With the support of teachers and parents, students are able to design and map out a pathway from Years 10 - 12 that gives them the best opportunity to succeed as graduates, whether their successful pathway is to tertiary study, apprenticeships or employment.
Students have the option to study a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Vocational Education and Training (VET) subject starting in Year 10, as part of their 3-year senior pathway. There are in excess of 50 of these options for students to select. In completing this study, students not only gain additional credits to their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) but also develop skills in how to approach their learning and study to perform at their best during their final years of education.
Up to six subjects can count towards the ATAR, but traditionally only five are studied during Year 12. Therefore, it is an advantage for students to accelerate in a subject at Year 10.
Another option open to students whose needs may not be met by VCE is the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major. This pathway is designed to be completed over a minimum of 2 years. This pathway prepares students to move into apprenticeship, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce.
Our 3-year senior learning pathways, combined with the resources and wellbeing support available to all students, are designed to create success for our graduates and equip them to thrive in a rapidly-changing world.
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
Our College offers a wide range of VCE subjects and we celebrate strong student achievement and personal growth. Students typically undertake VCE in Year 11 and 12, however we have a number of Year 10 students accelerate to undertake the challenge and learning of VCE. Our staff are committed to encouraging your sons and daughters to achieve their personal best and we look forward to working through this part of their learning journey with you.
VCE Vocational Major
The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE designed to be completed over a minimum of two years. The VCE VM gives students choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths and interests and to develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life. It prepares students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce.
The purpose of the VCE VM is to provide students with the best opportunity to achieve their personal goals and aspirations in a rapidly changing world by:
- equipping them with the skills, knowledge, values and capabilities to be active and informed citizens, lifelong learners and confident and creative individuals; and
- empowering them to make informed decisions about the next stages of their lives through real-life workplace experiences.
Applied learning teaches skills and knowledge in the context of ‘real life’ experiences. Students apply what they have learnt by doing, experiencing and relating acquired skills to the real world.
Students can also include other VCE studies and VET, and can receive structured workplace learning recognition.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
VET programs are vocational studies approved by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) as appropriate for senior secondary school students. VET programs lead to nationally recognised qualifications, thereby offering students the opportunity to gain a VCE or VCE VM and a nationally accredited vocational education and training certificate upon completion of their secondary studies.
VET programs are fully recognised within both our senior pathways, VCE and VCE VM, and contribute towards the satisfactory completion of VCE with weight equal to traditional VCE subjects. Only Units 3 and 4 contribute towards VCE study scores and not all VET studies have an attached score towards the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Catherine McAuley College Bendigo offers the following VET certificates from Year 10.
- Cert. II Agriculture
- Cert. III Allied Health
- Cert. II Animal Care
- Cert. II Automotive Studies
- Cert. III Beauty Services
- Cert. II Building & Construction
- Cert. III Business
- Cert. II Community Services
- Cert. II Cookery
- Cert. II Electrotechnology
- Cert. 11 Engineering
- Cert. II General Education for Adults
- Cert. II Kitchen Operations
- Cert. II Salon Assistant
- Cert. II Sport and Recreation
- Cert. III Screen & Media
iGEN: Intergenerational Learning
In partnership with Mercy Health, Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Mercy Education, CMC and Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged have developed the iGEN program which offers a unique opportunity for Year 10 students and aged care residents.
The students participate in an innovative intergenerational program designed to develop a range of personal and life skills that will enhance opportunities and pathways for the future. The engagement and connection between the residents and students will enrich their lives and contribute to improved understanding of how positive relationships can impact health and wellbeing.
Research in similar programs nationally and internationally has demonstrated that intergenerational partnerships have long-lasting positive impacts on all participants.
Co-Curricular Learning
Music, Debating, Sports, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Academic Competitions, Justice Camps, Tournament of Minds and the Frayne Speech Festival are examples of co-curricular opportunities on offer to appeal to the wide range of student interests. We encourage students to have fun, extend their knowledge and skills and discover something new. The College successfully competes in all state and national competitions.
St Mary’s Campus Tours
Call to arrange a personal tour and find out about the choice of pathways and wide range of VCE, VCE VM and VET subjects on offer.
Tour Bookings & Enquiries: Audra Petri, College Registrar
P: 5445 9100 E: apetri@cmc.vic.edu.au
