At Hallam Secondary College all students in Year 11 and 12 are Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) students.
The VCE at Hallam is a 3 year journey with units that need to be satisfactorily completed over the course of Year 10, 11 and 12. Units 1 and 2 are usually completed in Year 10 and 11, and Units 3 and 4 are usually completed in Year 11 and 12.
Each unit per semester includes:
- 50-60 hours in class
- 30 hours of structured homework
- 20-30 hours of independent study (revision)
At Hallam Senior College we expect students undertaking the VCE Course to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 22 units.
Students will:
- Complete 1 unit per semester in Year 10
- Complete 5 units per semester in Year 11 (1 of which is English)
- Complete 5 units per semester in Year 12 (1 of which is English)
At the end of Year 11 students will undergo significant course counselling and be assisted in selecting a Certification that they will complete in Year 12. The choices comprise of VCE – ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) or VCE – VM (Vocational Major).
| Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 ATAR | Year 12 VM |
| Subject 1 Unit 1 &2 | English Unit 1&2 | English Unit 3&4 | English or Literacy |
| Maths Unit 1&2 (Recommended) | Subject 2 Unit 3&4 | Maths (Foundation) | |
| Subject 3 Unit 1&2 | Subject 3 Unit 3&4 | WRS/PDS | |
| Subject 4 Unit 1&2 | Subject 4 Unit 3&4 | VET | |
| Subject 5 Unit 1&2 or VET | Subject 5 Unit 3&4 | Subject 5 Unit 3&4 |
We strongly encourage students to consult the study outlines in this handbook before they select their program.
Many of the decisions made about subject choices during course counselling can affect access to study and career options in later years. It is extremely important that informed decisions are made.
To obtain a VCE certificate students select a program over two years that satisfies the requirements of the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA). There is provision for students to take longer to complete their studies and to change direction during that time. Students need to choose a meaningful course of study which will provide pathways into further study or employment.
Students should consider the following guidelines and factors when choosing a VCE program and subjects.
1. Future Options
In choosing a VCE course, students should endeavour to keep career and further study options as open as possible. Consider two or three possible VCE courses rather than just one.
2. Prerequisite Subjects for Tertiary Courses
Many courses at Universities and TAFEs have prerequisite studies. Students should research the prerequisites for courses they are interested in. Prerequisites are compulsory to gain entry into those courses.
3. Interests and Abilities
It is important that a student choose studies which interest them and in which they can achieve. Students who choose unwisely and are unable to cope with a study may lose confidence and find themselves struggling in other studies as well.