Senior Pathways Overview

Students in the senior pathway years (Year 11 and 12) have several options.

Option 1 is to Study the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Scored Academic Pathway.

Option 2 is to Study the Vocational Major (VCE-VM)

Option 3 Completing VCE units without calculation of a study score (unscored VCE). This includes specified modifications to suit personalised learning needs and/or pathways.

Option 4 Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is to study based on personalised learning needs, parallel to the Vocational Major. This requires documented support from the personalised learning team.

VCE may include a combination of the following:

  • VCE units

  • VET units

  • SBAT

  • Accelerated Studies and University Extension Studies

  • VCE-VM units (PDS and WRS)

VCE-VM may include a combination of:

  • VET units

  • SBAT

  • WRS

  • PDS

  • VCE-VM Numeracy

  • VCE-VM Literacy

  • VCE units

Students in the senior pathway years (Year 11 and 12) have several options.

In Year 11, students choose an English and 5 other subjects (4 subjects plus a study may be an appropriate option).

In Year 12, students choose an English and 4 other subjects.

Their choices can include;

  • 4 – 5 VCE Subjects

  • Acceleration program if nominated,e.g. Units 1 & 2 or a VET course in Year 10 and Units 3 & 4 in Year 11

  • VET courses (internally or externally)

  • Undertake a university unit in Year 12 as an accelerated Unit

  • Subjects not offered by Assumption College can be completed by distance education, eg. languages

In addition to their subject choices, Year 11 and 12 students will continue to take part in the myBeing program.

All Senior Certificates consist of a two year course of study, however some students may choose to complete their studies over three years.

Students are encouraged to investigate and consider all options before making final choices. Parents, learning mentors, house leaders, subject teachers and other students can offer valuable perspectives and assist in making informed decisions.

The Assumption College Pathways Team can provide information about Higher Education requirements. This includes information about prerequisites for future study and work.

For more information about senior pathway options please navigate your way through the Assumption Careers page: assumptioncareers.com.au

Definitions of ACRONyMS

VCE = Victorian Certificate of Education

VCE-VM = Vocational Major

VPC = Victorian Pathways Certificate

WRS = Work Related Skills

PDS = Personal Development Skills

VET = Vocational Education and Training

SBAT = School Based Apprenticeship and Training

VCAA =Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

VTAC = Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre

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VCE Vocational Major Personal Development Skills (PDS) takes an active approach to personal development, self-realisation and citizenship by exploring interrelationships between individuals and communities. PDS focuses on health, wellbeing, community engagement and social sciences, and provides a framework through which students seek to understand and optimise their potential as individuals and as members of their community.This study provides opportunities for students to explore influences on identity, set and achieve personal goals, interact positively with diverse communities, and identify and respond to challenges. Students will develop skills in self-knowledge and care, accessing reliable information, teamwork, and identifying their goals and future pathways.PDS explores concepts of effective leadership, self-management, project planning and teamwork to support students to engage in their work, community and personal environments.Through self-reflection, independent research, critical and creative thinking and collaborative action, students will extend their capacity to understand and connect with the world they live in, and build their potential to be resilient, capable citizens.
VCE Vocational Major Work Related Skills (WRS) examines a range of skills, knowledge and capabilities relevant to achieving individual career and educational goals. Students will develop a broad understanding of workplace environments and the future of work and education, in order to engage in theoretical and practical planning and decision-making for a successful transition to their desired pathway.The study considers four key areas: the future of work; workplace skills and capabilities; industrial relations and the workplace environment and practice; and the development of a personal portfolio. Students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this study in the classroom environment and through Structured Workplace Learning (SWL). 
Accounting
Agriculture and Horticultural Studies
Applied Computing
Art Creative Practice (Textiles)
Art Making and Exhibiting
Australian and Global Politics
Australian Politics
Biology
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Biology is the study of living things: it is about understanding the natural world. It involves the study of living organisms, how they work and the interactions of organisms with each other and their natural environments. Students will acquire practical skills in field and laboratory biology and develop an understanding of bioethics. These skills are used to investigate biotechnology, immunology and hominin evolution.
Biology
Business Management
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This study examines the various types of business organisations that operate within Australia and the ways in which people manage them. Students will study different sized firms, from the very small owner/manager type to the large corporation. The study is useful for students interested in any type of Business Studies/Management course.
Business Management
Chemistry
Classical Studies
Dance
Data Analytics
Drama
Economics
English
English Language
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VCE English Language explores the ways in which language is used by individuals and groups and reflects our thinking and values. Learning about language helps us to understand ourselves, the groups with which we identify, and the society we inhabit. The study enables students to understand the structures, features and discourses of written and spoken texts. It promotes systematic and objective deconstruction of language in use.
English Language
Environmental Science
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Students examine Earth as a set of four interacting systems and apply a systems perspective when exploring the physical requirements for life in terms of inputs and outputs, and consider the effects of natural and human-induced changes in ecosystems. Students explore the concept of pollution and associated impacts on Earth’s four systems.
Environmental Science
Extended Investigation
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VCE Extended Investigation enables students to develop, refine and extend knowledge and skills in independent research and carry out an investigation that focuses on a rigorous research question of their own choosing. Students develop their own investigation which may be an extension of an area of curriculum already undertaken by the student or it may be completely independent of any other study in the student’s VCE program based on the student's individual interests. Through this study, students develop their capacity to explore, justify and defend their research findings in both oral and written forms, developing skills for conducting empirical and literature-based research in preparation for tertiary studies and beyond. The research does not need to be aligned with science or humanities specifically, with the student tailoring their project to their own particular passions and interests.

Please Note, All Dark Blue myMAP subjects in Science and Humanities support entry into VCE Units 3 and 4 Extended Investigation.
Extended Investigation
Food Studies
French
Geography
Global Politics
Health & Human Development
History: Empires
History: Revolutions
Legal Studies
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VCE Legal Studies investigates the ways in which the law relates to and serves individuals and the community. Students develop an understanding of legal foundations and the existence of a court hierarchy in Victoria. They develop their understanding of the way rights are protected in Australia and in another country. Students explore the institutions that determine our laws. They examine the complex nature of law-making, investigating the features and operation of parliament, and influences on law-making. Students develop an understanding of the central role played by the Commonwealth Constitution and the function of the High Court of Australia in interpreting and enforcing the Constitution. 
Legal Studies
Literature
Mathematics: Foundation
Mathematics: General
Mathematics: Methods
Mathematics: Specialist
Media
Music Performance
Outdoor and Environmental Studies
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Outdoor and Environmental Studies is concerned with the ways humans interact with and relate to outdoor environments. It covers environments that have minimum influence from humans, as well as those environments that have been subject to different levels of human intervention. The study enables students to make critically informed comment on questions of environmental sustainability and to understand the importance of environmental health, particularly in local contexts. The blend of direct practical experience of outdoor environments with theory-based study enables informed understanding of human relationships with nature.
Outdoor and Environmental Studies
Philosophy
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The ability to think philosophically is highly regarded in careers where conceptual analysis, strategic thinking, insightful questioning and carefully reasoned arguments are needed. In a rapidly changing world, where “jobs of the future” are constantly evolving, it is critical for students to be innovative, creative and adaptive thinkers. At the same time exploring the big philosophical questions and the ideas of some of history’s greatest thinkers can promote a more satisfying intellectual life and offer inspiration into the future. Philosophy is a challenging and stimulating study, which nurtures curiosity, problem-solving, skills and intellectual rigor.
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
Product Design and Technology (Metal)
Product Design and Technology (Wood)
Note: Students can only undertake one Product, Design and Technolgy course in Units 3 and 4.
Psychology
Religion and Society
Systems Engineering
Texts and Traditions
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The study of VCE Texts and Traditions fosters a deeper understanding of the relationship between religious traditions and the written texts which grow from and shape the traditions. There is much to be learned about religious traditions if they are examined in relation to the texts upon which they are founded. These texts become touchstones to the tradition as the tradition develops and responds to changing circumstances.
Texts and Traditions
Visual Communication Design
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Students examine the way visual language can be used to convey ideas, information and messages in the fields of communication, environmental and industrial design. Designers create and communicate through visual means to influence everyday life for individuals, communities and societies. The design process provides a structure to organise design thinking and is shaped by considerations of aesthetics and functionality, as well as social, cultural, environmental and economic factors.
Visual Communication
Design

Units offered at Assumption College

Units 1 and 2 (Year 11)
Units 3 and 4 (Year 12)
The following VET subjects are studied off campus every Wednesday.
Allied Health*
Agriculture
Automotive
Aviation
Beauty
Building and Construction
Design Fundamentals
Information Technology:
Game Development
Electro Technology
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Do you want to become an apprentice Electrician? The Certificate II in Electrotechnology Pre-Apprenticeship course will introduce you to the electrical industry and equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to work safely. This practical course will ensure you’re prepared to enter the trades industry by introducing you to a range of foundational electrical skills and knowledge.
Electro Technology
Engineering*
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This certificate provides participants with the knowledge and skills to achieve competencies that will enhance their employment prospects in the engineering or engineering-related industries. This course equips participants with comprehensive skills and knowledge to work in steel and metal industries by introducing computer use in relation to engineering work, use of hand and power tools, engineering science, fabrication techniques and quality concepts.
Engineering*
Equine Studies*
Salon Assistant
(Hairdressing)
Makeup
Plumbing
Film and Visual Effects Foundation
Early Childhood Education and Care
Education Support
Business
The following VET subjects are offered at Assumption College and studied within the timetable like other subjects.
Music*
Sport and
Recreation*
The following VET subjects are studied at Assumption College every Wednesday.
Acting
Animal Care
Cookery
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This program provides an incredible opportunity for students to undertake SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery. The program provides participants with an overview of the hospitality industry as well as the necessary training and skills development for the achievement of competence in Food Preparation and Food and Beverage Services. This course is suited to people who enjoy working in customer service, cooking, have good organisation skills, able to work under pressure and stay calm in stressful situations. Students need to have good personal presentation, be punctual and be committed.
Cookery

* Scored VCE/VET course (complete external exams in second year).

Students looking to undertake a VET subject will need to sit a basic literacy and numeracy test to assess their capabilities for VET studies.

If a student would like to undertake a VET course that is not listed here, please contact the Pathways Team.

For more general information about VET please visit the Assumption Careers page assumptioncareers.com.au

Click here to view the application process for VET Subjects assumptioncareers.com.au

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Important Information
Please note that in order to study a VET internally or externally on a Wednesday each student will miss one period of each other subject studied per cycle (every two weeks). Students will receive one study line if they select a VET.
VCE/VET Information
VCE VET approved courses and VET Block credit courses may count towards your ATAR as an increment. VCE and VCE VET results will take precedence over VET Block credit courses in the calculation of your ATAR. VET Block credit courses can only be used in the calculation of your ATAR if there are fewer than six VCE or VCE VET studies available for calculation. Students looking to undertake a VET subject will need to sit a basic literacy and numeracy test to assess their capabilities for VET studies.

Applied Learning

  • Focuses on learning and applying the skills and knowledge students need to solve a problem, implement a project or participate in the workforce

  • Involves students and their teachers in partnership and connection with organisations and individuals outside school

  • Is concerned with nurturing and working with students in a holistic manner, which takes into account their personal strengths, interests, goals and previous experiences, and

  • Emphasises the relevance of what is being learnt to the ‘real world’ outside the classroom

Those considering VCE-VM are students who:

  • are seeking a vocational pathway on completion of school

  • learn best where learning is practical, experimental, “hands-on” or “applied” like to work on an individual program that suits their needs or interests

  • are organised and can work both independently and in groups

VM Subjects

Students enrolled in VCE Vocational Major will complete the following subjects:

  • VCE-VM Literacy/VCE English

  • VCE-VM Numeracy/VCE Maths

  • Personal Development Skills (PDS)

  • Work Related Skills (WRS)

  • VET/SBAT

  • VCE subject

School Based Traineeships:

It is possible to complete a traineeship while you are still at school. In a school based traineeship, you complete your traineeship in addition to completing the VCE or VCE-VM.

You would normally work with your host employer for approximately 8 hours per week, plus some time in the school holidays.

As a school based trainee each student receives:

  • a headstart into the world of work

  • accredited training

  • ongoing advice and support

  • a training wage

  • a nationally recognised qualification

School Based Apprenticeships:

It is possible to complete part of an apprenticeship while you are still at school. Working as a school based apprentice, you complete part of your apprenticeship while you work at completing either the VCE or VCE-VM.

A school-based apprentice will normally receive between 6-12 months off a full time apprenticeship after working approximately 2 years with their SBAT employer.

Each apprentice would typically work with their host employer for between 6-8 hours per week, plus some time in the school holidays. Each school based apprentice receives:

  • a headstart into the world of work and the possibility of full time employment at the end of their SBAT.

  • accredited training

  • ongoing advice and support

  • a training wage

  • a nationally recognised qualification

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