Years 10 to 12 - EXPLORING NEW PATHWAYS

By the time students get to Year 10 they have developed preferred areas for their learning. Students are able to tailor a program suited to their interests, what they enjoy and career aspirations. The curriculum at Simonds allows students to complete their VCE program over Years 10, 11 and 12.

Year 10s are encouraged to study a VCE subject. The emphasis in Years 11 and 12 is on the pursuit of academic excellence as they study for the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major or Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies for students who prefer a hand on approach and are aiming for an apprenticeship, work or trade training pathway.

Year 10

Year 10 students have increasing opportunities to explore new pathways and identify individual talents and interests. They undertake core subjects including Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health & Physical Education.

Although the study of a language is strongly encouraged through to VCE, students may opt out of Language studies in Year 9.

Year 10 Electives

Semester length elective subjects include: Studio Arts, Music, Drama, Visual Communication & Design, Media, Food Technology, Product Design & Technology.

Students may apply to undertake VCE Unit 1 & 2 subject from a wide variety of offerings, whilst in Year 10. Psychology, Legal Studies and Health & Human Development are popular choices.

Students wishing to continue with Japanese or Italian will do so for the duration of the year.

StepUp to VCE classes are offered to students who need additional support with Year 10 studies.

The VCE program @ Simonds

We teach the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) which provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.

Students will undertake the following in Year 11

• English Units 1 & 2
• Religion and Society - Unit 2 Religion & Ethics
• FIVE (5) VCE studies of your choosing each semester (or 4 VCE studies & one VET study) [Year 11 students may study one Unit 3 & 4 sequence provided certain criteria are met.]

Students will undertake the following in Year 12

• English Units 3 & 4
• FOUR (4) sequences of Unit 3 & 4 VCE studies of your choosing (or 3 VCE studies & one VET study
• Seminar Days for Faith Development and Study Skills

VCE Subjects

We offer a comprehensive range of VCE subjects. Detailed information is available in the Handbook. Some subjects are shared with The Academy of Mary Immaculate, Nicholson St, Fitzroy.

The availability of a particular unit of study will depend on the number of students choosing the unit and timetable constraints.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET is an integral part of our VCE program, providing students with the opportunity to blend academic studies with practical vocational training. Through various Vocational Education & Training (VET) courses, students can simultaneously complete the VCE and a vocational certificate course, typically offered to school leavers at TAFE Colleges.

These programs are conducted at multiple venues in the inner Melbourne area. These courses empower students to work towards qualifications relevant to diverse employment sectors, equipping them with sector-specific skills for the workplace. VET studies contribute towards the completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), including the VCE Vocational Major.

Additionally, students have the option to pursue VET through school-based apprenticeships or traineeships (SBATs) or engage in part-time apprenticeships and traineeships. It is important to note that VET studies involve additional fees.

VCE Vocational Major

The VCE Vocational Major at Simonds offers a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12, designed to provide practical skills, work-related experience, and essential literacy and numeracy competencies, ultimately preparing them for future education, training, or employment.

To earn the VCE Vocational Major designation, students must successfully complete a minimum of 16 units, covering literacy, numeracy, work-related skills, personal development, and a VET component at Certificate II level or above. At Simonds, VM students will also engage in VET Sport and Recreation as part of their comprehensive course. This additional focus enhances the practical aspects of their education, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, including workplaces and community projects. Despite not contributing to an ATAR due to the absence of a study score, the completion of the VCE Vocational Major results in the award of a Victorian Certificate of Education with the designation 'Vocational Major.'