Years 10 - 12

Year 10

Commencing in Year 10, students can select from a pathway that suits their academic or practical skills and interests.

For students interested in pursuing a VCE course of study in Years 11 and 12, the College offers a number of subjects in Year 10 that introduce the concepts and content they can expect to cover in their final two years. Some students are also invited to begin a Unit 1 and 2 VCE subject in Year 10.

For students seeking a more hands-on senior pathway through the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM), Year 10 provides an opportunity to choose from electives and Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects.

Years 11 and 12

Our students can pursue a learning program in any or a combination of the following in their final years of schooling: the Victorian Certificate of

Education (VCE), Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM), or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

St Francis Catholic College offers more than 30 VCE subjects and approximately 10 VET subjects. Subjects vary from year to year depending on teacher availability and student interest.

VET subjects can be combined with either VCE or VCE VM pathways of study. They provide a nationally recognised qualification that can be used to gain employment or lead to further study at a TAFE institute after completing secondary school.

Many VET subjects also provide credits towards the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Our Pathways staff offer all students support, advice, information and opportunities so they feel confident making decisions that lead them to the post-secondary education, training, and employment they wish to pursue.

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

The VCE is typically a two-year program of study undertaken during the final two years of secondary education. It is a recognised qualification for entry to further studies at university or TAFE or for movement into the workforce.

The Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM)

The VCE Vocational Major (VM) replaced the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) in 2023.

It is an applied learning program that gives students choice and flexibility, allowing them to tailor their program to their strengths and vocational aspirations.

It acknowledges that vocational and applied learning pathways are high-quality choices for students and strengthens community perceptions and understanding of senior school certificates.

Students complete studies in the fields of Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills, Personal Development Skills and a Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificate.

Support in finding the right VET option is provided by our VET Coordinator and our Pathways and Careers Team.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET subjects can be combined with either VCE or VCE VM pathways of study. Students completing a VCE VM pathway are required to complete some VET units of study.

VET subjects provide a nationally recognised qualification that can be used to gain employment or lead to further study at a TAFE institute after completing secondary school.

Many VET subjects also provide credits towards the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Western Edge Cluster

The Western Edge Cluster (WEC) provides quality Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs for secondary school students.

​The Cluster comprises nine Government, Independent and Catholic schools, including St Francis Catholic College. The WEC arrangement is founded on a spirit of cooperation and to provide a wider breadth of learning opportunities for all our senior secondary students.

Subject and program selection begins in Term 3 each year. Visit www.wec.vic.edu.au to read more about the courses available.

Victorian Pathways Certificate

The VPC 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 VM). Students will be guided into this pathway based on their individual educational needs.

VPC provides an enriched curriculum and excellent support for students to develop the skills, capabilities and qualities for success in personal and civic life.

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.

While the VPC is not a senior secondary qualification, it can be a pathway to the VCE.

To find out more about the College’s complete range of senior subjects and pathways, please view the handbook below.