P A G E 1 6 | 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
Victorian Certificate of Education
Vocational Major (VM)
How is the VCE VM
structured?
The VCE Vocational Major has specific
subjects designed to prepare students for a
vocational pathway. The subjects are VCE
VM Literacy, VCE VM Numeracy, VCE VM
Work Related Skills and VCE VM Personal
Development Skills (and 180 hours of VET
at Certificate II level or above).
Each subject has four units and each unit
has a set of outcomes which are assessed
through a range of learning activities and
tasks. Students will apply knowledge and
skills in practical settings and also
undertake community-based activities and
projects that involve working in a team.
What is the VCE Vocational
Major (VM)?
The VCE Vocational Major is a vocational and
applied learning program that sits within the
VCE. It is four subjects that have been added
to the VCE that will make up the core of your
program. It takes what is called an ‘Applied
Learning approach’.
Applied learning involves students engaging
in relevant and authentic learning
experiences. It is a method of learning where
theoretical information comes to life for
students in a real-world context that relates
directly to their own future, is within their own
control and is within an environment where
they feel safe and respected. Students’
knowledge grows and expands as they take
action to learn, reflect on that action and plan
how to do it better next time.
The VCE Vocational Major is a two-year
program over Years 11 and 12. Only students
who enrol in the full program can choose VCE
VM studies.
The VCE Vocational Major will prepare
students to move successfully into
apprenticeships, traineeships, further
education and training, university through
alternative entry programs or directly into the
workforce. The four main studies are
assessed at a school level through authentic
assessment activities. There are no external
examinations for the VCE VM studies and
therefore students do not receive a study
score, and are not eligible to receive an
ATAR. Students studying the VCE Vocational
Major are expected to complete the Literacy
and Numeracy GAT external assessment.
Students who have completed the satisfactory
completion requirements of the VCE VM will
receive a Victorian Certificate of Education
with the words Vocational Major on it to
recognise their achievements.
What do I have to do to get my
VCE VM?
Students must successfully finish at least 16
units, including:
3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English
units (including a Unit 3-4 sequence)
3 other Unit 3-4 sequences
2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE
Mathematics units
2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units
2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills
units, and
2 VET credits at Certificate II level or
above (180 hours)
Most students will undertake between 16-20
units over the two years. You can also do
other VCE subjects, and structured
workplace learning.
Details of each of the subjects offered
appear in the appendix at the back of this
booklet.