P A G E 1 3 | P A K E N H A M S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E S E N I O R S C H O O L 2 0 2 6 H A N D B O O K
VCE Frequently Asked Questions
How is the ATAR calculated?
It is calculated using:
The scaled score in English, English
Literature or EAL
The next best three scaled scores
10% of any 5th and/or 6th scaled scores
Is it logical to combine certain subjects?
e.g. Physics and Mathematical Methods
should be taken together.
·Which subjects are necessary pre-
requisites for entry into a future career
in which you are interested?
Can I choose any subjects?
Some subjects require some preparation in
Year 10 and a recommendation from your
teacher before you can attempt them in
Year 11.
These include English Literature,
Mathematical Methods, Specialist
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. On
the other hand, some subjects may be
chosen at Unit 3 level without having been
completed at Unit 1 / 2 level (Year 11),
provided you can demonstrate an excellent
academic record in other subjects at Year
11.
You may then:
Choose one of these at Year 12 level
(Unit 3) while you are enrolled in Year
11. This is only recommended for high
achieving students with proven
organisational and study skills or;
Pick up a subject at Unit 3 level when
you enter Year 12 without having
attempted that subject at Unit 1 / 2
(Year 11) level. Again, this is only
recommended for high achieving
students with proven organisational and
study skills.
In addition, students who perform well in a
Year 12 subject while they were in Year 11
may choose to enrol in the Higher
Education Studies Programs at a university
such as Monash, Melbourne or Deakin and
obtain credit towards their VCE result.
What is an ATAR?
ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary
Admission Rank. Students who complete
VCE and satisfy the requirements receive an
ATAR score which can be used for entry into
a range of tertiary courses.
For an ATAR, students must satisfactorily
complete Units 3 & 4 of an English course
within the English group. The English group
consists of: English Units 1-4, EAL Units 3-4,
English Language Units 1-4 and Literature
Units 1-4. Students may not obtain credit for
both English Units 3 & 4 and English (EAL)
Units 3 & 4.
Which studies are used to get an
ATAR?
All VCE Units 3 / 4 studies, however, no
more than two Languages at Unit 3 and 4
level.
No more than two VCE Mathematics
studies at Unit 3 and 4 level may count in
the primary four. Any other Mathematics or
Languages are counted as a 5th or 6th
subject.
Approved tertiary study.
How do I choose my units?
You may choose any units from the list
that interests you. In doing so, you should
consider:
·Which units represent subjects that you
enjoy and would perform well in?