Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM)
There are two senior secondary qualifications available to students in Victoria, VCE and VCE VM. Students can complete a VET certificate through VCE, but must compete VET through VCE VM.
The VCE is expanding to include the Vocational Major, a 2-year vocational and applied learning program. It will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL from 2023
What is VCE VM?
The VCE Vocational Major is an accredited Senior Secondary Certificate and provides an opportunity for greater application to real-world learning, specialism and personalisation of learning for students in Years 11 and 12.
The VCE VM program pursues the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes that help prepare students for employment, post-secondary education or training and for participation in the broader community. The program is personalised for each student so that they are able to make informed vocational choices within the specific industry sector of their choice and/or to facilitate pathways to further learning.
A VCE VM program includes the study of five main areas and must include successful completion of at least 16 units, over 2 years, including:
- 3 VCE VM Literacy (including a Unit 3–4 sequence)
- 2 VCE VM Numeracy
- 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)
Through its structure, the VCE VM certificate enables greater flexibility to match the interests of individual learners. VCE VM allows students to pursue rigorous study towards their future goals.
Northcote High School VCE VM engages students in practical work-related experience, community-based activities and on the job learning, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work.
The VCE VM curriculum is based on key knowledge and key skills (like VCE), but is assessed by demonstrating competencies (rather than exams). These competencies are assessed through projects and practical applications at school and within industry training. Students will also complete part A of the General Achievement Test (GAT).
Students are expected to finish their VCE Vocational Major over 2 years.