Senior School
Koo Wee Rup Secondary College offers a range of programs that cater for the aspirations of all senior students and their individual needs. These programs support students to be prepared for life after school, wherever that pathway may take them. Regardless of the course students choose, there comes an expectation, as a Koo Wee Rup Secondary College student, of performance and achieving their personal best.
Pathways can include a range of subjects from the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), on and off-site Vocational Education and Training programs or the VCE Vocational Major.
When students enter the senior years of schooling, they can select a pathway they aspire to, within the parameters of school and VCAA guidelines. The process of subject selection can be exciting but also challenging at times so it is important that each student puts in the necessary research, planning and reflection, to find their own passion and identify the correct pathway options that will help them to reach their personal goals. The College has a structured pathways program in place to support students and parents during this journey.
Students should aim to select a pathway that will give them enjoyment and fulfilment as well as meeting the needs of any prerequisites for future aspirations. Although choosing the correct pathway and subjects is important, it is just one step towards their life beyond school. School, through their chosen pathway, is also about the capacity to learn and grow, to be creative, to problem solve, to show resilience in the face of setbacks, and, most importantly, to enjoy what they do every day.
Koo Wee Rup Secondary College students work hard, show self-discipline, collaborate with peers and staff, throughout their VCE studies, and are then rewarded with choice about their pathway options beyond secondary schooling.
What is VCE?
VCE is the senior secondary certificate that offers a wide range of subjects and opportunities beyond school. Over the two years of VCE most full-time students will have undertaken between 20 and 24 semester long units. Many students commence their VCE studies in Year 10. These units are credited to the student’s VCE or VCE Vocational Major. Some students study a VCE VET subject as part of their overall program.
In Year 11 students’ study five Unit 1 subjects and five Unit 2 subjects. Unit 1 is offered in the first semester and Unit 2 is offered in the second semester. Units 1 and 2 may be done separately or as a sequence.
In Year 12 students study English plus four other subjects at Unit 3 and 4 level. Units 3 and 4 of all studies must be done as a sequence. Students cannot change units mid-year.
Minimum studies at school
- VCE English Units 3-4
- VCE subject 1 Units 3-4
- VCE subject 2 Units 3-4
- VCE subject 3 Units 3-4
- VCE subject 4 Units 3-4 or VCE VET
Aims of the certificate
The aims of VCE are to provide students with the best opportunity to prepare themselves for future educational pursuits such as University or Tafe and to prepare students with specific subject content and skills that align with their individual passions and pathway aspirations. Students in Year 12 complete scored assessments throughout the year and end of year examinations in order to receive an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) score.
By selecting four subjects alongside English, students are positioned well to expand their knowledge of the world in ways that best interest them, preparing them not only for potential future education, but for employment opportunities.
For more information visit https://www.vic.gov.au/about-the-Victorian-Certificate-of-Education
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
VET stands for Vocational Education and Training delivered to secondary schools (VETDSS). VET gives students specific practical skills and knowledge to help them in the workplace. VET, allows students to do nationally recognised training as part of their VCE or VCE VM. Students can combine general and vocational studies to explore career options and pathways, learn in the workplace, and develop skills that prepare them for the workforce and further study.
In 2025, more than 100 students at Koo Wee Rup SC are enrolled in a VET certificate program, developing skills and knowledge in a diverse range of industries, including engineering, equine studies, automotive, health services, visual arts and more.
Why choose VET?
- combine general and vocational studies
- explore career options and pathways
- undertake learning in the workplace
- gain a nationally recognised qualification or credit towards a qualification that contributes to the VCE or VCE VM
- develop skills that equip students for the workforce and further study
What is VCE VM?
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 will give students choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths and interests and develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life.
VCE VM prepares students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce.
Minimum studies at school
- VCE VM Literacy
- VCE VM Numeracy
- VCE VM Personal Development
- VCE VM Work Related Skills
Aims of the certificate
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.
- gaining practical experience and ‘employability’ skills as well as the skills needed to go onto further training in the workplace or at a TAFE institute.
VCE VM is the equivalent qualification to VCE and as such, expectations of students are very high.
For more information visit https://www.vic.gov.au/about-the-vce-vocational-major
