The richness, diversity and flexibility of the school curriculum in Victoria will help you plan for a successful future. Our curriculum is based on providing you with choices, which means not all subjects are compulsory.
The Victorian school curriculum provides a strong foundation for future success.
Whichever direction you choose after school, our school curriculum will enable success.
This flexible and broad curriculum encourages you to:
- develop independent thinking
- increase your life skills
- think and reflect on your future
- face the future with confidence.
Our teachers apply the curriculum in the classroom in ways that suit many different learning styles.
Crucial years for decisions – Years 10 to 12
In many ways, the most important years in our school curriculum are Years 10 to 12. It’s the time to take responsibility and make decisions about your future and your career. That’s why we offer you a lot of choice but also guidance about choosing your subjects.
Your choice of subjects
From international politics to specialist mathematics, from psychology to environmental science, from economics to philosophy – there really is something for everyone. You aren’t restricted by the school you attend. Your choice could include subjects from the:
The only compulsory subject is one English subject in years 11 and 12 (most international students choose English as an Additional Language). The rest are your choice.
If you need help or advice, careers and course advisors and counsellors can guide you in the right direction. You can also
search for a school according to your interests.
Amazing variety – Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) subjects
There are over 90 VCE subjects across 9 Key Learning Areas:
- English
- Languages (other than English)
- Science
- Mathematics
- Technology
- The Arts
- Humanities
- Business Studies
- Health and Physical Education.
Choices include:
- 4 English subjects
- 5 mathematics subjects
- 5 science subjects
- 10 arts subjects including 3 music, 3 performing arts and 3 visual arts subjects
- 5 technology subjects
- 17 humanities subjects including 8 history and 3 politics subjects
- 5 business subjects
- 3 health and physical education subjects
- over 40 languages other than English.
The full list of VCE studies at the
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority website has more detail about each subject.
The
Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School has unique curriculum offerings in the areas of music and performing arts.
Recognition of previous study
You can apply for a recognition of previous study as a credit towards your VCE. For more information and how to apply, see: Credit towards the VCE.
The Victorian Curriculum Foundation–10
The
Victorian Curriculum F–10 sets out what all Victorian students should learn during the first eleven years of their schooling, incorporating the Australian Curriculum but reflecting Victorian priorities and standards. The curriculum is the common set of knowledge and skills required by students for lifelong learning, social development and active and informed citizenship.
The curriculum is divided into eight learning areas:
- The Arts
- Dance
- Drama
- Media Arts
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Visual Communication Design
- English
- Health and Physical Education
- The Humanities
- Civics and Citizenship
- Economics and Business
- Geography
- History
- Languages (other than English)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technologies
- Design and Technologies
- Digital technologies.
The Victorian Curriculum F–10 also includes four overarching capabilities:
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Ethical
- Intercultural
- Personal and Social.
Co-curricular and extra-curricular programs
Schools offer many programs that enhance formal classroom learning. For example:
- instrumental music tuition
- choir, bands and orchestras
- drama and musical productions
- public speaking and debating
- camps, excursions, overseas study tours and exchanges
- accelerated learning and high achiever programs
- peer support and mentoring programs
- student leadership and cadetship programs
- sports programs and competitions
- environmental sustainability programs
- tutoring, homework clubs and lunchtime or after-school programs (including EAL support for international students)
- social events (such as school formals and debutante balls)
- graduation and awards nights.
Sports offered vary between schools but can include:
- Australian Rules football
- cricket
- swimming
- athletics
- soccer (football)
- basketball
- volleyball
- netball
- cycling and mountain-biking
- tennis
- table tennis
- snow sports
- hockey
- golf
- rugby
- equestrian
- badminton
- gymnastics
- rowing
CRICOS Provider Name and Code: Department of Education and Training, 00861K.
CRICOS Course Names and Codes: Primary (Prep to Year 6), 019047G; Secondary (7-12), 019048F; Victorian College of the Arts Secondary Course (7-12), 028651A.