in Hospitality | |
Certificate II in Hospitality & Certificate II in Cookery ‘Hospo Taster’ | |
Certificate II in Cookery ‘Bakery Taster’ | |
Land – Agriculture/Horticulture/Energy | Certificate II in Agriculture |
Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management/Horticulture ‘Eco Taster’ | |
Renewable Energy ‘Energy Taster’ Year 12 Only |
CHES is a ground-breaking centre of excellence that has been established to cultivate the potential of High-Ability and high-achieving senior secondary school students. It is a direct response to the Victorian Government’s intention that all students, regardless of their starting point, are supported to realise their full potential.
Mount Clear College students can access a range of Higher Education Studies (HES) as part of their VCE program. There are two pathways available to students: Higher Education Studies (First Year University subject) and Higher Education Studies (VCE subjects).
CHES offers select VCE subjects to government school students across Victoria, including students in metropolitan, rural, regional, and remote areas and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through an innovative ‘hyflex’ approach to teaching and learning, students remain enrolled at their chosen government secondary school and undertake a VCE study through CHES, as a part of their overall VCE program. To accommodate as many eligible students as possible, these programs are available through a hybrid and flexible approach, with opportunities to study online, on-site at CHES or a combination of the two.
For further information about the subjects can be found in the CHES VCE subject handbook and website: www.ches.vic.edu.au.
Applications close for 2025 HES programs Friday 30 August 2024 11.59pm (late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis).
Higher Education Studies (HES) are first-year university subjects that are taken as part of a student’s VCE program. They constitute about 20% of a full-time first-year university course and are an advance on a VCE Unit 3 and 4 subject, or provide the opportunity to explore new areas of interest. Each HES is equivalent in duration and workload to a VCE Unit 3 and 4 sequence. The HES outlined below are offered through CHES and delivered by our university partners. Only one HES can contribute towards satisfactory completion for the award of the VCE.
Through CHES, students can apply to study a HES as part of their VCE program. Students accepted into a HES enjoy a wide range of benefits, including academic challenge from an extension subject and a contribution towards the calculation of the ATAR. Students who successfully complete a HES will have the title of the study, the year of enrolment, and the university name reported on their VCE Statement of Results.
HES can only be used as a fifth or sixth subject in the calculation of the ATAR. Depending on a student’s results, completion of the HES can contribute 3 to 5 points to the ATAR aggregate. The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) provides an ATAR increment for a HES as a fifth or sixth subject, provided that the student has:
The table below outlines the points students will receive, and the equivalent VCE study score value, for completion of a HES (accurate at time of publication). For more detailed information about how the VTAC calculates the ATAR contribution, visit www.vtac.edu.au.
Students who successfully complete the HES may be considered for a credit towards an undergraduate course at the university where the study was satisfactorily completed if the subjects can be taken as part of that course.
Where students apply to study an unrelated undergraduate course at the university that delivered the HES, or apply to study at another university, students may also be considered to receive credits, at the discretion of the university.
| Subject | University |
|---|---|
| Aboriginal Studies and Anthropology | La Trobe University |
| Accounting | La Trobe University |
| Biological Sciences | Federation University |
| Climate Change | Monash University |
| Construction Management | Deakin University |
| Disability, Diversity and Inclusion | Deakin University |
| Educating for the Future | Victoria University |
| Health Science | La Trobe University |
| History | Monash University |
| Human Biosciences | La Trobe University |
| Information Technology | Federation University |
| Introduction to Psychology | Federation University |
| Law | La Trobe University |
| Maths and Analysis | Federation University |
| Mathematics | University of Melbourne |
| Physics | University of Melbourne |
| Politics, Philosophy and Economics | La Trobe University |
| Psychology | University of Melbourne |
| Psychological Science | Deakin University |
| Public Relations | Deakin University |
| Space Industry | Swinburne University |
| Sport Management | Deakin University |
| Sustainable Development and Innovation Ecosystems | RMIT University |
Applications close for 2025 HES programs Friday, 30 August 2024
School Based Apprenticeships (SBAs) have been an option for Mount Clear College students for over five years. It is a fulltime program that integrates education, training and employment and is an opportunity for students to study at school whilst at the same time undertaking government approved and accredited training qualifications as a paid employee. The student enrols in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the Victorian Certificate in Applied Learning (VCE-VM), undertakes paid employment and completes on-and/or off-the-job training.
SBAs are suited to students who:
There are a number of options for the student:
Steps involved in the program are:
Prerequisites for Units 1 and 2
| Unit 1 and 2 Subject | Prerequisite |
| Japanese Second Language | Year 10 Japanese |
| Maths Methods | Analytical Maths |
| Specialist Maths | Analytical Maths |
| VCE-VM | At least five days work experience |
Prerequisites for Units 3 and 4
Units 3 and 4 Subjects | Prerequisite |
Chemistry | Chemistry Unit 2 |
General Maths | General Maths 1&2/ Maths Methods 1&2 |
Japanese Second Language | Japanese Second Language 1&2 |
Literature | Literature Unit 2 |
Maths Methods | Maths Methods 1&2 |
Music Contemporary Performance | Music 1&2 |
Physics | Physics 1&2 |
Specialist Maths | Specialist Maths 1&2 |
