Macalister Campus Curriculum 10 - 12

Sale College Macalister Campus aims to provide a range of curriculum flexibility to enable our students to "Dare to Dream". The ability to choose from a wide variety of course options gives students opportunities that will lead to a lifetime of learning and success.

The Victorian Curriculum F–10

The Victorian Curriculum F–10 incorporates the Australian Curriculum and reflects Victorian priorities and standards. It sets out what every student should learn during their first eleven years of schooling. From 2017 the Victorian Curriculum F–10 will support the planning for whole school teaching and learning.

You can find out more about the Victorian Curriculum F–10 by clicking here.

Year 10 Curriculum

At the Macalister Campus we offer

A wide range of units, both at Year 10 and VCE
A senior campus atmosphere
The opportunity for students in Year 10 to select VCE Units
Flexible programs, including Vocational Education and Training (VET) Programs, School Based Apprenticeships (SBA) and access to university studies (see below)
Individual counselling to ensure that student programs meet career goals, tertiary aspirations and abilities
The emphasis is on the selection of a course of study for each student that will provide the maximum opportunity for success
Maximum support for students in these critical years of study, with staff experienced in providing academic, career and personal guidance

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

What is a VCE Program?

A VCE Program is a set of semester units taken over a minimum period of two or more years. This program is designed by you to meet your needs within the rules laid down by VCAA and within College policies.

Counselling is available to ensure that you choose the program which best meets your needs.

We generally advise students to complete 20 - 24 units over a two/three year period. This would usually involve 5 units per semester in Year 11 and 5 units per semester in Year 12.

Board of Studies Requirements

To be awarded your VCE you must satisfactorily complete at least 16 units which must include: - 3 units of English - 3 Unit 3 & 4 sequences (other than English). This may include VET Sequences.

Choosing a Program

Take advantage of the counselling available and the expertise within the college. All discussions you have should be guided by the need to identify your interests and abilities and link these with appropriate work/career choices. - Talk to: parents, careers teacher, VCE coordinators, other teachers and friends.

Read the information on Curriculum Flexibility below for options offered by Sale College.

Read the information on Pathways in the Years 10-12 Handbookto get ideas on how to select a VCE program that leaves open your options for University, TAFE and further training and employment. If you are interested in VET programs, see the handbook.

Navigating the 10 -12 Handbook

The Sale College Years 10-12 Handbook is in PDF format. Click on the course you want in the table of contents to go to the specific page.

Assessment of VCE Units

Students are assessed in two ways:

* Satisfactory completion In order to satisfactorily complete a unit you must demonstrate that you have achieved each learning outcome which makes up the unit. You must be able to show that the work is your own and you must meet the attendance requirements of less than 12 absences. S - Satisfactory N - Not Satisfactory

Each Unit 1 & 2 sequence will have at least two assessment grades reported by the school to the students. Students are required to complete a semester exam for each unit.

VCE Units 3 & 4 studies can have 3 types of assessment.

School Assessed Coursework (SAC) (done in class), School Assessed Tasks (folio or production items) and all units have at least 1 examination.

School Assessed Coursework (SAC) Policy

VCE students can download the VCE SAC (School Assessed Coursework) Policy by clicking here.

Each Unit 3 & 4 sequence will have three assessment grades reported to students from these grades, a study score is determined for each sequence by VCAA.

Curriculum Flexibility

At Sale College our aim is to provide a wide range of options and to assist you to select a program which best meets your individual needs. You should carefully consider the following options and challenges in selecting your individual program of study:

Year 10 students studying VCE Units

While the VCE is thought of as a two year program, it is quite common for students to complete it over three years. All Sale College students have access to VCE units which may enhance their options and provide greater program flexibility. Including a sequence of VCE units in a year 10 program provides a challenge and the opportunity to broaden studies.

Year 11 students studying units 3 & 4 subjects

Students entering Year 11 have the opportunity to include a Unit 3 & 4 subject in the first year of their VCE program. This should be seriously considered by all students considering university or high level TAFE for the benefit it provides to ATAR rankings..

This option provides greater flexibility within the VCE and has greater benefits for students by:
- providing extra challenges;
- providing experience in meeting the demands of Learning Outcomes;
- providing the opportunity to increase the ATAR rank.

In the past, Sale College students have been very successful in completing Unit 3 & 4 subjects in the first year of their VCE.

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)

Qualification titles

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is accredited at three award levels:

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (Foundation)
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (Intermediate)
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (Senior)

The three award levels provide flexible entry and exit points for a range of student abilities and interests and offer a clear progression for the development of knowledge, skills and attributes.

VCAL curriculum strands

Literacy and Numeracy Skills
Industry Specific Skills
Work Related Skills
Personal Development Skills

Literacy Skills

The purpose of literacy curriculum selected for this strand is to enable the development of skills, knowledge and attitudes in literacy that allow progression in the main social contexts of family, employment, further learning and citizenship. Literacy skills corresponding with these social contexts include literacy for self-expression, practical purposes, knowledge and public debate. Literacy includes reading, writing and oral communication skills.

Numeracy Skills

Numeracy is the ability to use mathematical skills in order to carry out processes and functions within society related to designing, measuring, constructing, using graphical information, money, time and travel, and the underpinning skills and knowledge for further study in mathematics or related fields. Curriculum selected for numeracy in this strand should develop skills to facilitate the practical application of mathematics at home, work and in the community.

Work Related Skills (WRS)

The purpose of the Work Related Skills strand is to develop employability skills, knowledge and attributes valued within community and work environments as a preparation for employment. The development of the employability skills within this program provides learners with a capacity to consider and choose from a range of pathways. The development of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) knowledge provides learners with the necessary preparation for the workplace. Design and product development, planning, applying problem solving skills and manufacturing within a work-related context is a key part of the program.

Personal Development Skills (PDS)

The purpose of the Personal Development Skills Strand is to develop knowledge, skills and attributes that lead towards:

The development of self
Social responsibility
Building community
Civic and civil responsibility, for example through volunteering and working for the benefit of others
Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
Valuing civic participation in a democratic society

Students considering VCAL as a study option are encouraged to talk with the VCAL Team Leader.

Vocational Education & Training (VET in the VCE)

VET Programs allow students to simultaneously complete their VCE or VCAL and obtain a nationally recognised TAFE qualification. Some of these qualifications incorporate Structured Work Placements involving on the job instruction. Sale College offers a wide range of VET in the VCE and VCAL programs.

School Based New Apprenticeships (SBNA)

Students can complete training in a variety of part-time apprenticeships and traineeships as part of either a VCE or VCAL program. The work component may be completed outside school hours or sometimes will take as much as two days a week. SNBA's cannot be selected but need to be negotiated with employers. The Sale College Careers team can assist with investigating this option.

University Enhancement Program

Students have the opportunity to extend their VCE program by studying a University subject in Year 12. This is an exciting and challenging option for very capable and motivated students. Further information is available from the Careers Advisors.

Work Experience / Work Placement

Work experience is offered to students in years 10 to 12. Work experience involves school students participating in short term industry placements, which broadens their experience and understanding of the world of work and career opportunities. It benefits students in the following ways:

Improves understanding of the work environment and employers expectations
Provides an opportunity to explore possible career options
Increases self-understanding, maturity, independence and self confidence
Increases motivation to continue study and/or undertake further training
Increases understanding of recruitment practices in the workplace
Enhances opportunities for part time and casual employment
Provides an opportunity to include the employer’s evaluation in job and course applications
Provides an opportunity to develop work related skills

Work experience placements can be either during the school terms or over holidays, depending on availability and need.

For some students a mix of work and VCE or VCAL studies is an option. Generally this will involve an ongoing Industry Placement for VET students and is organised by the College.