VCE VM

The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE designed to be completed over a minimum of two years.

The VCE VM will give students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths, their interests and develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life. It prepares students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce.

To be eligible to receive the VCE VM, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 units, including:

3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Units 3/4 sequence)
2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units
2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units
2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units, and
2 VET credits at Certificate II level or above (180 nominal hours)

Students must complete a minimum of three other Units 3/4 sequences as part of their program. Units 3/4 of VM studies may be undertaken together over the duration of the academic year to enable these to be integrated.

The VCE VM can be tailored to the needs and interests of the student, to keep them engaged while developing their skills and knowledge. Students can also include other VCE studies and VET and can receive structured workplace learning recognition.

At Hester Hornbrook Academy, a majority of our students undertake VCE-VM Units 1/2. In a traditional school setting, this would be the equivalent to “Year 11”. At Hester Hornbrook, we recognise that our students need more flexible timeframes on their learning, so we refrain from using time limiting language such as year levels.

If you are a new enrolment to Hester Hornbrook and are aged 16 and over, you will likely be enrolled into the VCE-VM Units 1/2, unless you can demonstrate prior learning. Alternatively, you may be suitable for the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

Students who transition from other schools with prior learning, may be eligible for VCE VM Unit 3/4 (traditional “Year 12”). Eligibility to enrol in this level will be determined during the enrolment process based on your previous school reports.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The VCE VM is a great choice if you prefer to learn in a real-world environment and don’t need an ATAR. VCE VM subjects don’t receive a study score, so they won’t count towards an ATAR. The four VCE VM study areas use a different form of assessment to other VCE studies. The assessment is completed by your teacher in class, who’ll support you to achieve the requirements. Your teachers will assess your progress through a range of activities.

ARE THERE EXAMS?

All assessments for the VCE VM are conducted by school-based activities and are assessed at on your ability and competency in the area of study. Examinations are not included in that model.

For students enrolled in VCE VM 3/4, there is one examination called the General Achievement Test (GAT). The GAT is a pen-and-paper test of general knowledge and skills taken by students in the course of completing their senior secondary studies.

No special study is needed for this examination. All students enrolled in a VCE Unit 3 & 4, including VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) 3 & 4 students sit the GAT.

For Hester Hornbrook students this will mean that our students enrolled in VCE VM 3 & 4 will have the opportunity to attempt the GAT. At Hester Hornbrook this remains the choice of our young people. VCE VM 3 & 4 students at Hester Hornbrook can choose to sit Section A of the GAT which assesses Literacy and Numeracy skills.

WHERE CAN VCE VM TAKE YOU?

The VCE VM will help you prepare for:

an apprenticeship or traineeship
further education and training
university, through alternative entry programs
going straight into the workforce.

WHAT WILL I GET?

When you finish your studies, you’ll get:

a Statement of Results from the VCAA
a Statement of Attainment from your VET training provider (if you completed any VET units)
your VET qualification (if you completed one)
your Victorian Certificate of Education with the additional words ‘Vocational Major’.

Students who don’t complete the certificate will receive a Student Achievement Profile summary that lists all their achievements.

ENROLMENT

Click the link belowto learn more about our student enrolment process.

Click the link below if you are the young person applying to enrol, or the parent/guardian/carers of the young person.

Click the link below if you are a 3rd party applying on behalf of the young person.