At Year 10 students develop more ownership over their subject choices, participating in a personalised combination of core and elective subjects aligned to the Victorian Curriculum F-10. Each subject entails four hours of class time per week.
As in other years, they also participate in the College Connect program which supports holistic learning such as wellbeing, school pride and connectedness, as well as study skills and pathways support.
In order to fulfil the requirements of the Victorian Curriculum and the Department of Education, all Year 10 students complete the following core subjects:
They also elect seven, semester-long elective subjects based upon their interests and possible future pathways, in alignment with the Victorian requirements across all of the learning areas. This includes at least one elective from Science, Health & Physical Education, Visual & Performing Arts and Technologies areas.
Students who are keen to focus on getting work ready in Year 10 and are looking to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship in the near future can apply for the Year 10 Exploring Vocational Pathways (EVP) program. Please scroll down to the blue section and click on the EVP button for more information.
MCC’s Year 10 subjects represent a sound grounding for further study in each learning area. A very small number of subjects require students to have undertaken previous study and where this is the case, it has been clearly indicated in the course description.
Students will receive individual course selection advice and will have their programs checked for suitability as part of the course selection process.
Students are encouraged to consider undertaking a VCE subject in Year 10.
Students who are strongly committed to a vocational pathway such as an apprenticeship or traineeship, should consider applying for the Exploring Vocational Pathways program as a specialisation.
Students will be asked to nominate two extra preferences in the case that:
English – Foundation
English – Core
English – English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English – Advanced
English is the subject that the majority of Year 10 students undertake in preparation for VCE English. Foundation English is aimed at students who are wanting to further develop and apply key skills in preparation for a vocational pathway or everyday applied literacy. It leads into VCE-VM or VCE Foundation English.
Students have the opportunity to indicate their preferred core English subject. Their preference should be based upon their Year 9 English experience and capabilities in English. Their teachers will also input into which subject/s will best suit them.
Students may also select this activity as an elective
Depending on the English you are undertaking this year, you should select the VCE English subject/s that best suit your potential future pathways. See the individual subject pages for further details.
From 2026, students will be placed into Mathematics classes that best match their learning needs and future pathway plans. In Year 10, Mathematics will be organised into four pathways to ensure every student builds the right skills for further study, work and life. Students will not need to select their Mathematics subject — it will be prefilled on their subject selection forms based on their learning progress and future goals.
The Year 10 Mathematics pathways are:
Methods/Specialist Pathway
This course provides a strong foundation in algebra, functions and problem-solving, preparing students for VCE Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics. Students will develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed for advanced mathematics, which supports pathways into science, engineering, IT, commerce and other mathematics-rich fields. This pathway includes the algebraic, graphical and numerical techniques necessary for senior study.
Students placed in this pathway will build a skillset aligned with prerequisites for many tertiary STEM and commerce degrees.
General Mathematics
This pathway gives students a broad understanding of applied mathematics, including statistics, financial modelling, data analysis, measurement and networks. It prepares students for VCE General Mathematics and supports pathways in business, health sciences, humanities, and vocational education.
Students will learn to use mathematics to solve real-world problems and develop skills applicable across many industries.
Foundation Mathematics
Designed with a focus on everyday mathematics and practical application, this course builds confidence in core areas such as numeracy for personal finance, measurement, and basic data interpretation. It prepares students for VCE Foundation Mathematics or the numeracy requirements of the VCE Vocational Major (VM).
This pathway is suited to students wanting to strengthen essential skills for life, work and further training.
Vocational Pathways Mathematics
This course provides a highly practical and hands-on mathematics program. It focuses on numeracy for work, financial literacy, measurement, and problem-solving in real-world contexts, preparing students for VPC Numeracy or the VCE Vocational Major.
Students will engage with mathematics needed for employment, apprenticeships, or everyday living.
How Students Are Placed
Teachers, in collaboration with student learning data and pathway intentions, will place students in the pathway that best suits their needs and future goals. Students and families can expect their subject selection forms to be prefilled accordingly. For any questions about pathways, please speak with the Mathematics Learning Area.
VCE Mathematics Pathways
As students move into VCE, they will continue in a Mathematics pathway that aligns with their Year 10 program. For example:
Further advice is available from the Careers Coordinator regarding Mathematics prerequisites for university and TAFE courses.
Accelerated studies at Year 10
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.
Exploring Vocational Pathways (EVP) is a select-entry program for students in Year 10 who are particularly keen to investigate vocational pathways that could lead to an apprenticeship or further Vocational Education and Training (VET). It is an ideal pathway for entry to the VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM) at Years 11 and 12. (NB: VCE-VM students undertake a vocational specialisation by completing a Certificate II or III VET course or a School Based Apprenticeship (SBA) or Traineeship in their chosen industry area, including regular Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) in an industry setting. Please refer to the VCE course pages for further information.)
Students who participate in the EVP at Year 10 will complete a modified program of core and elective academic subjects that allow them to actively explore the world of work and vocational training. This includes regular opportunities to complete VET tasters and selected short courses, as well as attending careers fairs and participating in industry visits. Students will also be expected to complete between 5 and 10 days of industry-based work experience each term.
The EVP program is designed to provide greater flexibility for students to explore their vocational interests. EVP students are required to complete an English and Maths subject, at least one HAPE elective, three further electives and a mentor class. However, they are not required to complete a Humanities or Science elective and can instead select electives from the wide range of Technology, Arts or HAPE subject offerings. The EVP is highly flexible allowing students to choose a specialisation or to explore more than one pathway. For example, some students may choose Technology electives for the entire year while others might select a combination of Arts and HAPE electives.
The EVP is an ideal pathway for entry to the VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM) at Years 11 and 12. EVP students will complete a modified program of core and elective academic subjects that allows them to actively explore the world of work and vocational training. This includes regular opportunities to complete industry-based work experience. Please note that core EVP subjects include the Certificate II in Workplace Skills. Students are also expected to enrol in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificate or one of following Vocational Education and Training (VET) Taster offerings:
· Bakery and Cookery Taster
· Ecosystem Taster
· Hair & Beauty Taster
· Horse Industry Taster
· Hospitality and Cookery Taster
· Renewable Energy Taster
· Tradie Taster
Certificate II in Workplace Skills
The Certificate II in Workplace Skills is aimed at developing students’ foundational abilities into essential career preparation for the modern business environment. This entry level qualification equips learners with practical procedural, administrative, and technological competencies supporting pathways into the workforce and further training. Units of competency include:
· Planning and preparation
· Prioritisation and time management
· Teamwork and workplace etiquette
· Effective work habits
· Common digital technologies
· Common business applications
· Safe and sustainable work practices
· Communication skills
· Teamwork and workplace etiquette
Critical thinking and basic problem solving
Foundation English and Foundation Maths incorporate principles of ‘applied learning’ that seek to relate skills and knowledge to real life experiences, including the workplace, vocational training and civic participation. Students will be taught skills and knowledge in the context of real-life situations, and how to apply what they have learned in the real world, as well as some academic aspects of the Victorian Curriculum.
| Courses |
|---|
| Arts |
| 2D Art |
| 3D Art |
| Dance |
| Digital Art |
| Media |
| Music |
| HAPE |
| Mountain Biking |
| Technology |
| Digital Technologies – Creating Design Solutions |
| Electronic Systems |
| From Shabby to Chic |
| Food – Baking with Flair |
| Food for Enjoyment |
| Furniture Studies |
| Product Design – Wood |
| Internal VET courses (run at Mount Clear College) |
| Certificate II in Building and Construction (Partial) |
| Certificate II in Hospitality |
| Certificate II in Music Industry (Performance) |
| External VET courses (run off campus in Ballarat) |
| Active Volunteering |
| Agriculture |
| Allied Health Assistance |
| Animal Care |
| Applied Fashion Design and Technology |
| Automotive Vocational Preparation |
| Building and Construction |
| Business (Customer Engagement) |
| Business (Marketing Focus) |
| Business (Medical Administration) |
| Community Services |
| Construction Pathways |
| Dance |
| Early Childhood Education and Care |
| Electrotechnology |
| Enabling Technologies |
| Engineering |
| Engineering Studies |
| Equine Studies |
| Furniture Making Pathways |
| Health Support Services |
| Hospitality |
| Hospitality (Cookery) |
| Information Technology |
| Music Industry (Performance) |
| Music Industry (Sound Production) |
| Outdoor Recreation |
| Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) |
| Rail and Light Rail Fundamentals |
| Retail Cosmetics |
| Salon Assistant |
| Screen and Media |
| Workplace Skills |
| Courses |
|---|
| Arts |
| 2D Art |
| 3D Art |
| Dance |
| Digital Art |
| Media |
| Music |
| HAPE |
| Mountain Biking |
| Technology |
| Digital Technologies – Creating Design Solutions |
| Electronic Systems |
| From Shabby to Chic |
| Food – Baking with Flair |
| Food for Enjoyment |
| Furniture Studies |
| Product Design – Wood |
| Internal VET courses (run at Mount Clear College) |
| Certificate II in Building and Construction (Partial) |
| Certificate II in Hospitality |
| Certificate II in Music Industry (Performance) |
| External VET courses (run off campus in Ballarat) |
| Active Volunteering |
| Agriculture |
| Allied Health Assistance |
| Animal Care |
| Applied Fashion Design and Technology |
| Automotive Vocational Preparation |
| Building and Construction |
| Business (Customer Engagement) |
| Business (Marketing Focus) |
| Business (Medical Administration) |
| Community Services |
| Construction Pathways |
| Dance |
| Early Childhood Education and Care |
| Electrotechnology |
| Enabling Technologies |
| Engineering |
| Engineering Studies |
| Equine Studies |
| Furniture Making Pathways |
| Health Support Services |
| Hospitality |
| Hospitality (Cookery) |
| Information Technology |
| Music Industry (Performance) |
| Music Industry (Sound Production) |
| Outdoor Recreation |
| Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) |
| Rail and Light Rail Fundamentals |
| Retail Cosmetics |
| Salon Assistant |
| Screen and Media |
| Workplace Skills |
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 |
Each of these electives are one semester in length with the option to study them during the school day or outside school hours. Students can choose to study more than one of these electives:
| Research Matters | Foundations of VCE Extended Investigation |
| Critical Thinking for Creative Minds | Foundations of VCE Extended Investigation |
| Introduction to Algorithmics | Foundations of VCE Algorithmics |
| LingoLab: Unveiling the Wonders of Real-world Language | Foundations of VCE English Language |
CHES offers four electives to students in Year 10 in order to prepare for future study of VCE Algorithmics or VCE Extended Investigation and to extend and challenge students who are interested in these important foundations of successful university study: research, critical thinking, and computational thinking.
Each of these electives are one semester in length with the option to study them during the school day or outside school hours. Students can choose to study more than one of these electives.
Each of these electives are one semester in length with flexible study options. Students can study more than one of these electives but will complete one each semester.
These electives are not intended to replace electives that students may be taking at their base school in Year 10 but instead they provide enrichment and extension beyond the school curriculum. Students will be expected to complete 2 or 3 hours of hy-flex learning each week (for the 15-week semester).
This subject offers students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of conducting independent research. They will learn to navigate and critically evaluate the wealth of information available, applying these skills to their own investigations. Students will develop their own research questions, test and evaluate research methods, collect primary evidence, and present their findings in an exhibition and research journal.
There are no prerequisites for this subject, but students should have strong literacy skills.
Students will be assessed on their research journal, which is completed throughout the semester, and their presentation of research at the CHES Expo.
This subject aligns with the Victorian Curriculum Critical and Creative Thinking standards. It prepares students for Extended Investigation Units 3 & 4.
This subject will allow students to develop their critical thinking skills in the context of contemporary issues on a local, national, and global scale. Students will learn how to construct strong arguments, apply logic and reasoning to solve problems, and evaluate sources effectively. They will participate in both informal and formal debates to engage in active listening and present their own positions on topics. Reflecting on their own thinking (metacognition) and applying strategies to other learning areas will be explicitly taught throughout the course. Students will learn how to ask the ‘right’ questions, understand and construct different types of arguments, and apply strategies to solve problems.
There are no prerequisites for this subject, but students should have strong literacy skills.
Students will be assessed on their responses to critical thinking questions and presentation of impromptu and prepared speeches.
This subject aligns with the Victorian Curriculum Critical and Creative Thinking standards. It will prepare students for Extended Investigation Units 3 & 4.
This subject will allow students to develop their computational and analytical thinking skills and engage in solving problems using pseudocode, including an introduction to Python for coding. Students will learn how to solve real-world problems using computational methods and explore different types of Abstract Data Types. They will create individual and group Algorithm Design Projects.
There are no prerequisites for this subject, but students should have strong numeracy skills.
Students will be assessed on their responses to individual and group projects.
This subject aligns with the Victorian Curriculum Digital Technologies standards. It will prepare students for Algorithmics Units 3 & 4.
For further information about the subjects and application process go to https://ches.vic.edu.au/programs/year-10-enrichment-electives/ or see the Senior School Assistant Principal.
Should a VCE study be attempted and how does this work?
Some students may wish to attempt a VCE or VET study whilst they are in Year 10. The potential benefits of doing so are significant. However, students should not feel that they must do a VCE/VET subject in order to gain any such benefits. VCE/VET study at Year 10 level is not for everyone.
Like Year 10 subjects, VCE/VET subjects are divided into units of four periods per week.
Students should see the Year 11 & 12 Course Guide for subject information, and the Senior School Assistant Principal for an Accelerated Studies application form. They can also indicate their interest in a VCE/VET Unit at their subject selection interview and will be provided with appropriate documentation.
| Courses |
|---|
| Art Making & Exhibiting |
| Biology |
| Business Management |
| Data Analytics |
| Dance |
| Environmental Science |
| Food Studies |
| General Maths |
| Health & Human Development |
| History |
| Legal Studies |
| Math Methods |
| Media |
| Music |
| Outdoor & Environmental Studies |
| Physical Education |
| Product Design – Wood |
| Psychology |
| Systems Engineering (Electronics/Automotive) |
| Visual Communication Design |
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.
PDS units 3 and 4 include the embedded delivery of selected VET
modules from the Certificate II in Active Volunteering. Please note that students
who complete PDS as a Unit 3-4 sequence will be expected to complete a minimum
of 20 hours of volunteering in a community setting as part of their assessment.
WRS Units 3 and 4 include the embedded delivery of selected VET modules form
the Certificate II in Hospitality.
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.
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 |
