VCE

The College provides traditional and practical approaches to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
Year 11 and 12 students can personalise a VCE curriculum by combining core subjects with VET certificates across the arts, trades or technologies within a VCE qualification. Senior Co-ordinators and Careers Advisors work together with parents and students to design a VCE curriculum tailored to meet future TAFE or tertiary entry requirements

Link to Careers & Pathways


Each student must satisfactorily complete a total of no fewer than 16 units, comprising:

  • Three units of English studies, including Units 3 & 4
  • Three sequences of units 3 and 4 studies other than English
  • For a full description of the formal VCE requirements and structure please see the VCAA and VCAL Administrative Handbook.

VCE Core Subjects

  • English
    This subject is about language; how you use it, write it, read it, and respond to it. Collaborate on-line, be creative, be critical. English is a compulsory VCE subject at Year 11 and Year 12. For some students English as a Second Language (ESL) may be an alternative study option. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html

VCE Electives

Some VET subjects and programs may also form part of a VCE Study Program, as either scored assessment, or as block credit.
For VET subjects and programs please see the VET page.

  • Business Management
    Learn about how to run a small business, including the use of computers to perform relevant tasks. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Dance
    Students study both dance performance and choreography, developing a personal language and expression, alongside technical skills.
    VCE Dance Units 3 - 4 OVERVIEW
    At Year 11 students undertake the VCE Dance Unit 3 & 4 course unscored as a way of introducing key terminology and analysis skills.
    At Year 12 students undertake VCE Dance Units 3 & 4 scored in 2nd year. Topics and skills covered include;
    Analysing 2 solo pieces (such as Contemporary, Ballet and Hip Hop works).
    Analysis of own Technical & Composition choreography.
    Learning of a group piece.
    Analysing a group piece (such as Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop works).
    Choreographing a technical solo (in your chosen style).
    Choreographing a composition solo ( in your chosen style).
    Production of a Group piece, choreographed on the class group, ie work with others.
    Choreographing a technical and compositional piece.
    Analysing famous/well known dance works.
    Dance training and conditioning to support end of year exam. ie in Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Commercial Jazz, Musical Theatre & Acrobatics. Preparation for concerts.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Health & Human Development

    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Legal Studies
    This subjects involves the investigation of criminal law, civil law, how laws are constructed, and the issues of dispute resolution and justice. Students study actual cases to investigate how and why the legal system works, and changes over time.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Maths
    There are several different Maths subjects offered at VCE level. These include Foundation Maths, General Maths, Mathematical Methods, and Further Maths. Course advisors and teachers will help you select the best Maths subject for your career path.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Media
    Make and complete your film, animation, radio/audio show, newspaper or multimedia piece – it’s your choice. Look at the impact of new technology on the media. Identify how a production goes from its initial stages to finished product; take on a specialised role within a production and understand the need for collaboration. Look at the Australian media industry: What gets made? Why? By whom? Look at how society’s values have shaped the media.
    VCE Media Units 1 - 4
    VCE Media provides students with the opportunity to analyse media products and concepts in an informed and critical way.
    Students consider media texts, technologies and processes from various perspectives, including an analysis of structure and features. They examine industry production and distribution context, audience reception and the media’s contribution to and impact on society. This aspect of the study is integrated with the individual and collaborative design and production of media representations and products.
    Students will learn key aspects of analysis including semiotics, post modernism and structuralism. Students will develop a range of technical skills to support the creation of their media product. Students will understand the role of metalanguage in research and application in regard to media. Areas of focus include;
    Representation and Genre
    Practical skill development in a range of media forms
    Film analysis
    Research skill
    Understanding social values in construction of media texts
    New Media its role, impact and future considerations
    Understanding media influence and the concept of regulation and censorship
    The Product creation is both individual and group project.
    The tasks are a mixture of think-pair-share and group collaboration with a high degree of discussion and examination Students are expected to work on their project and its production design plan in their own time. They are expected to fulfil the outcomes of practical units by self direction.
    On completion of this study the student should be able to use a range of technical equipment, applications and media processes and evaluate the capacity of these to present ideas, achieve effects, and explore aesthetic qualities in media forms. A dialogic classroom that provides the encouragement to voice thoughts and ideas in a manner that is engaging and inclusive and prepared to go off curriculum
    is the technique at NCAT. This has proven to support and enhance student scores and participation, which gets young people thinking and responding to texts and meanings both inside and outside the classroom. The dialogic classroom is a unique style that has powerful learning at its core.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Music Investigation
    This subject is based on group or solo performance, and involves aural comprehension, music theory, composition, improvisation and a range of activities related to performance.
    UNITS 3 & 4 OVERVIEW
    NCAT attracts talented music students who are committed to achieving their best, which provides an exciting learning environment in which all students are valued and challenged. In this subject, students select a work from a prescribed list as the basis for an investigation of a Focus Area. They explore the Focus Area through three complementary areas of study: Investigation, Composition/arrangement/improvisation, and Performance.
    Area of Study 1, ‘Investigation’, involves research into background contextual issues relevant to performance practice, critical listening to recordings of performances and examination of texts including musical scores. Students present a report that discusses characteristics, techniques and performance practices of works representative of a Focus Area.
    Area of Study 2, ‘Composition/arrangement/improvisation’, involves applying these research findings to create a folio of exercises, sketches or recorded improvisations that demonstrate understanding of the characteristics of the Focus Area.
    Area of Study 3, ‘Performance’, involves the planning, rehearsal and performance of a program of works that are representative of the Focus Area. Students develop relevant instrumental and performance techniques and apply performance practices. Together these areas of study require students to apply extensive skills in performance, aural awareness, transcription, music theory and analysis.
    On completion of this unit the student should be able to evaluate and present their interpretive approach to a program of works; they should be able to compose, improvise, arrange and perform a music work and discuss the use of music characteristics, instrumental techniques, performance techniques and conventions in the work; and they should be able to demonstrate artistic intent and understanding of the Focus Area in a cohesive and engaging performance of music works.
    NCAT is equipped with state-of-the-art rehearsal room facilities, a recording studio, music classrooms with state-of-the-art music software, and a vast range of quality musical instruments and hardware available for student use.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Music Performance
    Students undertake performances of group and solo work, develop listening skills, learn to sing or play music and understand written notation.
    UNITS 1 & 2 OVERVIEW
    NCAT emphasises all students’ individuality and approaches music education in the same way. Students are encouraged to investigate music in a way that resonates with them, contribute styles and genres to the program and collaborate in new ways with each other offering the best possible exposure to the widest variety of music education.
    Students at NCAT can participate in a number of ensembles and bands including the Jazz band, African-Latin percussion, a choir and Ukulele ensemble. This subject focuses on building performance and musicianship skills. Students present performances of selected group and solo music works using one or more instruments.
    They undertake study to optimise their own approach to performance. Students study aural, theory and analysis concepts to develop their musicianship skills and apply this knowledge when preparing and presenting performances. This study enables students to: perform, compose, arrange and/or improvise music from diverse styles and traditions; demonstrate musicianship; engage with diverse music genres, styles, contexts and practices; and communicate an understanding of cultural, stylistic, aesthetic and expressive qualities and characteristics of music.
    They will use electronic and digital technologies in making and sharing music and communicating ideas about music; explore and expand personal music interests, knowledge and experiences; use imagination, creativity and personal and social skills in music making; access pathways for further education, training and employment in music; participate in life-long learning in music and be involved in the musical life of their community.
    On completion of this unit, students should be able to prepare and perform a musically engaging program of group and solo works. NCAT is equipped with state-of-the-art rehearsal room facilities, a recording studio, music classrooms with state-of-the-art music software, and a vast range of quality musical instruments and hardware available for student use.
    UNITS 3 & 4 OVERVIEW
    NCAT attracts talented music students who are committed to achieving their best, which provides an exciting learning environment in which all students are valued and challenged. In this subject, students select a program of group and solo works representing a range of styles and diversity of character for performance. They develop instrumental techniques that enable them to interpret the works and expressively shape their performances. They develop an understanding of performance conventions they can use to enhance their performances. Students develop skills in unprepared performance, aural perception and comprehension, transcription, music theory and analysis. Students choose whether they will present their end-of-year performance examination program as a soloist OR as a member of a group
    This subject comprises three areas of study: Performance, Performance Technique and Musicianship.
    In ‘Performance’, students develop knowledge and skills required to present musically engaging performances of music works. Students select a program of contrasting group and solo works that demonstrate a range of music styles, diversity of character and a range of technical, stylistic and interpretative demands.
    In ‘Performance Techniques’, students develop knowledge and skills to achieve consistency and control of idiomatic instrumental and performance techniques in group and solo performances. Students practise a range of technical work and exercises selected to extend and improve command of instrumental and performance techniques. They develop an understanding of the relevance of technique to their performance of selected group and solo works. Students also systematically develop skills in unprepared performance, including improvisation and/or sight reading.
    In ‘Musicianship’, students systematically develop music theory knowledge and skills in aural comprehension and analysis. They develop and refine their ability to identify, recognise, notate and transcribe short music excerpts, as well as to recreate short sections of music by singing, humming and/or playing. Students practise and refine their ability to notate music by hand. They develop an understanding of ways expressive elements of music can be interpreted in the performance of music works. They apply this knowledge to their analysis of ways in which Australian performers have interpreted a variety of works by Australian composers/songwriters that have been created after 1910.
    On completion of this unit, students should be able to present an informed, accurate and expressive performance of a program of group and solo works; they should be able to demonstrate performance techniques, technical work and exercises, and describe their relevance to the performance of selected group and/or solo works, and present an unprepared performance; and they should be able to identify, re-create, notate and transcribe short excerpts of music, and discuss the interpretation of expressive elements of music in pre-recorded works. >br> NCAT is equipped with state-of-the-art rehearsal room facilities, a recording studio, music classrooms with state-of-the-art music software, and a vast range of quality musical instruments and hardware available for student use.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Music Style and Composition
    This subject involves exploring a range of music, creating and analysing music, and how people create music.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Product Design & Technology (Fashion / Textiles)
    Product Design & Technology (Fashion / Textiles) is an introduction to the areas of fashion design & textile design. Based on practical projects, and with a focus on sustainability, students will research, analyse, and produce pieces that explore contemporary trends. Possible career paths include fashion design, fashion merchandising, textile design & production, visual merchandising, footwear, and product development.
    UNIT 1 & 2 OVERVIEW
    Product Design and Technology focuses on assisting students to recognise their potential as designers. Students are supported as they assume the role of a designer-maker in the design and creation of a product. In adopting this role, they acquire and apply knowledge of factors that influence design. Students address the design factors relevant to their design situation.
    OVERVIEW Product Design and Technology focuses on assisting students to recognise their potential as designers. Students are supported as they assume the role of a designer-maker in the design and creation of a product. In adopting this role, they acquire and apply knowledge of factors that influence design. Students address the design factors relevant to their design situation.
    UNIT 3
    In Unit 3 students are supported as they take on the role of designer. They design and develop a product that meets the needs and expectations of a client of their choice. They produce a folio that documents their Product design process using the Product design factors and commence production of the designed product. Students explore and analyse influences on the design, development and manufacture of products in industry.
    UNIT 4
    In Unit 4 students continue to document the production of their product in their folio. Following the completion of their product, they use evaluation criteria, carry out checks and tests, and gain client feedback to determine how well their product meets the needs and requirements outlined in the design brief developed in Unit 3. Students examine design factors that influence the success of commercially available products and use comparative analysis and evaluation methods to make judgments about commercial product design and development.

    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Psychology
    This subject looks at the human brain and perception. Students investigate different stages of life, how the mind works, and questions of illusion and identity.
    UNITS 1+2 OVERVIEW
    Psychology is the study of how and why we think, feel and act the way we do. In Units 1 & 2, students broadly investigate the physiological and social factors that influence our behaviour.
    Students investigate various aspects of how the brain works as it receives, processes and acts on the information it receives from the outside world. Students also develop and understanding of how to apply research skills to formulate a hypothesis, conduct a research study, and interpret the results. Students will also conduct a research study of their own based on influential psychology experiments they study in class.
    UNITS 3 & 4 OVERVIEW
    Psychology is the study of how and why we think, feel and act the way we do. In Units 3 & 4, students investigate the physiological processes and social influences that determine how we interact with the world around us. Students investigate the processes involved in sleep, wakefulness, memory and learning. They also learn about how the nervous system works in significant detail, from whole-body structures to individual neurones. Students apply this knowledge to an understanding of how it affects, and is affected by, our mental health.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Studio Arts
    Studio Arts addresses issues of popular culture and establishing personal art styles. There is a focus on contemporary art, with students visiting artist studios & exhibitions, and College-based workshops & tutorials with visiting artists. Students have the opportunity to explore new mediums and ways of doing things, while developing their own artistic style, annotating, & idea development. Students may choose either a general Studio Arts stream, or a Photography based Studio Arts stream.
    OVERVIEW
    Studio Art focuses on developing artistic inspiration and techniques, followed by exploring ways of designing artworks and understanding concepts of art. Students undertake a personal investigation of art ideas as well as working across a range of different art making materials and methods.
    UNIT 1
    students undertake several modules of study that focus on ideas, materials an d techniques including creative thinking skills, drawing, painting, sculpture and construction methods, photography, collage, frottage and mixed media and printmaking. Students are also encouraged to explore digital art techniques and other materials and techniques of interest to them individually. Students explore different artists and artworks and look at how and why artists have made artworks throughout history. A folio of artwork is created over the duration of the unit as well as documentation of ideas and techniques in the form of a visual diary.
    UNIT 2
    students are supported to undertake a project in which they establish and use an individual design process to develop ideas, explore materials and techniques to create specific visual and conceptual qualities before producing artworks. Students also develop skills in the visual analysis of artworks. Artworks made by artists from different times and cultures are analysed to understand the artists’ ideas and how they have created aesthetic qualities and identifiable styles. Student’s undertaking Studio Art at NCAT work with teachers who are practicing and experienced artists. They are exposed to a broad range of materials and techniques as well as having the opportunity to utilise the technology centre’s resources. Students of Studio Art at NCAT undertake their studies in a creative centric environment where the development of individual approaches to art making and expression are nurtured and encouraged.
    UNIT 3
    Students prepare an exploration proposal that sets out the content and scope of their individual design process as a reference for the production of potential artworks. They explore and develop ideas, techniques and art forms in their visual diary. They research and discuss the art practice of artists from different historical and cultural contexts, focusing on how they have developed styles and explored their cultural identity in their artwork. Students use this knowledge to inform their own processes to support their artmaking.
    UNIT 4
    In Unit 4 students develop a creative folio of finished artworks based on selected potential directions from Unit 3. Following this they evaluate the use of materials, techniques and aesthetics in relation to the successful communication of their ideas in their finished artworks. They investigate aspects of artists’ involvement in the art industry, through visiting a range of exhibition spaces and studying methods and considerations involved in the preparation, presentation and conservation of artworks.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Studio Arts - Photography
    Studio Arts addresses issues of popular culture and establishing personal art styles. The photography emphasis in this subject covers both film & darkroom techniques, and digital photo imaging
    VCE Studio Art-Photo OVERVIEW
    Studio Arts – Photo is about the exploration and development of photographic practices, materials and techniques. Digital and analogue processes are used and explored to help students build knowledge and skills in preparing a comprehensive folio of photographic artworks.
    In this subject we use the camera as our main tool for the creation of images. Students will learn how to take photographs using digital cameras as well as film cameras. Students will learn how to use both of these cameras on manual mode in order to have full control over the device.
    This subject is about learning how to use the camera to take photographs both digitally and with film using 35mm film cameras. Students will also guided and shown how to Use creative programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, and Camera Raw to finalise the sorting and output (printing of photographic images) We explore how to capture a photograph while understanding the Rules of Composition and learning how to compose an image through the lens.
    Students are taught how to process black and white film in a traditional darkroom, using chemical tank processing, as well as printing photographs in a darkroom by processing the photographs by passing it through a number of chemical baths. In addition to working in a traditional darkroom, students will be shown how to work in a photographic studio.
    The importance of researching and analysing artworks is essential for the development of visual literacy and to gain knowledge in the deconstruction and analyses of artworks and the intention of the artist. We research and investigate a number of photographic artists who demonstrate different approaches in the creation of the photographic image. Students will be working predominantly independently in shooting their images based on technical approaches, practical approaches and theories demonstrated in class.
    At the end of this subject, students will have the ability to photograph with digital and film cameras and understand the basic functions of the camera. Students will complete all modules written and deigned for the subject by the teacher, which will assist them in the production of a cohesive body of work that explores varied materials and techniques specific to the photographic process Studying Studio Arts Photo at NCAT allows you to work with specialised teachers that work in and with professional standard photographic equipment. Students will be able to have access to professional photographic studios, darkrooms and be a part of the NCAT photographic community
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Systems Engineering
    Systems Engineering complements VET Engineering for students interested in Tertiary study in the technology area. This subject promotes innovative thinking and problem-solving skills through a project-based learning approach. It provides opportunities for students to learn about and engage with systems from a practical and purposeful perspective. The study emphasises integration of basic engineering and physics theory with practical tasks. Systems Engineering provides an opportunity for students to develop capabilities in, and knowledge about, the design, operation, construction, assembly, maintenance, diagnosis, repair and evaluation of technological systems, applicable to a diverse range of fields such as engineering, manufacturing, automation, control technologies, mechatronics, electrotechnology, robotics, and energy management.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Theatre Studies
    This subject delivers engaging units focusing on the application of acting, direction and design in relation to theatre styles and conventions from the pre-modern and modern era. Students develop knowledge and skills about theatre production processes including dramaturgy, planning, development and performance to an audience.

    UNITS 1+2 OVERVIEW
    Aligned with the VCAA Theatre Studies Study Design, NCAT delivers engaging units focusing on the application of acting, direction and design in relation to theatre styles and conventions from the pre-modern and modern era. Students creatively and imaginatively work in production roles with scripts from Ancient Greek, Elizabethan, Naturalism/Realism, Verbatim, Theatre of the Absurd and Epic Theatre. They study innovations in theatre production from pre modern and modern era and apply this knowledge to their own works. Students develop knowledge and skills about theatre production processes including dramaturgy, planning, development and performance to an audience. In addition, students begin to develop skills of performance analysis and apply these to the analysis and evaluation of plays in performance. It is a requirement for all students to attend at least two performances outside of school hours.

    UNITS 3 & 4 OVERVIEW
    Aligned with the VCAA Theatre Studies Study Design, NCAT delivers a structured VCE course that strives to connect students with a collaborative, creative and imaginative learning environment. Throughout the course, students develop an interpretation of a script through the three stages of the theatre production process: planning, development and presentation. Students specialize in two production roles such as acting, direction, costume, make up, props, set, lighting and sound to realise a script. Unit 4 invites students to study a scene an associated monologue. Their work includes exploring theatrical possibilities and using dramaturgy across the three stages of the production process. Students then develop an interpretation of the monologue that is embedded in the specified scene. The monologue will be selected from a prescribed list and will be examined externally by a panel appointed by the VCAA. In addition, students attend performances to analyze and evaluate the interpretation of a script in performance, acting, direction and design. It is a requirement for all students to attend at least two performances outside of school hours.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Visual Communication Design
    This subject looks at the design process, drawing for communication, the use of type and imagery, and the context in which design happens. Students are involved in job briefs that may cover visual, environmental, or industrial design.

    UNITS 1+2 OVERVIEW
    Creative problem solving techniques, and Design documentation and processes underpin the learning in this subject. A folio of artwork is created over the duration of the unit as well as documentation of ideas and techniques in the form of a workbook In Unit One students undertake several modules of study that focus on ideas, materials and techniques including Illustration, design history, basic drawing techniques, and 3D design, including possibly architecture, landscape architecture, or furniture design Students are also required to explore digital art techniques and combining hand generated work with computer output. In Unit Two students look at Typography, further elements of Design in society, and combine their skills in real projects for clients. At the end of the year students should have an awareness of many of the different possible areas of design; eg Communication and Graphic design, Interior and architectural design, concept art and games design, and have developed an understanding of how creativity and VCE design can combine. Students at NCAT work with teachers who are practicing and experienced artists and designers. They are exposed to a broad range of materials and techniques as well as having the opportunity to utilise different College resources. Students at NCAT undertake their studies in a creative environment where the development of individual approaches to art making and expression are nurtured and encouraged
    UNITS 3+4 OVERVIEW
    This subject explores the analysis and practice of communication and graphic design; architecture, interior and landscape design; as well as industrial and product design
    Through the analysis of existing designs and practices within the communication, environmental and industrial design fields, students gain inspiration, knowledge and design skills required to successfully undertake the design process when creating their own design outcomes. Students develop a major design portfolio based on the topic of their choice, applying design thinking techniques when generating, developing and refining design concepts for the production of two final design outcomes. Students present their final designs to an audience in the form of an oral presentation. At the end of this study, students will be able to successfully apply the design process in order to generate, develop and present a range of visual communication design outcomes in the fields of communication, environmental and industrial design.
    This subject is based in a specialist design lab at NCAT and is delivered by a professional designer. Students are exposed to a range of specialists within the design industry via excursions.
    For further information
    See the Subject Outline Document on the VCE page.
    For the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html