Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
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The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is
a rigorous certificate that provides pathways
for students into employment, TAFE and
tertiary institutions. Obtaining the VCE is an
achievable goal for most students, however
performing well in the ranking is more difficult.
This handbook provides information to assist
you in planning your pathway through the
VCE. Take the time to read it carefully and use
it to ask questions about the courses you have
an interest in.
Structure of the VCE
To graduate with your VCE you must
satisfactorily complete:
A minimum of 16 units and complete:
Three units from the English group
which include a Unit 3 & 4 sequence,
Three sequences of Unit 3 & 4
(including up to two VET sequences)
other than English.
At Pakenham Secondary College, students
are normally required to attempt 12 units in the
first year and 10 units in the second year of
their VCE studies. Students need to have 10
credits at Year 11 to advance to Year 12.
All studies are offered and the program for
each VCE year is determined by student
choice, school facilities and staff qualifications.
The following VCE Units are offered at
Pakenham Secondary College:
ENGLISH
English/EAL
Literature
ARTS
Art Making and Exhibiting
Visual Communications and
Design
Music
Theatre Studies
HEALTH & PE
Health and Human Development
Physical Education
HUMANITIES
Accounting
Business Management
Politics
History
Legal Studies
Sociology
MATHEMATICS
Foundation Mathematics
General Mathematics
Mathematical Methods
Specialist Mathematics
SCIENCE
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
TECHNOLOGY
Applied Computing
Data Analytics
Food Studies
Product Design and Technology: Textiles
Product Design and Technology: Wood
Cost details of each of the subjects offered appear in the
appendix at the back of this booklet.