VCE Information

Teachers will determine a variety of assessment tasks to provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate the key knowledge and key skills of the outcomes in each unit. These outcomes are specified in each subject's study design set by the VCAA.  Each VCE unit includes a set of outcomes.  Achievement of the outcomes is based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s performance on tasks designated for the unit. These series of tasks can include (but are not restricted to) SACs and SATS. The students will be awarded an 'S' for a unit when:

1. The work meets the required standard as described in the Study Design, and all required course work has been completed.
2. The work has been submitted on time.
3. The work is clearly the student’s own.
4. There has been no serious breach of rules, including attendance rules.

The PHSC VCE Attendance policy was developed to fulfil VCAA requirements as outlined in the VCE Administrative Handbook.

1. For each semester-length unit the following attendance policy applies: The maximum number of lessons a student can miss from any VCE unit is twelve. To meet the unit outcomes students are required to complete work in class so teachers can verify and authenticate their work. Students who exceed the permitted absence rate of twelve will immediately be given an ‘unsatisfactory completion.' If a student breaches this limit, they cannot pass the unit.  
2. There are two types of absence in VCE:
   1. An explained absence is where a medical certificate is provided or parents have notified of absence. If a student misses a sac they must have medical certificate.
   2. An unexplained absence is where the student has either arrived significantly late to class or has not attended class and no parental explanation is given. This is in effect truanting. The student will be required to attend a detention after school on Monday afternoon.
3. In VCE it is very important that family holidays should ONLY be arranged during scheduled school holidays.  
4. When a student is absent from school for prolonged periods, or has been unable to complete all assessment tasks because of illness or other special circumstances, the school may, upon application from the student, grant Special Provision for School-based Assessments. In this case, the student will not be penalised for lack of attendance.
5. If a student is absent on a day when they have a SAC in one of their subjects, they MUST provide a medical certificate to explain their absence. If they cannot provide this, the SAC will not be assessed and receive no score.  

Parents should check Compass regularly to view their child's attendance to ensure they are complying with the above policy. 

A student may be eligible for exam assistance or adjustments to work load if affected to a significant degree by illness or other serious problems, or if they are disadvantaged by any physical disability or other impairment such as a learning problem. These arrangements are negotiated between the student and their parents, teachers and the Senior Sub School leader. The Principal makes the final decision about all cases of Special Provision.

In class adjustments in VCE VM

There are a number of ways the school can make alternative arrangements to assist students in VCE VM. For example, resetting of a substitute task, allowing the student extra time to complete work, adjusting/ modifying the task (differentiating) to students completing an alternative work outside of the class time where the student must sign the appropriate VASS Authentication Record form. 

For further details see the VCAA publication "Special Provision".

Eligible students may apply to the VCAA for special arrangements for their exams. In the case of Year 12 exams, applications must be supported by recent and thorough independent professional advice (medical, psychological and/or educational test results). This could mean, for example, rest breaks or the use of a computer in exams. Applications must be made through the Senior Sub School leader as soon as possible. Applications are due in to VCAA early March. Emergency Arrangements can be made immediately prior to exams if necessary.

• The VCAA will make the final decision on your application. 

• You must apply through the Senior Sub School leader. The Principal will determine whether you are eligible and make a recommendation to the VCAA.
• Your application must be substantiated with evidence from an independent professional (e.g. doctor, social worker, police officer or solicitor). This must be made immediately prior to or on the day of the exam.

• The VCAA will make the final decision on your application. 

In some circumstances students can complete the VCE without the calculation of a study score. Students who complete VCE units without a study score are still required to be assessed for satisfactory completion and participate in school-based assessment for levels of achievement.

Request to be Unscored for VCE Assessments in a subject to all their subjects should be made to the Year Level coordinator and in consultation with the teacher. The school require written consent from the student and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) following the student meeting with the Career's coordinator. If you would like to find out more please contact your Year Level coordinator. Link to the VCAA here.