At the end of Year 10 you can make a choice about how to continue your education and training. If you stay on at school for Year 11 and 12 there are a few different paths you can take.
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
VCE opens many doors to university, TAFE and job opportunities. You can choose the subjects you study and these will count towards your ATAR (your ranking in the results of all the students who study for their VCE that year).
There are many subjects offered including Art, Music, Biology, IT, Media, PE and languages other than English. Check out the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) website (new window) for more info.
The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
VCAL is a 'hands-on' alternative to VCE. VCAL is an accredited secondary school certificate that focuses on literacy and numeracy skills, industry-specific skills, work-related skills and personal development skills.
You can study VCE and VE&T subjects as part of VCAL. Check out the VCAA website (new window) for more info.
Vocational Education & Training (VE&T)
VE&T subjects give you the chance to combine year-long vocational education and training with your VCE or VCAL. VE&T subject marks are added to your ATAR and can also give you credit points for uni or TAFE. You finish school with your VCE or VCAL and a Nationally Accredited Certificate in VE&T.
Some examples of VE&T subjects are:
- Hospitality-Operations
- Dance
- Sport and Recreation
- Agriculture
- Retail Operations.
Check out the VCAA website (new window) for more info.
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB is two-year international program that some schools offer in Year 11 and 12. You study IB subjects instead of VCE or VCAL subjects and receive an internationally recognised secondary school certificate. You might choose to do this if you’re interested in studying or working overseas in the future.
You can find out more at the IB website (new window).
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships give you both off-the-job training and on-the-job experience. You can complete your VCE or VCAL as well as taking part in a training program and paid employment. A School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship gives you a nationally recognised qualification.
Our Jobs & Careers section has lots of info on apprenticeships and traineeships. You can also visit the VCAA website (new window) to find out about the kind of school based apprenticeships and traineeships on offer.
