RSC — Understanding VCE

Units and Sequences

VCE subjects are organised into units, each approximately a semester in length. Units 1 and 2 are typically studied in Year 11; Units 3 and 4 are studied together as a sequence in Year 12. Units 3 and 4 results contribute to a student's study score.

  • Each unit is a semester of study
  • Units 3 and 4 must always be studied as a pair (they cannot be split)
  • Students need a minimum of 16 units to complete VCE
  • At least three of these must be Units 3–4 sequences
  • At least one Units 3–4 sequence must be from the English group
  • Most students complete 22–24 units over two years (5–6 subjects per year)

School Assessed Coursework (SAC)

Throughout the year, students complete School Assessed Coursework (SAC) tasks in each subject. SACs are set and assessed by classroom teachers according to VCAA guidelines. They may include tests, essays, research tasks, oral presentations, practical investigations or folios, depending on the subject. SAC results contribute to the final study score for Units 3–4 subjects.

External Examinations

Most VCE subjects require students to sit an external examination set and marked by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) in October–November of Year 12. External examination results are combined with SAC results to produce a final study score.

Study Scores

A study score is a number between 0 and 50 that compares a student's performance to all other students who studied that subject statewide in that year. The median study score is 30. Study scores are calculated through a combination of SAC results and examination results, then scaled to ensure that the difficulty of the candidature in each subject is accounted for.

ATAR Calculation

The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is calculated by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) based on a student's top results in the equivalent of four scaled study scores — English/EAL, plus the next three best subjects, or two plus a VET contribution. The ATAR represents a student's performance relative to all Victorian Year 12 completers.

ATAR is not the only way into university. Students should discuss both ATAR and non-ATAR pathways with Wendy McKenzie. Many students are surprised to discover there are more options available than they initially think.

Program Planning

Students and families are strongly encouraged to plan the full two-year VCE program before Year 11 begins. Key considerations include: ensuring prerequisites are met; ensuring English is included (compulsory); ensuring at least three Units 3–4 sequences are planned; and ensuring the overall program aligns with the student's post-school goals. Wendy McKenzie can assist with program planning.

Higher Education Studies (CHES)

Rochester Secondary College participates in the Higher Education Studies (CHES) program, which provides Year 12 students with the opportunity to study a university subject in their area of interest while still at school. CHES subjects provide both VCE unit credit and university credit. Speak with Wendy McKenzie for current CHES partner university and subject options available to Rochester Secondary College students.