Year 10 – Welcome to the senior school

In preparation for their senior years of school, students will be involved in a course counselling process that will ask them to make plans for a three year course of study (Years 10, 11 & 12) rather than treat each of the years separately. This will be unique to each student, since it will reflect their personal interests and aspirations.

When choosing courses for Year 10, students and parents need to consider the potential Pathways that are available to students, as they progress through the Senior School.

VCE – Victorian Certificate of Education

The VCE is a two year program offered at Years 11 and 12. Students must satisfactorily complete at least 16 VCE units and are awarded a Victorian Certificate of Education. Satisfactorily completed units must include an approved combination of three units from the group of English studies and three sequences of Units 3 and 4 studies, other than English.

VCAL – Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning

This has been designed as an alternative pathway for students in Years 11 and 12, whose needs are not met by a traditional VCE program. VCAL gives students the practical application of skills necessary to extend their pathways from school to apprenticeships, training, employment or further study at a TAFE institution.

VET – Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Training gives students the opportunity to undertake a nationally recognised TAFE qualification, while they are still at school. Pakenham Secondary College, in conjunction with Chisholm Institute of TAFE and other reputed Registered Training Organisations, are able to offer students a variety of courses that will complement their Year 10 program and help prepare them for future employment or further study.

Curriculum Map – Year 10

Subject Mainstream VET class Enhancement class
Periods Per Week
English 4 4 3
Mathematics 4 4 3
Science 3 3 periods per week for one semester 3
Humanities 4 – see note below 3 periods per week for one semester 3
Health & P.E. 2 2 2
Electives 3 3 3
VET subject 4
VCE subject 3

 

The study of Humanities varies depending on which Year 10 program students have selected. In Mainstream classes, Humanities is divided into four specialist subjects – Economics, Geography, Global Issues and History. These subjects are studied for a semester each, at two periods per week. The Enhancement and VET classes study a general Humanities course.

 

Core Subject Information

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English

Mathematics

Science

Career Option - Humanities

Career Option - Physical Education

 

Electives

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Vocational Educational Training (VET) Options

The following information on V.E.T. programs identifies many, but not all, of the available programs and lists the local providers where programs are delivered.  The information gives you an outline of the course, career opportunities and what units you can gain towards your senior school certificates, so you can make a more informed decision on the right VET course for you.  For more detailed information, or if you are interested in a course that is not listed in the Handbook you can arrange to speak with Mrs. Bruce at the College. All information is correct at the time of printing. Courses will only run if there are sufficient numbers in each class.

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