VCE
In 2023, St Mary’s College undertook the significant process of applying to deliver the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the VCE Vocational Major (VM). This required applications to two educational authorities — the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) — both of which were successfully submitted by the June 2023 deadline.
Throughout the process, we worked closely with MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools) to ensure all policies, coursework and resources met the expectations of both authorities. Our teaching staff dedicated extensive time to developing and preparing curriculum documentation across 19 subjects, ensuring we were ready to launch the VCE program in 2024.
Staff experienced in VCE design and delivery played a key role in writing courses and preparing learning materials throughout 2023, continuing to develop Year 12 units of study for delivery in 2025.
St Mary’s College successfully commenced its first year of VCE in 2024, offering a broad range of subjects across multiple disciplines. As with most secondary schools, final class structures were determined by student interest, available resources and staffing. Students also had the opportunity to include a VET Certificate II or III as part of their VCE studies, with some continuing existing certificates and others beginning new programs.
VCE subjects delivered from 2024 included:
- Art – Making and Exhibiting Unit 1 & 2
- Biology Unit 1 & 2
- Business Management Unit 1 & 2
- Chemistry Unit 1 & 2
- English (and EAL) Unit 1 & 2
- English Language Unit 1 & 2
- Health and Human Development Unit 1 & 2
- Modern History Unit 1 & 2
- Foundation Mathematics Unit 1 & 2
- General Mathematics Unit 1 & 2
- General Mathematics Unit 3 & 4
- Legal Studies Unit 1 & 2
- Mathematical Methods Unit 1 & 2
- Physical Education Unit 1 & 2
- Physics Unit 1 & 2 (TBC)
- Product Design and Technology Unit 1 & 2
- Psychology Unit 1 & 2
- Religion and Society Unit 2
- Visual Communication Unit 1 & 2
In addition, students were offered the opportunity to undertake the VCE Vocational Major (VM), previously known as the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
Subjects offered within the VCE VM included:
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Personal Development Skills
- Work Related Skills
- Religion and Society Unit 2
- A Certificate II or III VET course as part of compulsory coursework
The introduction of the VCE and VCE VM programs has been a significant milestone for St Mary’s College, expanding the opportunities available to senior students as they prepare for their post-school pathways.