• Two-year senior secondary certificate​
  • 16 to 20 units
  • Four compulsory subjects VCE VM: Literacy, Numeracy, Personal Development Skills, Work Related Skills​
  • Compulsory VET subject or School Based Apprenticeship/ Traineeship
  • Gain credit from time in workplace

  • Assessment based on learning activities

  • No study scores and no ATAR
  • Learn in the classroom, workplace and community
  • Learn skills like project management, event organisation, how to work in teams, leadership and communication
  • Can lead to TAFE, work, apprenticeship, traineeship or university


To be eligible to receive the VCE VM, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 units, including:

  • 3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3–4 sequence)
  • 2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units
  • 2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units
  • 2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units, and
  • 2 VET credits at Certificate II level or above (180 nominal hours)

Students must complete a minimum of three other Unit 3–4 sequences as part of their program. Units 3 and 4 of VM studies may be undertaken together over the duration of the academic year to enable these to be integrated.


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 VM 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) written reports, photo essays, annotated texts, questions, oral presentations, photos of events and activities. 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.


If students are at risk of receiving an ‘N’  pre-emptive discussions are held with the student and their parents/guardians. They are assessed routinely throughout the semester on a variety of tasks, which can be re-taken to demonstrate competence.

Redeeming outcomes – submitting further evidence for satisfactory completion

If work submitted by a student does not meet the required standard, the teacher may consider other work relating to unit outcomes that the student has completed for the unit. This work may include class work, additional tasks or discussions with the student that demonstrate their achievement of the outcome. The teacher may also provide the student more time to complete or submit further work. This is only to redeem an N to an S for the outcome. See VCE Assessment Procedures

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.

For further details see the VCAA publication "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. 

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. 
  • For more information on Applications at PHSC click here



  • No labels