Outline of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Subjects
Accounting
This study focuses on the procedures of accounting and finance and the way in which these may be used. The study examines the processes of recording and reporting financial information to provide users with appropriate information for planning, control and effective decision-making.
Business Management
Business Management examines the ways in which people at various levels within a business organisation manage resources to achieve the objectives of the organisation. The study recognises that there is a range of management theories rather than a single theory of management. Each unit examines some of these theories and, through exposure to real business scenarios and/or direct contact with business, tests them against management in practice.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a key science in explaining the workings of our universe through an understanding of the properties and interaction of substances that make up matter. The chemistry undertaken in this study is representative of the discipline and the major ideas of chemistry. Some students will develop a passion for chemistry and be inspired to pursue further studies. All students, however, should become more informed, responsible decision-making citizens, able to use chemical knowledge and scientific arguments in their everyday lives and to evaluate and debate important contemporary issues such as the future of our environment and its management.
Economics
A study of economics will help students to become informed global citizens, able to discern economically and socially responsible decisions and to influence others to act likewise. Economic decisions are about resource use in producing goods and services, and about the distribution of the proceeds of production. To understand the basis for these decisions, and their impact, requires an understanding of basic economic principles and concepts. It also requires an understanding of the influence of political, ethical, environmental and social forces on economic decision-making.
English/English as a Second Language
This study aims to develop competence in the understanding and use of English for a variety of purposes sufficient to meet the demands of post-school employment, further education, and participation in a democratic society. It emphasises the integration of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking. It values student diversity and particularly encourages learning in which students take responsibility for their language development and thus grow in confidence and in language skill and understanding.
Industry and Enterprise Studies
The central theme of Industry and Enterprise is work and its place in Australian industry and society. The study recognises the vocational, economic, social and cultural aspects of work and encourages students to undertake a theoretical and practical investigation of these aspects throughout the four units. A key feature of the study is the requirement that students undertake work outside the classroom in order to develop a range of lifelong and work-related skills.
International Politics
The study offers students the opportunity to engage with key political, social and economic issues, to become more informed citizens, voters and participants in their local, national and international communities. The study includes the development of a conceptual framework within which students develop an understanding of the exercise of national and international political power. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to identify the influences and events that shape national and international relationships.
Information Technology
This study focuses on the processing of data and the management of information to meet a range of individual and societal purposes. Students learn to use information technology and also about its power, scope and limitations. Students are encouraged to perceive the potential of information technology and to understand the way in which social relations and cultural values also influence its use. While it is important that students extend their use of ICT as a tool to assist with work, study, recreation and in relationships (which builds on their compulsory education experiences), the study of Information Technology focuses on the capacities, scope and limitations of hardware and software, and their interactions to carry out specialised applications.
The study is made up of the following units:
- Unit 1: IT in action
- Unit 2: IT pathways
- Units 3 and 4: IT applications
- Units 3 and 4: Software development
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Chinese and Vietnamese
The study of a language other than English contributes to the overall education of students, most particularly in the area of communication, but also in the areas of cross-cultural understanding, intercultural learning, cognitive development, literacy and general knowledge. It provides access to the culture of communities which use the language and promotes understanding of different attitudes and values within the wider Australian community and beyond. The ability to communicate in another language, in conjunction with other skills, may provide opportunities for employment in the fields of interpreting, social services, ethnic affairs, the tourism and hospitality industries, international relations, the arts, commerce, technology, science, education and the like.
Legal Studies
Legal Studies provides students with an analytical evaluation of the processes of law-making and the methods of dispute resolution. Students are able to develop an understanding of the impact our legal system has upon the lives of citizens and the implications of legal decisions on the Australian society. This study will also assist in the development of students’ knowledge of their basic legal rights and responsibilities. The course provides an insight into the legal heritage which has shaped, and continues to shape, the development of Australian society. By comparing elements of this system with international structures and procedures, students are able to gain an appreciation of the Australian system and its capacity to achieve and maintain social cohesion.
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of function and pattern in number, logic, space and structure. It provides both a framework for thinking and a means of symbolic communication that is powerful, logical, concise and unambiguous and a means by which people can understand and manage their environment. Essential mathematical activities include abstracting, providing, applying, investigating, modelling and problem solving.
The study is made up of the following units:
- Foundation Mathematics Unit 1 and 2
- General Mathematics Units 1 and 2
- Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2
- Further Mathematics Units 3 and 4
- Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4
- Specialist Methods Unit 3 and 4
Physics
Physics is a theoretical and empirical science, which contributes to our understanding of the physical universe from the minute building blocks of matter to the unimaginably broad expanses of the Universe. This understanding has significance for the way we understand our place in the Universe. Physics includes the use of theories and models, investigation of hypotheses, collection and analysis of data, drawing conclusions, and selection and use of a range of appropriate technologies and mathematical techniques. This study covers the areas that traditionally are the basis of courses at this level, with a particular emphasis on the foundation areas of mechanics and electricity.
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the nature and development of mind and behaviour in both humans and animals, including the biological structures and processes that underpin and sustain both. Students can develop an understanding of themselves and their relationships with others and their society through the study of psychology. Psychology includes the study of human behaviour from biological, cognitive and social perspectives. A variety of thinking and research approaches used in psychology are introduced to provide a broad perspective of psychology as a science. Ethical principles are introduced and incorporated into the research investigations students undertake.
Studio Arts
Studio Arts provides a framework for the establishment of effective art practices through an understanding and application of the process of design. The design process enables students to explore ideas and sources of inspiration, experiment with materials and techniques and practice specialised skills in a range of art forms. Students generate a range of directions and potential solutions and analyse and evaluate them before producing artworks. The theoretical component of the study informs students’ practice through an investigation of selected artworks, an examination of artists’ working methods and a study of professional practices and art industry issues.