We encourage students and parents/guardians to read through these to better understand the language commonly used in senior school.
An educational approach that connects classroom learning with real-world, practical experiences relevant to work and community contexts.
A structured learning program that combines on-the-job training with TAFE learning. Designed for students who are no longer in school. Typically leads to a trade qualification.
A student’s ATAR is determined by VTAC using the student’s scaled study scores. The ATAR is a percentile which ranks students for the purpose of tertiary selection.
To pass VCE units, students must maintain at least 95% attendance. Absences beyond this require medical certificates. Missing about 10 lessons per semester equates to 95% attendance.
The process of ensuring that work submitted by students for assessment is genuinely their own. Teachers monitor the completion of students’ work.
Qualified Career Practitioners who support students with subject selection, career planning, work experience, and tertiary applications.
A nationally recognised qualification often completed at TAFE in 12-24 months. Typically, an entry-level qualification.
The four compulsory subjects within the VCE Vocational Major: Literacy, Numeracy, Personal Development Skills and Work-Related Skills.
Introduced for high-achieving and high-ability senior secondary students at Victoria’s government schools.
A VCAA-calculated score is used when illness or other serious circumstances affect a student’s exam performance.
For VCE students who have studied less than seven years in English instruction. Students must meet VCCA criteria to enrol as an EAL student.
A compulsory test for all VCE Unit 3 & 4 students that assesses literacy, numeracy, and general reasoning skills, and supports moderation and derived scores.
Part of CHES, students can study first year undergraduate subjects.
What a student must know or be able to do by the time she has finished the Unit. A defined learning goal that must be achieved to receive a satisfactory result for a VCE unit.
A subject or sequence that must be completed to qualify for entry into specific tertiary courses.
An accredited provider authorised to deliver nationally recognised VET qualifications.
Tasks done in class time to assess performance in Art, Media, Studio Arts Visual Design, Food Technology and Design and Technology studies.
‘S’ for satisfactory (pass) or ‘N’ not satisfactory (not passed).
Work done, mainly in class time, to assess performance in Units 3 & 4. Set and marked by teachers according to VCAA (Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority) specifications. Assessment’s completed in school as part of VCE. These contribute to the final VCE results for Units 3 & 4.
A combination of school, paid work, and training, allowing students to begin an apprenticeship or traineeship while completing their VCE. Students typically work one day a week and attend training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
One half of the academic year. A unit of study lasts for one semester.
A sequence is a Unit 3 followed by Unit 4. One of the requirements for passing the VCE is the successful completion of four Unit 3 & 4 sequences.
Mandatory work placement linked to a VET or VCE VM program to develop job-specific and employability skills.
This is the total package of VCE and VET studies normally taken over two years.
The official VCAA document outlining the content, assessment requirements, and key skills for each VCE subject.
Subject(s) English, Biology, Further Maths etc. Study Score A scaled score (0–50) indicating a student’s performance relative to others in the same VCE subject.
TAFE is a practical, skills-based education pathway that provides hands-on training and qualifications for a wide range of industries and careers.
Structured training in mostly non-trade areas such as business or childcare. Takes around 1–3 years, combining paid work and training.
Each VCE study is divided into 4 units. Each unit lasts one semester. Units 1 & 2 are normally at Year 11 level, and Units 3 & 4 are normally at Year 12 level.
University is a pathway for further education that allows students to study specialised fields and gain qualifications for a wide range of professional careers.
The official data system used by schools to manage VCE enrolments, results and certifications.
The accrediting and authorising body responsible for overseeing the VCE. Sets curriculum and assesses VCE exams in Victorian state schools.
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a senior secondary qualification that provides students with a broad academic pathway, preparing them for further study, training, or employment.
VCE VM (Vocational Major) is a hands-on senior secondary program within the VCE that focuses on practical learning, workplace skills, and pathways into employment, apprenticeships, or further training; it does not award an ATAR, but students can still pursue university through alternative pathways. VET (Vocational Education and Training) VET (Vocational Education and Training) provides students with practical, industry-based skills and nationally recognised qualifications to prepare them for employment or further training.
This refers to the expanding range of nationally recognised vocational studies now integrated within the VCE.
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is a flexible foundation program designed to support students in developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to transition into further education, training, or employment.
The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) manages applications for tertiary courses in Victoria, helping students apply for and receive offers from universities, TAFEs, and training providers.
Short-term paid or unpaid placement, designed to help students explore potential career pathways.
