Senior School Years 10-12
Welcome to the Senior School of Western Port Secondary College. A senior school that offers a diverse range of programs, experiences and opportunities for students studying in the senior years.
Students in the Senior School are supported by a team of very experienced and dedicated staff. Their ability to provide support, advice, counselling in relation to both schooling and post schooling options is vast and readily accessible via the Senior School Hub. This team is also dedicated to assist students with personal difficulties they may experience from time to time throughout their senior years journey.
Year 10.
We aim to provide opportunities, so all students are continually challenged to perform at their best, are engaged in their work and encouraged to regularly attend classes. Our commitment to you is to provide students with access to programs that suit their interests and are directed towards their future goals.
We endeavour to establish strong personal and respectful relationships with each student in our care. We aim to present enjoyable, relevant, and rigorous teaching and learning programs that reflect the developmental stages of our students, as they move through their adolescent years into the Later Years Program.
YEAR 10 SUITE OF PROGRAMS
Year 10 consists of compulsory ‘CORE’ subjects as well as electives of interest within subject specific areas. Below is an overview of the curriculum breakdown for a Year 10 student. Students undertake course conversations in the lead up to selecting their Year 10 program – where compulsory subjects are checked, along with support to engage in a range of choices within Domain Areas to ensure a balanced and appropriate course is selected.
For more information about subject offerings at Year 10, please refer to the…
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CORE SUBJECTS
|
Length
|
Time Fraction
|
|---|---|---|
|
English
|
Full Year
|
8 Periods
|
|
Mathematics
|
Full Year
|
8 Periods
|
|
Science/STEM
|
Semester Long
|
8 Periods
|
|
Humanities
|
Semester Long
|
8 Periods
|
|
ICARE
|
Full Year
|
10 Periods
|
|
ELECTIVE OPTIONS
|
Length
|
Time Fraction
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|---|---|---|
|
Languages
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Semester Long
|
8 Periods
|
|
CORE Health & PE
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Semester Long
|
8 Periods
|
|
The Arts
|
Semester Long
|
8 Periods
|
|
Technologies
|
Semester Long
|
8 Periods
|
Sample 1
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Semester One
|
|
Semester Two
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
English
|
8
|
English
|
8
|
|
Maths
|
8
|
Maths
|
8
|
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iCARE
|
10
|
iCARE
|
10
|
|
Core HPE
|
8
|
Biology Elective
|
8
|
|
Psychology Elective
|
8
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Art Elective
|
8
|
|
Art Elective
|
8
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Humanities Core
|
8
|
|
|
50
|
|
50
|
Sample 2
|
Semester One
|
|
Semester Two
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
English
|
8
|
English
|
8
|
|
Maths
|
8
|
Maths
|
8
|
|
iCARE
|
10
|
iCARE
|
10
|
|
General Sci
|
8
|
Core HPE
|
8
|
|
Humanities Core
|
8
|
Art Elective
|
8
|
|
Tech Elective
|
8
|
Tech Elective
|
8
|
|
|
50
|
|
50
|
EXTENSION AND ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Acceleration into VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education)
A Year 10 student may be permitted to undertake an accelerated VCE subject in Year 10. Decisions related to acceleration occur as part of the course counselling and Subject Selection process. For more information related to Accelerated courses, please refer to the Senior Handbook or a member of the Senior School Team.
Work Experience at Year 10
The Year 10 Work Experience Program is a mandatory placement, which Year 10 students are required to undertake with an employer. We advise our students to find a placement that will provide an insight into the industry which relates to their course and career interests. At Western Port Secondary College, our Year 10 students complete two rounds of this.
If the student will be under 15 years of age during the Work Experience week, please contact Laura Higgins.
The Work Experience Program for 2023 will be conducted during the last week of Term 1, and Term 3. In certain circumstances, where students are unable to participate in the program during Work Experience Week, students may be allowed to find placements during the June/July, September/October holidays or at the end of the year during Early Commencement. This requires approval from the Head of Year 10.
Students are expected to make their own arrangements with employers. We do not encourage parents/carers to undertake this task on behalf of their child. We strongly advise our students to plan and make enquires with prospective employers well in advance. We encourage students to think about their recent subject selections, career action plan and use their Morrisby reports for ideas on placements that they would like to explore.
We appreciate students may already have part time jobs and are developing their work-related skills. However, we believe students need to explore beyond these realms and into future possibilities. For this reason, students are not permitted to undertake the mandatory Work Experience Program placement with their current employers, as this contradicts the aims of the program.
Work experience is compulsory for all year 10 students so do not wait to get started or leave it until the last minute.
Students will primarily observe and learn and undertake manageable tasks; they will not undertake activities which require extensive training or expertise.
Work experience forms an integral part of the career development process. It can provide students with:
- A better understanding of the work environment and what employers expect of their workers.
- An increased self-understanding, maturity, independence, and self-confidence.
- An aspiration to continue study and/or undertake further training.
- An opportunity to explore career options.
- A better understanding of how the school curriculum can help prepare young people for work.
- An introduction to workplace recruitment practices.
- The opportunity to include the employer’s work experience evaluation in future job and course applications.
- The opportunity to ‘try out’ a career interest area, prior to undertaking VCE/VET/VCAL studies in Year 11 & 12.
- Advanced opportunities for part-time and casual employment.
- The opportunity to develop work-related competencies and acquire skills e.g., communication, teamwork skills.
PLEASE SEE ALL RELEVANT FORMS NEEDED TO COMPLETE FOR YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE BELOW
Work Experience: Resources | education.vic.gov.au
Year 10 is an important stage in learning to engage in them in their own learning to improve their academic success. Student engagement levels are affected by many factors which include sense of ownership of their own learning program; the ability to make their own informed choices within that program; understand that the programs which they have chosen caters to their own individual interests and needs; to appreciate their own program choice will link to their future learning and life goals.
School to Work Portal
Find opportunities for structured workplace learning (SWL), school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) and work experience (WE) with Victorian employers across the state.
Structured Workplace Learning: Resources | education.vic.gov.au
Occupational health and safety
Prior to commencing work experience, students must satisfactorily complete occupational health and safety (OHS) training, either through:
- safe@work
- for students with disabilities or additional needs – A Job Well Done.
Work Experience Forms
The following forms must be completed and signed before the work experience commences:
Microsoft Word – BRI009315 Attach 5 – Form 3 Amended WE Arrangement Form (education.vic.gov.au)
Year 11.
At Year 11 students transition into Pathways options within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and/or the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE-VM).
DET Flowchart
VCE
VCE - VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION
Overview of the Victorian Certificate of Education (vimeo.com)
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
- Is a two-to-three-year course of study for students in their final years of schooling.
- Is set by the Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority (VCAA)
- Aims to give students a well-rounded, comprehensive education that allows for any pathway that the student might choose, from further education, training and/or employment.
Who should be undertaking the VCE pathway?
Ask yourself these questions;
- Am I organised and reliable?
- Am I self motivated and ready to take responsibility for my own learning?
- Am I ready to prioritise my study?
- Am I committed to attending all classes and completing homework?
- Do I have a clear goal and reason for completing my VCE?
- Do I require an ATAR to continue into my chosen pathway?
Requirements to qualify for the VCE
To be awarded the VCE, a student must satisfactorily complete a MINIMUM of SIXTEEN UNITS, which must include:
- Three of the four compulsory units of English including units 3 and 4. A unit is one “semester’s work”.
- Four pairs of Units 3 and 4 sequences including English units 3 and 4.
- Unit 3∕4 sequences are those normally undertaken in Year 12, or through Early Access.
Satisfactory completion of a unit means demonstrating achievement of ALL learning outcomes for that Unit. Units which are VET Certificate studies may also contribute to the VCE Unit total and Unit 3∕4 sequences.
Students typically undertake a total of 20 semester-length units. Normally, ten units will be studied in Year 11, and ten units will be studied in Year 12.
The decision regarding satisfactory completion in all Units will be based on results from the set of tasks designed to allow students to demonstrate the Learning Outcomes for each unit, completed during the semester. All Learning Outcomes must be demonstrated for satisfactory completion of each Unit.
Assessment in VCE:
- Units 1 and 2– Assessment is school-based. Students are assessed on a range of tasks, including a formal end of unit exam. The VCAA issues an end of year statement showing what units the student has satisfactorily completed. There is no “Year 11” certificate in the VCE.
- Units 3 and 4– Assessment is controlled by the VCAA. Students are awarded a score and an S (Satisfactory) or an N (not satisfactory), on School-Assessed Coursework (SAC), School-Assessed Tasks (SAT) or exams. Assessment will be at least 50% by external examination in November and by School-Assessed Coursework or School-Assessed Tasks. School- assessed Coursework is based on work done in class as part of the regular teaching and learning program. School-Assessed Tasks involve longer-term assessment in studies where models or products are an integral part of the unit, such as a folio in Studio Art.
What is a Study Score?
If you obtain at least two graded assessments and achieve an S for both Units 3 and 4 in a study in the same year, you will receive a study score. A study score is a number between 0 and 50 that indicates your ranking in terms of all students doing that study in that year.
What is an ATAR?
Tertiary institutions look at the ATAR and the combinations of VCE studies students have completed before offering places.
The ATAR is calculated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) on the basis of study scores and is presented as a ranking between 0.00 and 99.95.
If you want to obtain an ATAR, you need to have at least four study scores, one of which must be from the English group.
VCE Programs
Within the Senior School Handbook are detailed descriptions of subjects offered at Western Port Secondary College. Students should select a program according to their career path/s. Students may select the subjects specified in a particular example program or select subject by subject.
What is a Program?
A Program is a group of studies, taken over two to three years, which focuses on a particular career area. Students can select a program from the electives in this handbook. When choosing a program students must keep in mind that it should:
- Fulfil the specific requirements of the VCE in the number and range of units recommended
- Provide a broad and comprehensive education as required by the VCE
- Have a particular focus on a career pathway or further study
- Have flexibility to cater for varying student interests, aspirations and strengths
Sample VCE Programs have been included below. Student preferences demonstrated via program and subject selections will ultimately determine which classes will run in the following year at WPSC.
Sample Student Timetable
How to Choose a Program
What are the possible career or job directions you might wish to follow? What VCE/ VET program or subjects would best suit you for the career you have in mind? What about the further education paths that you might take?
If considering higher education or a particular career pathway, it is imperative to find out what studies are recommended and the pre-requisites for tertiary courses. Our Careers Counsellor can give you assistance in this matter. The programs in this handbook are based on current Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) guidelines.
Check the pre-requisites and preferred studies for any course/career you might wish to enter. Without the prerequisite studies, you will be cut off from that option.
For example, as mentioned earlier the Victorian Government stipulates that all students selected for Primary Teaching Courses must have passes in a Year 11 Maths. Another consistent prerequisite is Chemistry, for anything in the Medical field, while Accounting is a common prerequisite in Commerce courses. Students should choose their program carefully on the basis of career aspirations, their strengths and their interests. Choices made may limit options at tertiary and TAFE level, so it is vital that students check the entrance requirements for any tertiary course they may want to undertake. As previously outlined, it is also recommended that a student should take the highest level of Maths that they are capable of, as this frequently increases options.
VTAC Year 10 Guide for Senior School – Choosing VCE Studies for the right reasons.
It is the student’s responsibility to check that the chosen VCE/VET course meets the prerequisite requirements for any prospective future tertiary course they may wish to undertake.
The following publication from VTAC will assist students and parents to select subjects that meet university pre-requisites. Please ensure you are referring to the appropriate document for your child. Also make sure you look at the requirements of a range of institutions as pre-requisite studies may vary depending on the institution.
Virtual School Victoria
Virtual School Victoria (Formerly Distance Education) is available for some subjects such as LOTE.
Please look at the following website:
VCE – VM
Vocational Major (VCE)
Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM)
There are two senior secondary qualifications available to students in Victoria, VCE and VCE VM. Students can complete a VET (Vocational Education and Training) certificate through VCE but must compete VET through VCE VM.
The VCE is expanding to include the Vocational Major, a 2-year vocational and applied learning program. It will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) from 2023
What is VCE VM?
The VCE Vocational Major is an accredited Senior Secondary Certificate and provides an opportunity for greater application to real-world learning, specialism, and personalisation of learning for students in Years 11 and 12.
The VCE VM program pursues the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes that help prepare students for employment, post-secondary education, or training and for participation in the broader community. The program is personalised for each student so that they can make informed vocational choices within the specific industry sector of their choice and/or to facilitate pathways to further learning.
A VCE VM program includes the study of five primary areas and must include successful completion of at least 16 units, over 2 years, including:
- 3 VCE VM Literacy (including a Unit 3–4 sequence)
- 2 VCE VM Numeracy
- 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 nominal hours)
Through its structure, the VCE VM certificate enables greater flexibility to match the interests of individual learners. VCE VM allows students to pursue rigorous study towards their future goals.
VCE VM engages students in practical work-related experience, community-based activities and on the job learning, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work.
The VCE VM curriculum is based on key knowledge and key skills (like VCE) but is assessed by demonstrating competencies (rather than exams). These competencies are assessed through projects and practical applications at school and within industry training. Students will also complete part A of the General Achievement Test (GAT).
Students are expected to finish their VCE Vocational Major over 2 years.
VET / SBAT
Vocational Education & Training (VET)
Our Years 10, 11 and 12 students have the option to complete Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects.
What is VET?
Vocational education and training (VET) is learning where you develop targeted and practical skills. The skills you learn relate to a career pathway, so can apply them at work or in further education and training.
You can add a VET course or certificate to your studies while you’re in year 11 or 12. You may even start VET in year 10.
Including VET in your studies
VET adds another level of learning to your senior secondary schooling. You get practical skills in an industry you’re interested in, improving your employability.
Talk to your teacher or our Careers Counsellor about adding VET to your VCE, VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) program.
VET courses:
- provide a nationally recognised qualification in a specific industry, or provide credit towards one
- contribute towards the completion of your VCE, VCE Vocational Major or VPC
- give you the option to study through a paid school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.
VET subjects
Students are provided with information regarding VET offerings during the course expo and selection process, their iCARE classes and their work with our Careers Practitioner.
VET programs offer a diverse range of study areas, including agriculture; fashion design and textiles; building and construction; business; community services; allied health; make-up; horticulture; hospitality; media; animal studies; visual arts; sport and recreation; digital media and technology; equine studies; furniture making; music industry; engineering and dance.
VPC
VPC (Victorian Pathways Certificate)
Pathways – westernportsc.vic.edu.au
IN 2024, Western Port Secondary College will be launching The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) which is an inclusive Year 11 and 12 standards-based certificate that meets the needs of a smaller number of students who are not able or ready to complete the VCE (including the VCE Vocational Major). It provides an enriched curriculum and excellent support for students to develop the skills, capabilities and qualities for success in personal and civic life.
Students will be supported by the school to move into this pathway if appropriate to their needs and will complete this with our wonderful and supportive inclusion team.
The VPC is designed to develop and extend pathways for young people, while providing flexibility for different cohorts. The VPC is suitable for students whose previous schooling experience may have been disrupted for a variety of reasons, including students with additional needs, students who have missed significant periods of learning and vulnerable students at risk of disengaging from their education.
Students will gain the skills, knowledge, values and capabilities to make informed choices about pathways into a senior secondary qualification, entry level vocational education and training (VET) course or employment.
The curriculum accommodates student aspirations and future employment goals. VPC learning programs connect students to industry experiences and active participation in the community. Through participation in the VPC students will gain necessary foundation skills to allow them to make a post-schooling transition.
o be eligible to receive the VPC, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 12 units, including:
- at least two units of VPC Literacy (or units from the VCE English group including VCE Vocational Major Literacy)
- at least two units of VPC Numeracy (or units from the VCE Mathematics group including VCE Vocational Major Numeracy)
- at least two VPC Personal Development Skills units
- at least two VPC Work Related Skills units.
Students can also include units from VCE studies, VCE Vocational Major studies, and VET units of competency. VPC students can receive VET credit for 90 nominal hours at the Certificate 1 or above level and receive structured workplace learning recognition. Many students will undertake more than 12 units over the VPC.
The VPC is designed to be delivered in Year 11 and 12 and has a flexible duration depending on a student’s individual learning plan and the delivery setting. The VPC may be completed in a minimum of 12 months. All VPC units can be completed in any order and in any year. The units can be delivered in a flexible manner and do not have to be delivered sequentially.
Year 12.
At Year 12 students complete their senior course within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and/or the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE-VM).
DET Flowchart
