Studying for the VCE in 1989

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION COURSES

The VCE - how will it affect you?

There are two major changes taking place which will affect the final years of schooling in Victoria.

The first is the introduction of a one-year Victorian Certificate of Education during the years 1987-1991. This certificate will be awarded to all candidates who satisfactorily complete a VCE(Technical Year 12), VCE(Tertiary Orientation Program) or VCE(Higher School Certificate) course of study.

The second change is the gradual phasing in of totally new semester-based studies for Years 11 and 12. This new VCE will be phased in over the period 1990-1992. It will be issued for the first time at the end of 1992 and will report assessments obtained over two years. (In 1989, a pilot program will be conducted in 50 schools to test the administrative procedures. These schools will offer three of the new VCE studies - English, Mathematics, and Australian Studies - at Year 11 level only.)

Full details of curriculum and assessment procedures for all VCE courses are contained in the following publications. • VCE 1988-90 handbook, volume 1 (incorporating TOP courses) • VCE 1988-90 handbook, volume 2 (incorporating former HSC

courses) • VCE 1989 handbook, volume 3 (incorporating Т 12 courses)

You can consult these publications in your school or local public library or you may purchase them from VCAB by writing to Publication Sales, 582 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004.

The certificate and statements of results If you successfully complete Year 12 in 1989, you will be

awarded the Victorian Certificate of Education. This certificate will be issued to you by VCAB in January 1990. You will also receive a statement of results in December 1989 if you completed a VCE(Т 12), or in early January 1990 for a VCE(TOP) course of study, VCE(1SC) course of study or a VCE(approved composite course).

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The statement of results is in two parts. The first lists only those subjects or units you satisfactorily completed, and the second, which will remain confidential to you, will record all the subjects or units you attempted and whether you completed them satisfactorily or unsatisfactorily. Examples of the certificate and statements of results have been included on pages 11-13

VCE courses

VCE( Т 12)

VCE(Т 12) courses are offered at a large number of secondary schools throughout the state. VCE(Т 12) is a twelfth yearof study; it is a whole course negotiated between students and teachers, focused on the specific vocational and educational interest areas of the students. Courses are designed to cater for individual learning differences, acknowledging the capacity of all students to learn. Students are involved in deciding what is to be learnt, how it is to be taught and how it is to be assessed.

The courses must consist of 10 units made up of base and base-related units in the student's field of interest, plus optional units. Each unit is a semester in length and involves 55-60 hours of student participation.

Assessment of each unit is by the use of negotiated goal-based criteria and is therefore non-competitive. Students are assessed as Satisfactory (S) or Not Satisfactory (N). Descriptive assessments are issued for each unit.

Requirements Students must attempt a minimum of 10 units. Students who satisfactorily complete eight semester units of

study [including two semester units of the study of English as accredited by VCE(T12)] will receive the VCE.

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VCE( ТОР )

VCE(TOP) courses have been developed as common regional programs, and are offered by many Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges and secondary schools. These courses are specifically designed to provide the prerequisite skills and knowledge required for further studies at a tertiary institution.

A VCE(TOP) program consists of 32-36 weeks of organised work with a minimum of 20 hours directed learning each week. Under certain conditions, students may complete a VCE(TOP) on a part-time basis.

Assessment of the VCE(TOP) is by marks and grades. In addition, some regional networks provide a student report which indicates the individual's readiness for tertiary study.

Requirements The requirements for satisfactory completion of a VCE(TOP)

are a pass in English and three other subjects, within the one network.

The nominated tertiary institution in each regional network will notify VCAB of those students who have met the requirements. VCAB will issue successful students with a VCE.

vc г ( н SC ) VCE(Н SC) courses are the courses originally accredited by the

Victorian Institute of Secondary Education (VISE) and now registered by VCAB. There are three different types of courses: Group 1 and Group 2 subjects, Group 2 single semester units, and Group 2 approved study structures.

A semester unit takes 55-60 hours of class time to complete. Such units may be studied singly or in combination with others.

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A subject consists of two mutually related semester units or their equivalent. A student may undertake Group 1 and/or Group 2 subjects.

Approved study structures are complete Year 12 courses of study consisting of a range of subjects often closely related to one another. Some examples are courses which focus on business or fine arts studies. One approved study structure offered by many schools is the STC course (Schools Year 12 and Tertiary Entrance Certificate). Studies within the STC course are related to one another through student participation in course design and management, cooperative assessment techniques and work education. These processes ensure that the STC course is relevant to students' interests. A school's course is approved on a yearly basis within STC group moderation guidelines.

The method of assessment varies among VCE(Н SC) courses. Students completing Group 1 subjects will receive marks and letter grades (A-F). For some Group 2 subjects and single semester units students will receive letter grades, but in others, they will receive a combination of letter grades or a Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (N) grade, and a descriptive assessment. (Letter grades A-D indicate satisfactory performance; grades E-F indicate unsatisfactory performance.)

Requirements Normal requirements

Students must successfully complete at least eight different Year 12 semester units to receive the VCE(Н SC). Normally this means students must achieve a grade D or better in four subjects. including English.

The English subject can be Group 1 English, Group 1 Alternative English - ESL Students, Group 2 English A, Group 2 English B, Group 2 Oral English or an approved alternative. Students who undertake approved study structures study English courses which are approved alternatives to the English subjects listed above.

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Qualilkation by compensation Under certain circumstances a candidate who has achieved

satisfactory assessments in fewer than the required number of semester units may be `compensated' for an assessment or assessments in one subject (or up to two semester units) which are just below the satisfactory level. The rules for qualification by compensation are set out in the VCE 1988-90 handbook, volume 2.

VCI; (approved composite courses)

In 1989 the possibility exists for some students to obtain their VCE by studying composite courses. Such courses will include approved combinations of VCE(Н SC) Croup 1 or 2 subjects and VCE(TOP) subjects.

Students may only take composite courses if they are enrolled at schools which have obtained approval from VCAB to offer such courses.

Assessments are in accordance with the current practices of the particular VCE(Н SC) and VCE(TOP) subjects undertaken.

Students should be made aware of the possible limitations for access to tertiary study of undertaking the VCE by a composite course.

Requirements

Students who satisfactorily complete eight semester units of study (four subjects) including two semesters of English will be awarded the VCE.

NOTE: Students will not be eligible to satisfactorily complete their VCE by completing a combination of subjects in VCE(Н SC) in one year and VCE(TOP) subjects in another. Nor will students who have completed a combination of Н SC and TOP subjects before 1987 be eligible to obtain their VCE by accumulation.

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Questions you may have

When do I register for the VCE? You normally register for the VCE by the middle of the year in

which you undertake your studies. Your school will organise this for you. If you are a private student studying VCE(Н SC) courses you normally register directly with VCAB by mid-April and complete a prescribed entry form. You can find deadlines and dates in the VCE 1988-90 handbook, volume 2.

Can I do my VCE if I'm not attending a school? You may do your VCE by correspondence or as a private

student if you enrol in VCE(Н SC) courses. However, this option is not available for VCE(TOP) and VCE(Т 12).

Can I do my VCE over more than one year? In most cases, you may complete your VCE over more than one

year. Further details can be found in the VCE 1988-90 handbook, volume 2.

What if I repeat Year 12 or do my VCE over more than one year?

You may repeat your Year 12 course of study or undertake a different Year 12 course of study if you wish. It is possible to complete the VCE by accumulation, and you will receive statements of results for all subjects and units you enrol in. You will receive your VCE when you have satisfactorily completed a Year 12 course in accordance with the requirements of VCAB.

NOTE: VCAB does not determine whether you have met the normal requirements for entry to tertiary courses. In certain cases,

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on application to a tertiary course, you may be penalised if your VCE has been undertaken over more than one year or if you have repeated the VCE. For information on tertiary entrance and selection practices, contact the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) or the tertiary institutions concerned.

What if I change schools during the year? If you transfer from one school to another during Year 12 there

can be difficulties with continuity of studies, availability of courses and provision of school assessments. If you are doing VCE(Н SC) and you have to change schools, you must notify the principals of the schools involved who will need to decide which school will provide the school assessment in each of your courses. If you are doing VCE(TOP) you may only be able to change schools within the same TOP network. VCE(Т 12) students may change to any school offering VCE(Т 12) courses provided the focus of the course is the same or similar.

What if I have a disability or become ill during the year? If you have a disability, if you are ill during the year, or if your

personal circumstances have affected your work, you should contact your Year 12 coordinator or principal to have this taken into consideration. If you are enrolled in the VCE(Н SC) assessment program, your principal may also be able to apply to VCAB on your behalf for consideration of disadvantage. The same applies if you miss all or part of your external examinations through illness or personal reasons. This application must be made before 8 December 1989. In the case of private students, your tutor may support your application.

Are there special examination arrangements for candidates with disabilities?

If some of the subjects or units you are undertaking include assessment by internal or external examination, again you should contact your Year 12 coordinator, principal or tutor.

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For internal examinations, your school may be able to organise extra examination time, special aids or recording methods designed to assist you to achieve your optimum performance. If you feel you need this sort of assistance for your external examinations, you should apply to VCAB through your principal.

Are there special regulations or provisions for adults doing a VCE?

There are no particular provisions for adults doing a VCE in 1989. However, check with ‚'TAC for relevant information if you intend to go on to tertiary study. There are `mature age' and `special entry' schemes for which you may be eligible. For further information read the brochure, Returning to study or studying part-time? available from VCAB.

What if I have already done two VCE(HSC) subjects — can I do two VCE(TOP) subjects? What will I be awarded?

You will not be eligible to receive the VCE by accumulation in this way as you can only receive a VCE with a combination of VCE(Н SC) and VCE(TOP) courses if your school has met the requirements for composite courses (see pages ). You will however receive a statement of results for all of the subjects or units you have enrolled in.

Will my Year 11 results be included in the VCE? In 1989, no Year 11 results will be included on your statement

of results. The VCE will become a two-year program for the first time in 1991 for all Year 11 students.

How will the VCE enable me to gain entrance to further study and employment?

You must be sure that you are doing the courses that are in line with your future plans, whether these include employment or further study.

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If you hope to study at a university, college of advanced education or a TAPE college after leaving school, you must check very carefully that you are doing the courses and subjects that are required by the institution you wish to enter.

VCAB does not determine whether or not you meet the entry requirements of tertiary institutions. Information about entrance requirements of universities and CAEs may be obtained from VTАС or individual institutions. Details of entry requirements for TAPE courses need to be obtained from the individual TAPE colleges concerned or the Vocational Orientation Centre.

Where do I go for further information?

For VCE information in general, contact The Enquiries Officer Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board 582 St Kilda Road Melbourne 3004 tel. (03) 520 9555.

For particular information regarding VCE(TOP), contact your local TAFE college or provider.

For particular information regarding VCE(Т 12) contact Kelvin Murphy Curriculum Programs Officer Prahran School Support Centre 226 Dandenong Road Fast St Kilda 3183 tel. (03) 520 7666.

For information regarding tertiary selection practices, contact The Information and Training Officer Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) Suite B, 40 Park Street South Melbourne 3205 tel. (03) 690 7977.

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For information regarding TAFE courses, contact The Infoп nation Officer Vocational Orientation Centre 131 La Trobe Street Melbourne 3000 tel. (03) 663 5800.

For information regarding employment, contact Career Reference Centre 368 Elizabeth Street Melbourne 3001 tel. (03) 617 7200

or

Career Reference Centre 170 Little Malop Street Geelong 3220 tel. (052) 21 3188

or

Youth Resource Officer at your local CES office.

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Grades based on otondardoad marka: А =80-100 пюг ks D=50-59marks 8 = 70-79 marks E = а 0-а 9 meг Ms C = ГА 459 пи rks F = 0-39 marks (in 1981-82 F = 5-39 marks) Fot interpretation of grades before 1971 and/or grades G and Н . consult the Eicard The lONely grades were inlroduced trom gbr . D' = the highest аыв ssт eп l available under the provisions lor consideration It dicad'enta E' = asoosamenI awarded under considв ralion о 1 disadvantage ‚rochen' п order 1пв 1 an algipe candidate nay quality by compensetion in the yeat of the

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ит ulа tв d coar those years.

03 UNITS Tvro samesler uп itsera equlvalent 10 а ви bjecl, а 11ПОиуПир 1о eпд lnctuding tOBGlhrteterm units were egи lи bп l to в aubject . For yuryoeee o1 к cumubting results, term units ‚non to 1987 will ba0100tad tid'

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Fullhar information about the abba dotai)' mey be oЫв iп ed from rho еппив l VCAB handbook юИ 1✓ .

е . WARNING - Do ell в 11вг or .1Mnp110 .teae Rea Vletaaiaa' Си tlаев lв of Edueд oп иг 3labnи eN п 1 RestAta 'Ty person who altars or attempts 1о obter the ViclOп an CeellicalO o1 Eduгг tim ос lha btalarrrnrtts o1 ReauOS ot cooapires lodo so liai ba liebie но be ‚roeabutad loten o8 ancв irtciudtTg al ortanco Ioder the CnmOa Oct 195в . Апу suoI coa' will be ra'ollad 1о the Polica. 'Ty li'10t15n Carliroate or Ed000ttoT or Statement 01 Results which пая baoT а bemd or tampered 'ell will be invalidated. А пу риюп амо в uв pосИ tM1 а V lсюпеп Ceni1 iule o1 Е duынюп oг Stetemм l of Reя ulh Пва ним anereлм teпр ele п with 5Ø1е rг poe 1fи тееег ноте 5к relегу . vcønaп Comculom and ASк ssnenl Board immtad'elaiy

VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION

This ż s to certъfy that

has Ø1eØ the requirements for the award of the

Victorian Certгf гcaíe of Education (VCE)

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Candidat в number

"CAB OL11 ' j . Данв of issue

Chairperson ET'

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Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board 582 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004 N'

Telephone (03) 520 9555 GROWING TOGEØ n

December 1988

Library Digitised Collections

Author/s:

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board (VCAB)

Title:

Studying for the VCE in 1989

Date:

1988

Persistent Link:

http://hdl.handle.net/11343/115489