Senior VCE Vocational Major

VCE VM Units 1 & 2 Literacy

Overview

VCE Vocational Major Literacy focuses on the development of the knowledge and skills required to be literate in Australia today. The key knowledge and key skills encompass a student’s ability to interpret and create texts that have purpose, and are accurate and effective, with confidence and fluency.

Unit 1 Areas of Study:

1. Literacy for personal use – Demonstrate understanding of how text types are constructed for different purposes, audiences, and contexts through a range of written, digital, oral and visual responses.
2. Understanding and creating digital texts – Developed skills to design, develop and evaluate a software solution using a programming language.

Unit 2 Areas of Study:

1. Understanding issues and voices – Explain the purpose, audience and main ideas of diverse arguments presented in different text types by creating a range of annotations, written, oral and multimedia responses that reflect learning.
2. Responding to opinions – Interpret the values and opinions of others and present in oral form points of view supported by evidence.

Forms of Assessment

• Writing tasks
• Research Activities
• Oral Presentations

Link to Study Design

VCE VM Literacy 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE VM Units 3 & 4 Literacy

Overview

VCE Vocational Major Literacy focuses on the development of the knowledge and skills required to be literate in Australia today. The key knowledge and key skills encompass a student’s ability to interpret and create texts that have purpose, and are accurate and effective, with confidence and fluency.

Unit 3 Areas of Study:

1. Accessing and understanding informational, organisational and procedural texts – be able to demonstrate the ability to locate, read and understand the purpose, audience and content presented in a variety of informational, organisational and procedural texts through application of knowledge to real-life documents.
2. Creating or responding to organisational, informational or procedural texts – be able to create organisational, informational and procedural texts that reflect a specific workplace or vocational experience.

Unit 4 Areas of Study:

1. Understanding and engaging with literacy for advocacy – illustrate understanding of the use of language in advocacy by producing a range of written, visual and multimodal texts for the promotion of self, a product or a chosen community group.
2. Speaking to advise or to advocate – complete, an oral presentation that showcases reflections and evaluations of student learning.

Forms of Assessment

• Writing tasks
• Research Activities
• Oral Presentations
• Instructional Writing

Prerequisites and Corequisites

VCE VM Unit 1 & 2 Literacy or equivalent.

Link to Study Design

VCE VM Literacy 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE VM Units 1 & 2 Numeracy

Overview

VCE Vocational Major Numeracy focuses on enabling students to develop and enhance their numeracy skills to make sense of their personal, public and vocational lives. Students develop mathematical skills with consideration of their local, national and global environments and contexts, and an awareness and use of appropriate technologies.

Unit 1 Areas of Study

1. Number
2. Shape
3. Quantity and measures
4. Relationships

Across Units 1 & 2 students will cover 6 different numeracies. These are:

• Personal numeracy
• Civic numeracy
• Financial numeracy
• Health numeracy
• Vocational numeracy
• Recreational numeracy

Unit 2 Areas of Study

1. Dimension and direction
2. Data
3. Uncertainty
4. Systematics

Outcomes for each Unit are:

• Outcome 1 – Numeracy in context
• Outcome 2 – Problem solving cycle
• Outcome 3 – Mathematics toolkit

Forms of Assessment

• Coursework exercises
• Investigation and design projects
• Excel spreadsheets
• PowerPoints and Posters

Prerequisites and Corequisites

None.

Link to Study Design

VCE VM Numeracy 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE Unit 1 & 2 General Mathematics

Overview

Units 1 and 2 General Mathematics explores topics such as Statistical Data Analysis, Discrete Mathematics and Number & Algebra with a strong focus on routine techniques and processes involving mental arithmetic and the use of technology. These topics are explored in both units and provide a solid foundation of skills and preparation for the study of VCE General Mathematics at Units 3 and 4 level. *Please note: Under the VCE VM this subject is taken in place of Unit 1 and 2 Numeracy

Unit 1 Areas of Study

Students study content that includes percentages and ratios, comparing and investigating data distributions, linear relations and modelling, sequences and finance, and matrices.

1. Areas of Study (for both units) 
   • Data analysis, probability, and statistics
   • Algebra, number, and structure
   • Functions, relations, and graphs
   • Discrete mathematics

Unit 2 Areas of Study

Students extend their study to include investigating relationships between two numerical variables, variation, graphs and networks, measurement, and trigonometry.

Areas of Study (for both units) 

• Data analysis, probability, and statistics
• Algebra, number, and structure
• Functions, relations, and graphs
• Discrete mathematics

Forms of Assessment

Students will be assessed on their content knowledge, use of technology (CAS calculator) and ability to apply their knowledge and skills to modelling and problem-solving contexts, including real world applications.

Each topic studied will be assessed via either a topic test or investigation task and there will be two exams at the end of each unit (multiple choice and short answer).

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Students intending to undertake General Mathematics Units 1 & 2 are expected to have satisfied the work requirements of Year 10 Mathematics.

Future Directions

Students who successfully complete General Mathematics Units 1 & 2 will be able to undertake General Mathematics Units 3 & 4, as well as Foundation Mathematics Units 3 & 4.

Link to Study Design

VCE General Mathematics 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE VM Units 3 & 4 Numeracy

Overview

In Unit 3 and 4 students further develop, enhance and extend their numeracy practices to make sense of their personal, public and vocational lives. Students extend their mathematical skills with consideration of their local, community, national and global environments and contexts, and use of, evaluation and justification of appropriate technologies. Across Units 3 & 4 students will cover 6 different numeracies. These are: - Personal numeracy - Civic numeracy - Financial numeracy - Health numeracy - Vocational numeracy - Recreational numeracy Outcomes for each Unit are: - Outcome 1 – Numeracy in context - Outcome 2 – Problem solving cycle - Outcome 3 – Mathematics toolkit

Unit 3 Areas of Study

1. Number
2. Shape
3. Quantity and measures
4. Relationships

Unit 4 Areas of Study

1. Dimension and direction
2. Data
3. Uncertainty
4. Systematics

Forms of Assessment

• Coursework exercises
• Investigation and design projects
• Excel spreadsheets
• PowerPoints and Posters

Prerequisites and Corequisites

VCE- VM Unit 1 and 2 Numeracy (or equivalent).

Link to Study Design

VCE VM Numeracy 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE Unit 3 & 4 - General Mathematics

Overview

General Mathematics Units 3 and 4 consists of two areas of study per unit which combine and extend the topics covered in Units 1 and 2 General Mathematics. Students will develop their knowledge of data analysis, financial mathematics, and some applications of both matrices and networks.

Unit 3: General Mathematics

Students study content that includes investigating data distributions, association between two variables, investigating and modelling linear associations and time series data, as well as depreciation of assets, compound interest investments and loans, reducing balance loans, annuities and perpetuities and annuity investments.

Areas of Study

1. Data analysis
2. Recursion and financial modelling

Unit 4: General Mathematics

Students study content that includes matrices and their applications, transition matrices, graphs and networks, exploring and travelling problems, trees and minimum connector problems, flow, shortest path and matching problems.

Areas of Study

1. Matrices
2. Networks and decision mathematics

Outcomes (for both units)

1. Students can define and explain key concepts as specified in the content from the areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures
2. Students can apply mathematical processes in non-routine practical contexts, including situations with some open-ended aspects requiring investigative, modelling, or problem-solving techniques or approaches, and analyse and discuss these applications of mathematics

3. Students can apply computational thinking and use numerical, graphical, symbolic, and statistical functionalities of technology to develop mathematical ideas, produce results and carry out analysis in practical situations requiring investigative, modelling or problem-solving techniques or approaches

Forms of Assessment

• Application task
• Modelling tasks
• Two end of year examinations

Prerequisites and Corequisites

It is an advantage to have completed Units 1 and 2 General Mathematics

Link to Study Design

VCE General Mathematics 2023 - 2027 Study Design

VCE VM Units 1 & 2 Work Related Skills

Overview

VCE Vocational Major Work Related Skills (WRS) examines a range of skills, knowledge and capabilities relevant to achieving individual career and educational goals. Students will develop a broad understanding of workplace environments and the future of work and education, in order to engage in theoretical and practical planning and decision-making for a successful transition to their desired pathway. THIS SUBJECT IS AVAILABLE TO VCE STUDENTS IN 2025

Unit 1 – Careers and learning for the future

This unit recognises the importance of sourcing reliable information relating to future education and employment prospects to engage in effective pathway planning and decision-making.

Area of Study

1. Future careers – Identify and discuss likely employment growth areas using credible data and apply findings to develop strategies to improve future career prospects.
2. Presentation of career and education goals – Forecast potential employment possibilities and evaluate several education pathways that would support the acquisition of skills and knowledge required for a selected industry growth area.

Unit 2 – Workplace skills and capabilities

In this unit, students will consider the distinction between essential employability skills, specialist and technical work skills and personal capabilities, and understand the importance of training and development to support the attainment and transferability of skills

Areas of Study

1. Skills and capabilities for employment and further education – Identify and evaluate individual aptitudes and interests as they relate to broad industry groups, and identify evidence of personal core skills, attributes and capabilities required by an industry of choice.
2. Transferable skills and capabilities – Demonstrate knowledge of the recruitment and interview process, and of the essential and technical skills required by broader industry groups.

Forms of Assessment

• a record of data analysis
• a research task a skills audit
• a career and education report
• a career and education presentation
• a career and education research task
• a career action plan
• participation in mock interview
• a further education and/or training plan
• a cover letter
• a resume
• a mock interview

Prerequisites and Corequisites

None.

Link to Study Design

VCE VM Work Related Skills 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE VM Units 3 & 4 Work Related Skills

Overview

Students preparing to transition to the workforce and to further education are best placed for success when they have confidence, self-awareness and the skills to interpret relevant information and make informed decisions about their future goals.

Unit 3 – Careers and learning for the future

This unit focuses on the core elements of a healthy, collaborative, inclusive and harmonious workplace and is separated into three main areas:

• wellbeing, culture and the employee-employer relationship
• workplace relations, and
• communication and collaboration

Areas of Study

1. Workplace wellbeing and personal accountability: In this area of study students will be introduced to the features and characteristics of a healthy, collaborative and harmonious workplace. They will examine the concept of culture and consider the characteristics of work–life balance.
2. Workplace responsibilities and rights: In this area of study students will explore workplace relations, including the National Employment Standards and methods of determining pay and conditions. They will consider the characteristics and legal consequences of workplace bullying, workplace discrimination and workplace harassment, and gain an overview of the common legal issues experienced in the workplace.

Unit 4- Portfolio preparation and presentation

Portfolios are a practical and tangible way for a person to communicate relevant skills, experiences and capabilities to education providers and future employers.

Areas of Study

1. Portfolio development: In this area of study students will explore the purpose of a portfolio and consider the intended audiences and uses of portfolios in different contexts.
2. Portfolio presentation: In this area of study, students will apply their knowledge of portfolios by engaging in the process of developing and formally presenting their completed portfolio in a panel style interview. Students will use a range of verbal, written and practical strategies to communicate their skills and knowledge, including visual appeal, and varied and appropriate content.

Forms of Assessment

Booklets, Presentations, portfolios

Prerequisites and Corequisites

None.

Link to Study Design

VCE VM Work Related Skills 2023-2027 Study Design

VCE VM Units 1 & 2 Personal Development Skills

Overview

VCE Vocational Major Personal Development Skills (PDS) takes an active approach to personal development, self-realisation and citizenship by exploring interrelationships between individuals and communities. PDS focuses on health, wellbeing, community engagement and social sciences, and provides a framework through which students seek to understand and optimise their potential as individuals and as members of their community. THIS SUBJECT IS AVAILABLE TO VCE STUDENTS IN 2025

Unit 1 – Healthy Individuals

This unit focuses on the development of personal identity and individual pathways to optimal health and wellbeing.

Areas of Study

1. Personal identity and emotional intelligence – explain and discuss key concepts relating to personal identity and emotional intelligence and apply learnt strategies when working independently or collaboratively on a relevant activity.
2. Community health and wellbeing – plan and implement an individual or group activity to improve health and wellbeing and evaluate the effectiveness of the activity by using learnt tools and techniques for monitoring progress.
3. Promoting a healthy life – analyse the impact of technology on health and wellbeing at an individual and community level, and apply knowledge and skills to plan, implement and evaluate an individual or group health promotion activity.

Unit 2 – Connecting with community

This unit focuses on the benefits of community participation and how people can work together effectively to achieve a shared goal

Areas of Study

1. What is community? – describe concepts relating to citizenship and community (local, national and/or global), analyse the factors that influence the formation of community and apply strategies to promote community participation in an individual or group activity.
2. Community cohesion – identify issues and challenges within the community, analyse different perspectives of diverse groups and apply problem-solving strategies when working independently or collaboratively on a community-based activity.
3. Engaging and supporting community – discuss the concept of engagement as an approach to address community issues, analyse features of effective community engagement and work independently or collaboratively to design, implement and evaluate a community engagement activity.

Forms of Assessment

• a recorded reflection on personal attributes
• a reflective journal
• a case study
• a project plan
• a research task a critical evaluation of an activity or program
• a digital or oral presentation reflecting on activity or program
• annotated photographs
• a visual presentation, such as a graphic organiser, concept/mind map or annotated poster
• an oral, digital or written report
• a record and reflection of guest speaker/s or interview with community member/s
• research task
• an oral, digital or written report
• a case study
• a community engagement plan/ concept map
• a digital, oral, or written presentation

Prerequisites and Corequisites

None.

Link to Study Design

VCE VM Personal Development Skills 2023 – 2027 Study Design

VCE VM Units 3 & 4 Personal Development Skills

Overview

VCE Vocational Major Personal Development Skills (PDS) takes an active approach to personal development, self-realisation and citizenship by exploring interrelationships between individuals and communities. PDS focuses on health, wellbeing, community engagement and social sciences, and provides a framework through which students seek to understand and optimise their potential as individuals and as members of their community.

Unit 3 – Leadership and Teamwork

This unit considers the role of interpersonal skills and social awareness in different settings and contexts.

Areas of Study

1. Social awareness and interpersonal skills – Apply learnt social awareness and interpersonal skills when working independently and/or collaboratively in a real-life scenario or simulation relating to social awareness and interpersonal skills.
2. Effective leadership – Describe the concept of effective leadership, analyse leadership qualities and evaluate leadership styles in a range of contexts and apply a range of leadership skills when working independently or collaboratively in a real-life scenario or simulation.
3. Effective teamwork – Describe the characteristics of an effective team, and, through engagement in a team activity, evaluate personal contribution to the effectiveness of the team, reflecting on individual strengths as a leader and problem-solver.

Unit 4 – Connecting with community

This unit focuses on student participation in an extended project relating to a community issue.

Areas of Study

1. Planning a Community Project – Investigate and analyse an environmental, cultural, economic or social issue of significance to the community and plan a community project to address the chosen area of concern.
2. Implementing a Community Project – Use project planning skills to implement a comprehensive plan to apply timely, affordable and effective responses to a community issue.
3. Evaluating a Community Project – Evaluate the effectiveness of the project planning and implementation, drawing together findings in a presentation to a relevant audience.

Forms of Assessment

• a critical reflection on the use of interpersonal skills
• a digital, oral, or written presentation
• a report
• a personal reflection of participation in practical tasks
• a critical evaluation of a team activity
• a compilation and reflection on a variety of feedbacks
• an evaluation report of participation in practical tasks
• a critical reflection on team members’ feedback
• a research or investigation report
• a project plan.
• a record of active implementation, participation and execution of a planned project
• a presentation regarding individual or team effectiveness in executing planned project

Prerequisites and Corequisites

None.

Link to Study Design

VCE VM Personal Development Skills 2023 – 2027 Study Design

VCE Units 1 & 2 - Religion and Society

Overview

Religion and Society is the study of religions which are defined as forms of beliefs and practices which allow human beings to express their sense of ultimate reality. The study encourages students to discover the role of religion in society and how religion provides meaning to the existential questions that are common to most people. Religions can be understood in a general way as meaning systems that have nine interrelated aspects: Beliefs, Sacred stories, Spaces, Places, times and artefacts, Texts, Rituals, Symbols, Social Structures - Ethics – Spiritual experiences.

Unit 1: The role of religion in society

In Unit 1, students explore the spiritual origins of religion, identifying the nature and purpose of religion over time.   They investigate the contribution of religion to the development of human society and then focus on the role of religious traditions in shaping personal and group identity.   Students examine how religious traditions are affected and changed by individuals and groups.

Areas of Study

1. The Nature and Purpose of Religion
2. Religion through the Ages
3. Religion in Australia

Unit 2: Religion and ethics

In Unit 2, students’ study in detail various methods of ethical decision-making in at least two religious traditions and their related philosophical traditions. They explore ethical issues in societies where multiple worldviews coexist, in the light of these investigations.

Areas of Study

1. Ethical Decision Making and Moral Judgement
2. Religion and Ethics
3. Ethical Issues in Society

Forms of Assessment

All outcomes in Units 1 & 2 will include a combination of short answer, extended response and essay questions which are completed under test conditions.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Satisfactory completion of any Year 10 Religious Education subject.
Please note that Year 9 students may apply to accelerate into this subject in Year 10 after an application process, including an interview.

Link to Study Design

VCE Religion and Society Study Design 2023-2027