Years 10 to 12 - EXPLORING NEW PATHWAYS

By the time students get to Year 10 they have developed preferred areas for their learning. Students are able to tailor a program suited to their interests, what they enjoy and career aspirations. The curriculum at Simonds allows students to complete their VCE program over Years 10, 11 and 12.

Year 10s are encouraged to study a VCE subject. The emphasis in Years 11 and 12 is on the pursuit of academic excellence as they study for the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major or Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies for students who prefer a hand on approach and are aiming for an apprenticeship, work or trade training pathway.

Year 10

Year 10 students have increasing opportunities to explore new pathways and identify individual talents and interests. They undertake core subjects including Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health & Physical Education.

Although the study of a language is strongly encouraged through to VCE, students may opt out of Language studies in Year 9.

Year 10 Electives

Semester length elective subjects include: Studio Arts, Music, Drama, Visual Communication & Design, Media, Food Technology, Product Design & Technology.

Students may apply to undertake VCE Unit 1 & 2 subject from a wide variety of offerings, whilst in Year 10. Specialist Mathematics, Psychology, Legal Studies and Health & Human Development are popular choices.

Students wishing to continue with Japanese or Italian will do so for the duration of the year.

StepUp to VCE classes are offered to students who need additional support with Year 10 studies.

The VCE program @ Simonds

We teach the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) which provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.

Students will undertake the following in Year 11

• English Units 1 & 2
• Religion and Society - Unit 2 Religion & Ethics
• FIVE (5) VCE studies of your choosing each semester (or 4 VCE studies & one VET study) [Year 11 students may study one Unit 3 & 4 sequence provided certain criteria are met.]

Students will undertake the following in Year 12

• English Units 3 & 4
• FOUR (4) sequences of Unit 3 & 4 VCE studies of your choosing (or 3 VCE studies & one VET study
• Seminar Days for Faith Development and Study Skills

VCE Subjects

We offer a comprehensive range of VCE subjects. Detailed information is available in the Handbook. Some subjects are shared with The Academy of Mary Immaculate, Nicholson St, Fitzroy.

The availability of a particular unit of study will depend on the number of students choosing the unit and timetable constraints.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

VET as part of the VCE In addition to the VCE studies, a range of VET (Vocational Education & Training) studies is offered through the Inner Melbourne VET Cluster (IMVC). These studies allow for the completion of the VCE and a vocational certificate course normally provided to school leavers at a TAFE College.The programs are delivered at a number of venues in the inner Melbourne area. Students and parents should be aware that VET studies attract additional fees. Further information about each of these VET courses is available from the IMVC.

VCE Vocational Major

VCE Vocational Major gives students practical work-related experience and industry skills, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work.