Post on 12-Apr-2018
VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK
2017
CONTENTS PAGE Overview from the Principal Page 1
Important Dates for 2017 Page 2
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Page 3
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Page 3
VCAA Page 4
Official Documents for Students Page 4
Student Work Page 4
Authentication of Work Page 5
Assessment Tasks Page 7
Examinations Page 8
General Achievement Test Page 8
Reporting Student Achievement in VCE Units Page 8
Attendance Page 9
Moderation of Coursework Assessments Page 10
Special Provision Policy 2017 Page 10
“Satisfactory” Completion of VCE Units Page 13
“Satisfactory” Completion of VCE VET Units Page 14
Delay of “Satisfactory” Completion of a Unit Page 14
Investigation of Breaches of School-Based Assessment Rules Page 15
Changing Unit Choice Page 15
Maintenance of School Records Page 15
VCE Homework and Study Page 16
Appendix - Forms
SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR
VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017
OCTOBER 2016
1
OVERVIEW – FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Senior School and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a time for key pathway planning for broad career
goals – it is a time to narrow the focus slightly but not necessarily at the expense of areas of passion and interest.
The pathways into the world beyond school are less rigid and with this, like never before, this allows students to
purse career options and courses with greater freedom and flexibility.
Within our offerings and programs there is a strong emphasis on catering for individual student interest and ability
within a contemporary learning environment that celebrates success in its broadest sense. The overwhelming
majority of Southern Cross Grammar students are looking to tertiary education to fulfil their ambitions.
As part of the VCE program, Year 10 is the customary entry point. We encourage our students to take up a VCE Units
1 and 2 study as part of the general Year 10 strategy of honing key skills and behaviours as part of preparing the
students in a thorough way for the final two years of school – Years 11 and 12. It is anticipated students will then
study the Units 3 and 4 study Year 11, thus completing their first Year 12 subject.
There are some advantages in completing a Year 12 subject in Year 11. Students experience the increased demands
and rigour of Year 12, while only studying the one subject, and the 6th subject contributes additional marks to their
final ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) score. It can therefore enhance their preparation for their
important final year.
It is a most rewarding time for staff in our Senior School to support our students and their parents at this exciting
and important time in a student’s educational journey. The wellbeing of each of our students is paramount and each
student’s welfare if carefully monitored. While the VCE marks the commencement of critical external and internal
assessments – we also encourage our students over this journey to have fun and continue to take part in the wider
school experiences that broaden us as people and provide balance and fulfilment. Our Senior School program and
more particularly the VCE program, offers students experiential learning opportunities, community service projects,
personal choice and skills and information that will serve them well as global citizens to take their place confidently
in the world beyond Southern Cross Grammar.
There is little doubt that this time in a student’s life is a formative one of assessing how personal characteristics and
behaviours impact on life, learning, work goals and success.
Andrew Ponsford Principal
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IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2017
Date Description
31 January 2017 VCE Units 1 and 3 and VCE VET classes commence
(Foundation to Year 9 classes commence 1 February 2017)
13 February 2017 Last day for Enrolment for VCE Units 3 and 4 or VCE VET programs
3 March 2017 Application for Special Exams due
31 March 2017 Term 1 concludes
18 April 2017 Term 2 commences
5 June 2017 Year 10 and 11 Exams commence
14 June 2017 General Achievement Test (GAT) for all Unit 3 and 4 students
7 – 16 June 2017 VCE Practice Exams
19 June 2017 VCE Units 2 and 4 classes commence
21 June 2017 2018 VCE Information Evening
30 June 2017 Term 2 concludes
17 July 2017 Term 3 commences
21 July 2017 2018 subject choice deadline
24 July 2017 Last Day for Withdrawal from VCE Units 4 and VCE VET programs
15 September 2017 Term 3 concludes
2-5 October 2017 Unit 3 and 4 and VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 Compulsory Trial Exams
9 October 2017 Term 4 commences
9 – 27 October 2017 VCE Unit 3 and 4 Performance Exams
25 October 2017 VCE Examinations commence
20-24 November 2017 Year 10 and 11 Exams
27 November – 8 December 2017 2018 Year 11 and 12 Orientation: compulsory attendance
7 December 2017 Presentation Night
11 December 20017 VCE Unit 3 and 4 Results available to students
12 December 2017 Term 4 concludes: Final Assembly
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VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017
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THE VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (VCE)
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the senior secondary certificate of education that the majority of
students in Victoria receive upon the satisfactory completion of their secondary education. It is designed to be
completed over a minimum of two years, and includes general education curriculum components (VCE studies) and
Vocational Education and Training (VCE VET) programs.
The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE, and also to employment. Each
VCE subject or “study” is designed to provide a two-year program. Studies at Units 1 and 2 level are nationally and
internationally benchmarked to a Year 11 standard, and studies at Units 3 and 4 level are benchmarked to a Year 12
standard. Units 1 and 2 can be completed as single units and Units 3 and 4 are designed to be taken as a sequence.
Students at SCG are encouraged to complete a selected study at the Unit 1 and 2 level in Year 10, and Unit 3 and 4 at
Year 11, at the discretion of the Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning, and in consultation with the appropriate
teachers.
To successfully complete their VCE, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 units. These 16 units
must include:
A minimum of 3 units with at least 1 unit from the English group. At least 1 unit must be at the Units 3 and 4
level. No more than 2 units at the Unit 1 and 2 level may count towards this English requirement.
At least 3 sequences of Unit 3 and 4 studies other than English, which may include any number of English
sequences once the English requirement has been met.
SCG is currently offering English and Literature from the English group.
Units 3 and 4 Study Scores Students will receive a Study Score from VCAA for each Unit 3 and 4 subject completed. A Study Score indicates how
a student performed in relation to all other students who completed that subject in the same year. It is calculated
using the student’s final scores for School-Assessed Coursework (SAC), School- Assessed Tasks as well as Externally-
Assessed Tasks and examinations for each subject.
To receive a Study Score, students must achieve two or more graded assessments in the subject and receive S for
both Units 3 and 4 in the same academic year.
The ATAR The ATAR is a percentile ranking showing a student’s comparative placement in the VCE group of that year on the basis of their VCE Study Scores. The ATAR is calculated using the:
1. Study Score in any English sequence
2. Next 3 best Study Scores
3. 10% of the 5th and 6th Study Scores (if applicable)
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To receive an ATAR, students must have completed the basic VCE requirements and have a Study Score in a Unit 3
and 4 sequence of English and/or Literature.
VCE Vocational Education and Training (VET) Programs
VCE VET Programs combine general VCE studies with vocational training and work placement. It provides students
with a greater choice and scope to determine a pathway best suited to individual needs. Students who complete all
or part of a nationally recognized VET qualification may receive credit towards satisfactory completion of the VCE,
and also a contribution towards their ATAR.
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)
VCAA administers the Victorian Certificate of Education. All VCE students (Year 10-12) are allocated a VCAA student
number that is the identity number for their individual program of study. Students must complete the relevant
Student Personal Details form and submit it to the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning prior to commencing
their VCE program.
Upon completion of the Student Personal Details form, student data will be uploaded to the Victorian Assessment
Software System (VASS); a central database used to officially record students enrolments and results.
The Student Personal Details form also has an agreement that needs to be signed by both student and parents.
VCE studies cannot commence until this has been received by the School.
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS FOR STUDENTS
Each year all students enrolled in a VCE study or a VCE VET program must sign a general declaration that they will
obey the rules for the VCE, and accept its disciplinary provisions as set down by VCAA and the School. Also, each
term students must carefully examine and sign the official VASS Students Detail and Assessment Summary Sheets
and notify the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning of any changes or errors.
STUDENT WORK AND ASSESSMENTS
All tasks submitted for Outcomes, SAC tasks and SATS must be original and acknowledge sources where necessary.
Policies and procedures regarding Assessment will be communicated to students and parents at the beginning of the
academic year, or when a student enrols in a VCE unit or VCE VET program at the school.
School- Based Assessment is utilised for Units 1 and 2 with only “S” and “N” reported to the VCAA. School-Assessed
Coursework is utilised for Units 3 and 4. The school reports the level of achievement to VCAA for Units 3 and 4 as
well as the “S” or “N”.
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Student’s performance in School Assessed Coursework Tasks (SAC’s)
SAC’s determine each student’s level of achievement for the assessment tasks set by the School. The School (class
teacher) will publish a list of the SAC’s and their timing at the beginning of each semester.
SAC Work completed outside class
Most work for the SAC’s will be completed in class. For School-Assessed Coursework (SAC) undertaken outside class
time, teachers will closely monitor each student’s work from start to finish using strategies such as sighting
preliminary work where appropriate and observing the individual tasks undertaken by students in class.
For most SAC’s a degree of preparation beforehand is essential. Students will be advised prior to the
commencement of a task when information or data may be collected outside the classroom for use in the SAC.
School-Assessed Tasks (SAT’s)
These tasks are set by the VCAA. The requirements are set out in the VCE study designs for each subject/study.
Steady and consistent progress with SAT work is an expectation of all students enrolled in these studies.
Teachers will ensure that there is a sufficient range of topics within their class to enable them to distinguish an
individual student’s work and therefore assist in the authentication process.
Teachers will closely monitor the development of each student’s work, from planning and drafting through to
completion.
Computer Use
When students use a computer to produce work for assessment (an outcome, SAC or SAT), it is the student’s
responsibility to ensure that:
there is an alternative system available for use in case of computer or printer malfunction
hard copies of the work in progress are produced regularly
each time changes are made, the work is saved onto a back-up area. The back-up document should not be
stored with the computer.
AUTHENTICATION OF WORK
To meet the requirements for “Satisfactory” completion of a unit, students must submit work that is genuinely their
own. With the exception of references to, and the incorporation of appropriate text and source material, no part of a
student’s work may be copied from another person’s work. A student may also not accept from, nor give undue
assistance, to any other person in the preparation and submission of work.
If any part of a student’s work cannot be authenticated, the matter will be dealt with as a breach of rules. Students
are therefore responsible for ensuring that the teacher has no difficulty in authenticating their work.
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The following procedures must be observed by students to ensure authentication of Units 1 - 4 and VCE VET
Assessment Tasks:
Students must retain all materials that have been used in the development of the task so the teacher can
determine that the work is the student’s own. All materials must be retained until the end of the year.
Students must not submit the same piece of work for assessment in more than one study.
Students who knowingly assist another student are in breach of the rules and may be penalized.
The following procedures will be observed by teachers to ensure authentication of Units 1 - 4 Assessment Tasks:
Teachers will monitor the development of the task by sighting preliminary work where appropriate, and by
observing the individual tasks being undertaken by students in class.
Teachers may consider it appropriate to ask students to demonstrate their understanding of the task at or
about the time of submission of work.
The work will be accepted only if a teacher can determine that, to the best of his or her knowledge, all
unacknowledged work is the student’s own.
Breach of Authentication Rules
If any part of a student’s work cannot be authenticated, the matter will be dealt with as a breach of rules. If a
teacher believes there is a breach of authentication rules, the matter will be referred to the Deputy Principal - Head
Senior School, the Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning and ultimately to the Principal. Penalties for a
substantive breach of the rules could include:
Requiring the student to resubmit the work to achieve a “Satisfactory” result.
Not accepting the part of the work that infringes the rules and deeming the remaining part to have been
assessed.
Not accepting the whole assessment item, which will result in the student receiving an “N” for that unit.
VCE Review Panel
Appointed by the Principal, the VCE Review Panel deals with student issues relating to the VCE including:
Breach of rules
Authentication
Attendance
Discipline
This panel will comprise the Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning, the Deputy Principal - Head of Senior School,
the relevant Head of Department and the classroom teacher, if required. The panel recommendations will be
referred to the Principal for final decision-making.
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Lost, Stolen or Damaged Work
If a student loses his/her coursework or it is stolen or damaged, the student must submit a written statement to the
VCE Review Panel. The student may be asked to demonstrate understanding of the material to the Review Panel.
Ultimately, through consultation with the Deputy Principal - Head of Senior School, the Deputy Principal – Teaching
and Learning will determine the grade, or “S”/”N” for the coursework.
ASSESSMENT TASKS Scheduling of Assessment Tasks
Teachers will inform students of the timelines, the conditions under which assessment tasks are to be conducted,
the type of task and whether any resources are permitted well in advance. On occasions, there may be sufficient
grounds to alter the original dates at the discretion of the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning.
Failure to attend SAC tasks or to submit a SAC on time
Students who do not attend a scheduled SAC task must be able to provide documentary evidence in support of their
absence and notify the school by 8.30am on the day of the SAC task. If a student is absent due to personal illness or
family bereavement they must provide a medical certificate or written authorization from a parent to validate their
absence. The documentation must be given to the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning for review. A discussion
with the Deputy Principal - Head of Senior School or Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning should take place in
advance for known absences.
Students are to sign an Application to Reschedule a VCE Task form which must be completed and signed by the
student and parent/guardian. All relevant documentation should be attached.
Where the absence is approved the SAC Task will be completed at the first appropriate opportunity. In
circumstances where the approved absence is of a lengthy duration, the arrangements for the completion of any
missed assessment will be negotiated upon the student’s return in accordance with the VCAA Special Provision
process.
If the absence is not approved the student could be given an “NA” (Not Assessed) for the SAC Task, which may result
in an “N” for the Unit.
Rescheduling Assessment Tasks For An Entire Class
In the event that a task requires rescheduling for the entire class, either because students are not ready to be
assessed, or due to other circumstances, adequate notice will be provided to all students. These decisions will be
made at the discretion of the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning.
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Feedback
Feedback is an important part of the ongoing assessment process, and the student learning process. Students
should seek feedback from their teachers, such as:
Advice on particular skills
Advice on where and how improvements can be made for future learning
Written comments on student performance against learning outcomes
EXAMINATIONS
Compulsory examinations will take place mid-year and at the end of the year on the prescribed dates in all VCE Units
1 and 2, and 3 and 4 studies and VCE VET Programs. Students enrolled in 3 and 4 Units and VCE VET will be
expected to attend Trial Exams scheduled from 2 – 5 October.
The End of Year exams for Units 3 and 4 studies are administered by VCAA, but all other exams are the responsibility
of the appropriate teachers at Southern Cross Grammar.
Students are required to observe all rules for examinations conducted by, or on behalf of VCAA, as well as the day to
day rules of Southern Cross Grammar. The VCAA rules are published on the VCAA website. Any alleged breach of
these examination rules should be reported to the VCAA.
Students will receive a copy of their examination timetables well in advance.
GENERAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST (GAT)
All students enrolled in one or more VCE Unit 3 and 4 studies or VCE VET scored Unit 3 and 4 courses, are required to
sit the General Achievement Test (GAT). The GAT is an essential part of the VCE assessment procedure and these
results are used by VCAA.
REPORTING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN VCE UNITS
Units 1 and 2
Procedures for the assessment of levels of achievement in Units 1 and 2 are the responsibility of individual schools.
Levels of achievement can be reported using grades, descriptive statements or other indicators. These levels of
achievement are not reported to the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).
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Units 3 and 4
Levels of achievement are determined by a combination of School- Assessed Coursework, School-Assessed Tasks,
externally assessed tasks and/or examinations.
Students receive a grade (A+ to E, or UG) for each unit, plus the external examination.
Unit 3 and 4 SAC grades may change as a result of the VCAA’s statistical moderation process.
Scored VCE VET programs have two graded assessments for each Units 3 and 4 course.
ATTENDANCE All VCE students are expected to attend all classes and Homeroom each day.
Students who are absent without the permission of the school for more than 20 per cent of scheduled class time for
a unit may be awarded “N” (Not Satisfactory) for the entire unit. Students who have a school approved absence are
expected to maintain regular contact with their teacher and continue to work as appropriate to satisfy course
requirements.
It is the responsibility of each individual student to account for their absences. The school will maintain records and
retain documentation relating to each VCE student’s attendance, with all approved and unapproved absences
recorded.
Families are advised to not make personal appointments during the school day or plan family holidays during term
time whilst students are completing VCE, as absences can have a significant impact on their learning, and in turn,
their results.
The school is to be notified on the morning of any absence. Where appropriate, a medical certificate should be given
to the student’s teacher on the day of their return to school. Any medical certificates submitted will be retained in
the student’s file.
Use of Study Periods
Study periods should be utilised productively. Students do not have the option to arrive at school late, or leave early,
if their study periods are at the start or end of the school day. Any such absences will be recorded against the 80%
attendance requirement. A roll will be taken at the beginning of each study period.
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MODERATION OF COURSEWORK ASSESSMENTS
The School has policies and procedures for cross marking of selected tasks or samples of student work where more
than one class exists in a particular study.
Classes with 5 students or less must combine with another school for statistical moderation. The Deputy Principal –
Teaching and Learning will make these arrangements with schools if necessary.
SPECIAL PROVISION POLICY 2017
This policy is to ensure that the most appropriate arrangements and options are available for students whose
learning and assessment programs are disadvantaged by illness, impairment or personal circumstances, to
demonstrate their capabilities.
The Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning is responsible for determining eligibility to apply to VCAA, and the
nature of the provisions granted as well as the recording of the provisions. Students are required to apply to the
Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning for any form of Special Provision they feel may apply.
Application forms are available from the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning. Only students who have been
granted Special Arrangements will be able to utilise any alternative arrangements.
There are 3 types of Special Provision:
1. Special Provision for School-Assessed Coursework (SAC’s) and School-Based Assessment
Eligibility
A student is eligible for Special Arrangements if, at any time while studying for the VCE, he/she is:
significantly adversely affected by acute and/or chronic illness (physical or psychological), by any factors
relating to personal environment or by other serious cause
disadvantaged by a disability or impairment including learning disabilities
personal circumstances
The adverse circumstances affecting the student must not be within the control of the student. Such factors should
be discussed with the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning at the earliest opportunity.
Some of the alternative strategies available to the School to implement are listed below:
allowing the student to undertake the task at a later date (rescheduling)
allowing the student extra time to complete the task
setting a substitute task of the same type
replacing one task with a task of a different kind
use of technology, aides or other special arrangements to undertake assessment tasks
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using another planned task to assess more outcomes or aspects of outcomes than originally intended
deriving a score from other assessments or work completed by the student (in circumstances where the
above provisions are not feasible or reasonable).
This Special Provision feature will not occur without the appropriate forms being filled in and appropriate medical
evidence being supplied. All must be approved by the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning.
2. Special Examination Arrangements
Applications must be with the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning by Friday 17 February for the November
examinations.
Students are eligible for Special Examination Arrangements if it can be demonstrated that achievement on the
examination may be adversely affected by:
Accident or sudden onset of illness
Personal circumstances
Long term Impairment. Where this is used as the grounds for eligibility, the school needs to provide in their
recommendation the details of arrangements made for the student at the school level. Examination
arrangements will not be granted to students who have long-term impairments where there has been no
demonstrated requirement for them at the school level.
VCAA is the approving authority for all applications and will determine the conditions allowable.
Applications for Special Examination Arrangements must be accompanied by recent supporting medical or other
specialist documentation and may take the form of:
extra reading time in addition to the official reading time; and/or
extra time designated for the examination; and/or
normal time but with appropriate rest periods.
Students who are severely affected by their circumstances may be assisted by:
Permission to use special technological aids such as a typewriter or computer.
Use of a scribe clarifier and/or reader.
Presentation of the exam paper on audio tape.
Other arrangements may be made to accommodate a student’s specific needs.
Students who are unable to attend an examination centre due to illness or disability, but are well enough to
attempt the examination in a hospital or in their own homes may apply for special supervision.
Emergency Special Exam Arrangements
If a student is affected by health or personal circumstances beyond their control, Emergency Special Exam
Arrangements are able to be applied for through the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning. Application forms
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will be available from the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning. Only students who have been granted Special
Arrangements will be able to have any alternate arrangements.
This policy aims to ensure that the most appropriate arrangements and options are available for students whose
learning and assessment programs are disadvantaged by illness, impairment or personal circumstances, to
demonstrate their capabilities.
Eligibility:
A student is eligible for Special Exam Arrangements if, at any time while studying for the VCE, he/she is:
Significantly affected by illness (physical or psychological), by any factors relating to personal environment or
by other serious cause
Disadvantaged by a disability or impairment including learning disabilities
Personal circumstances
The adverse circumstances affecting the student must not be within the control of the student.
3. Derived Examination Score (DES)
A DES is calculated by the VCAA and may be used as the student’s examination result where the student has met the
eligibility requirements for the provision. This provision is intended to allow students access to achieve a result in the
full range of Graded Assessments in order to maximize opportunities in the next phase of their education.
Students are eligible for a Derived Examination Score if:
within 2 weeks prior to the examination the student has been significantly adversely affected by their
circumstances
The circumstances which will be deemed acceptable are:
illness (both physical and mental illness), which affects the student's performance on the exam day.
factors relating to their personal circumstances, eg. any event which affects the student's performance on
the examination
the claim can be substantiated in writing by an attending professional
the student has at least one Graded Assessment for the school based assessment of the study applied for.
Students who feel they might be eligible for a Derived Examination Score should speak to the Deputy Principal –
Teaching and Learning. She/he will then request the documentation be completed by the appropriate professional.
A DES is determined by VCAA using relevant GAT scores, SAC scores and Indicative grades submitted by the
School. It is VCAA’s independent decision to determine whether a DES will be approved.
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“SATISFACTORY” COMPLETION OF VCE UNITS
Students must gain an “S” in all Outcomes for the unit of study during the semester in which the unit is undertaken
to be awarded an “S” in the unit. Students must complete all Outcomes for a unit undertaken according to dates set
by the teachers for each study. The decision to awards “S” (Satisfactory) or “N” (Not Satisfactory) for a unit will be
made at the completion of the unit by the teacher; sometimes through consultation with appropriate staff.
The decision about “Satisfactory” completion of outcomes is based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s
overall performance on Assessment Tasks. The reporting of the completion of outcomes to VCAA is stated as either
“S” (Satisfactory) or “N” (Not Satisfactory).
To achieve a Satisfactory outcome a student must:
Produce work that demonstrates achievement of the outcomes
Submit work on time
Submit work that is clearly their own
Observe VCAA and Southern Cross Grammar rules
“Not Satisfactory” VCE unit result
The student receives “N” for the unit when one or more of the outcomes are not achieved because:
The work does not demonstrate achievement of the outcomes
The student has not met a school deadline for the Assessment Task, including if an extension time has been
granted for any reason
The work cannot be authenticated
There has been a substantial breach of rules, including school attendance rules
Redeeming outcomes: Submitting further work
If, in the judgement of the teacher, work submitted by a student for the assessment of an outcome does not meet
the required standard for satisfactory completion, the teacher may consider work previously submitted, provided it
meets the requirements.
A student may only submit further work, or resubmit a School Assessed Coursework (SAC) assessment, for
reconsideration to redeem an “S” for the outcome. Resubmitting work cannot improve the grade of an assessment
for School-Assessed Coursework.
“J” VCE unit result
If a student is no longer participating in the VCE program, but they have not officially withdrawn by signing a Student
Exit form on VASS, the symbol “J” is included on VASS, and will be used if the student
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Is no longer attending class
Has not submitted work for assessment
The “J” result is recorded on the VCAA database but is not reported on the student’s Statement of Results. Units
with a “J” result are made available to the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) and are treated as equivalent
to those with an “N” result.
“SATISFACTORY” COMPLETION OF VCE VET UNITS
Students will receive an “S” for a Unit if they have demonstrated competence as assessed by their Registered
Training Organisation (RTO). Students receive an “S” for a module if they have demonstrated achievement of all the
learning outcomes as assessed by the RTO.
Satisfactory completion of VCE VET units is calculated automatically as students satisfactorily complete units of
competency/modules. Most VCE VET programs consist of four VCE VET units containing one Units 3 and 4 sequence.
Students will receive an “N” for a unit of competency if they have not yet demonstrated competence. This may be as
a consequence of not completing the unit or not being able to demonstrate competence as required by the unit of
competency. Students receive an “N” for a module if they have not yet demonstrated achievement of all learning
outcomes. If a student has not satisfied sufficient units of competency/modules to be awarded a satisfactory
completion of a VCE VET unit, the result is left blank.
DELAY OF “SATISFACTORY” COMPLETION OF A UNIT
In exceptional cases, the School may decide to delay the decision about “Satisfactory” completion. In this case, the
School will advise parents/guardians in writing when a student is in danger of being awarded an “N”. This will follow
discussions between the teacher and the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning and the Deputy Principal - Head
of Senior School.
Where work is submitted but does not meet the basic requirement description or where 1 or more coursework tasks
are submitted, it may be possible for the awarding of “Satisfactory” completion to be delayed if the following
requirements are met:
The teacher is satisfied that the failure to submit is due to oversight or unavoidable circumstances, not
deliberate evasion;
No more than 1 piece of work for an outcome per unit has been omitted;
The work for an outcome is submitted, within a timeframe to be specified by the class teacher or the Review
Panel;
The June or November deadlines for submission are met.
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INVESTIGATION OF BREACHES OF SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT RULES
Teachers who believe a student has breached VCAA rules, including authentication rules, will report this incident to
the Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning. She/he will investigate the incident together with the Deputy Principal
- Head of Senior School and the Principal. Following the initial investigation, the Principal will set up a hearing as per
the guidelines in the VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook 2017 (Page 69).
A student may appeal to the VCAA against a decision by the school and any penalty imposed by the school. The
guidelines around student appeals are set out on Page 71 of the VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook 2017.
CHANGING UNIT CHOICE
Students may have the opportunity to change their original Unit choices. If a student wishes to make any change to
their units of study, he/she should speak to the Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning who will initiate a process
of consultation to facilitate the most appropriate decision.
The dates for withdrawing from VCE units in 2017 without a penalty are:
Units 1 and 3: Monday 13 February 2017
Units 2 and 4: Monday 24 July 2017
MAINTENANCE OF SCHOOL RECORDS
Southern Cross Grammar will retain records and documented evidence of decisions relating to:
Unit completion and graded assessments
Student appeals and resulting decisions
Applications for extensions of time, along with supporting documentation
Applications for, and approvals of, Special Provision, with supporting documentation
Student absences, and whether or not these are approved
Any interviews with a student and resulting decisions
Applications and decisions relating to Second Language eligibility and English as an Additional Language
(EAL)
Unit completion and graded assessments (and initial School-Based Assessments if appropriate)
SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR
VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017
OCTOBER 2016
17
VCE HOMEWORK AND STUDY
Homework and study are essential to enable students to complete their studies to the best of their abilities.
Homework includes completing set tasks and unfinished classroom tasks, writing out notes taken in class,
summarising chapters, reading ahead, SAC preparation, practice essays and tasks, revision of class work and reading
and attempting examination papers.
Study aims to increase student understanding and retention of knowledge through ongoing independent learning
and revision.
Homework
Homework tends to be task-oriented and teacher directed, and has set completion dates that students are required
to meet. The types of homework set by teachers may be:
Practical exercises – providing students with the opportunities to apply new knowledge, or to review, revise
and reinforce newly acquired skills
Preparatory homework – providing opportunities for students to gain background information so they are
better prepared for future lessons
Study
Study tends to be student centred, self-initiated and should be ongoing in nature. Study can take the following
forms:
Re-reading class notes
Revision of work completed earlier
Wider reading
Organising folders and notes
Re-reading texts and novels
Summarising notes and further reading
VCE students should consistently spend 120 minutes per night on Homework/Study, including Study Periods during
the day. The weekends provide an ideal opportunity to catch up, prepare for SAC’s and undertake revision.
Students should use their school diary to record homework and study requirements.
SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR
VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017
OCTOBER 2016
18
VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION
DELAY OF “SATISFACTORY” COMPLETION OF A VCE/VET UNIT NOTIFICATION OF FAILURE TO COMPLETE OUTCOMES
Dear __________________________________________
It is the responsibility of the School to convey the “S” or “N” awarded for all units studied to the Victorian Curriculum
and Assessment Authority (VCAA). This transcript will appear on the official statement of Results prepared by the
Board for each VCE student in Victoria. An “N” award may prevent your son / daughter from qualifying for the VCE.
This may also have implications with respect to ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank).
Students receive an “S” (for “Satisfactorily” completed) only when all the Outcomes for a Unit have been
completed.
Your son/daughter, ______________________________________________ has not yet completed the
Assessment(s) listed for the Study __________________________________________________________________.
Unless the Assessment is completed and submitted to __________________________________________________
by, _____________________________________ your son/daughter will receive an “N” for Unit ________________.
Assessment(s) Not Completed:
If you have any queries regarding the work to be completed, please make contact with the appropriate teacher. Yours sincerely
________________________________ _______________________ __________________________ J. BAUD Teacher L. RENNIE Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning Deputy Principal - Head of Senior
School
SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR
VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017
OCTOBER 2016
19
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PROVISION FOR SCHOOL-ASSESSED COURSEWORK (SACs)
STUDENT DETAILS:
Student Name: ___________________________________________ Year:__________
Date of Application: ____/____/________ Teacher’s Name: ______________________________
VCAA STUDENT NUMBER: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
I, ___________________________________ (Student Name) am applying for:
Additional time to complete work
Rescheduling of tasks
Use of technology to complete and present work
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED: YES NO
Details of application:
Study Task title Date of Proposed
Reschedule Teacher’s signature
Approved/Not Approved
SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR
VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017
OCTOBER 2016
20
Student signed statement explaining reasons for application
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
All applications must be supported by recent professional evidence from an independent expert (e.g. Doctor)
THIS APPLICATION MUST BE DISCUSSED WITH THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL PRIOR TO
SUBMITTING.
Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ___ / ___ /___ Student
Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ___ / ___ /___ Head of Senior School, Ms. L Rennie
Submit to the Deputy Principal - Head of Teaching and Learning: Mrs Baud
Approval by Deputy Principal –
Head of Teaching and Learning ________________________________ Date: ___ / ___ / ___ Mrs. J Baud
SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR
VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017
OCTOBER 2016
21
CHANGE OF SUBJECT APPLICATION FORM
_________________________________ has considered the implications for his/her overall VCE and the possible
impact on his/her ATAR score and wishes to change from
_____________________________________ in BLOCK __________ __________________________________ Study Teacher
to
_____________________________________ in BLOCK __________ __________________________________ Study Teacher
Signed: _____________________________ (Student) ___________________________________ (Parent/Guardian)
While every effort will be made to accommodate changes, sometimes for various reasons this may not be possible.
Changes should be made in consultation with the Deputy Principal - Head of Senior School and the Deputy Principal
– Teaching and Learning to determine impact on overall academic program and future courses. Also, consult the
Course Link pages on the VTAC website:
(http://www.vtac.edu.au).
J. BAUD Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning
VCE 2017 – SUBJECT CHANGES
A B C D E F
Present Selections
Change to
SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR
VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017
OCTOBER 2016
22
VCE POLICY DOCUMENT 2017 FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN UNITS 1 – 4
Student Name: ___________________________________________ Year:______________
It is the responsibility of all VCE students to be aware of the VCE policy of Southern Cross Grammar and the possible penalties that can be imposed for not adhering to the rules outlined within this policy. If there are any sections that you do not understand, you should ask one of your teachers to explain those to you. Mrs Julie Baud Deputy Principal – Head of Teaching and Learning
VCE POLICY DOCUMENT 2017 FOR VCE STUDENTS
Name: ____________________________________________________ Homeroom: ________________________
1. I acknowledge that I have read and understand all the obligations, rules and penalties explained in the 2017
VCE Student Handbook
Signed: __________________________________________________ Date: ________________________________ (Student)
2. I have read the Special Provisions Policies and understand my obligations involved in applying to the School
for any of these Special Provisions to be implemented.
Signed: __________________________________________________ Date: ________________________________ (Student)
Signatures: ________________________________________________ Date: ________________________________ (Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning)
SOUTHERN CROSS GRAMMAR
VCE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017
OCTOBER 2016
23
VCE ASSESSMENT, SCALING AND THE ATAR ASSESSMENTS UNITS 3 & 4 CONTROLLED BY VCAA (Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority)
From these assessments students are given a relative position (Rank) within the State cohort which produces a
STUDY SCORE (50)
These scores are passed on to VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre)
Here Study Scores are SCALED to reflect how all of the students taking a particular subject compared
to their performance in all of their studies. When performance of the group across all other studies is
high, a study is scaled up. When it is low, a study is scaled down.
A bonus for LOTE is contributed to this SCALED DOWN STUDY SCORE.
These Scaled Study Scores are combined for English, plus the next three highest scores plus 10% of
any 5th score plus 10% of any 6th score. This aggregate of scores is then used to rank all of the
students within Victoria who are seeking Tertiary admission.
This produces the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank
About 50% of tertiary courses use the ATAR alone to select the standard of entry. The rest use a
number of other factors such as interviews, folios, and other aptitude tests in conjunction with the
ATAR to decide on selection.
SAT’s School Based Assessment Tasks (Statistically Moderated) SAC’s School Assessed Coursework
& EXAMS Externally set and evaluated
ATAR