Curriculum
Senior School VCEVCE School
Subject selection for the VCE requires considerable thought and discussion. The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a senior secondary certificate of education recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It is designed to be completed over a minimum of two years and includes general education curriculum components (VCE subjects). Each VCE subject is designed to provide a two-year program.
- VCE subjects are made up of Units.
- A Unit lasts one semester (half a year)
- Unit 1 & 2 are mainly undertaken in Year 11
- Unit 3 & 4 are mainly undertaken in Year 12
Students entering Year 11 in 2026 will be commencing a two-year program which will lead to the award of the Victorian Certificate of Education. They must complete a required pattern of study with a minimum number of units in two years. Units 1 and 2 can be completed as single units and Units 3 and 4 in each subject are designed to be undertaken as a sequence.
A full copy of our VCE handbook can be obtained from the school office.
Eligibility Requirement for the award of Vce
To qualify for the VCE, students must satisfactorily complete at least 16 units, including three from the English group (with a Unit 3–4 sequence) and at least three other Unit 3–4 sequences. VTAC requires a scored English sequence for ATAR calculation. Students with previous study, work experience, VET qualifications or interstate/overseas learning may receive credit toward their VCE.
The VCE is awarded when students satisfactorily complete the required units, with teachers assessing evidence such as classwork, homework and other school‑based tasks to determine whether learning outcomes have been met. This judgement is separate from graded assessment, which is only required if a student wishes to receive a study score. Students can still be awarded the VCE without completing exams or graded assessments, but they will not receive study scores for those subjects, which may affect future study or training pathways.
The English Requirement
The minimum English requirement is three units from the English group, including a Unit 3–4 sequence. English units may be selected from:
- Bridging EAL Units 1 and 2
- Foundation English Units 1 and 2
- English Units 1 to 4
- EAL Units 3 and 4
- English Language Units 1 to 4
- Literature Units 1 to 4.
The Glenroy Private’s English group at this level comprises:
- English and EAL Units 1 and 2
- Literature Units 1 and 2.
English Units 3 and 4 and English as an Additional Language Units 3 and 4 are equivalent sequences, so only one sequence may be counted towards the award of the VCE.
In calculating whether students meet the minimum requirements for the award of the VCE, the VCAA first calculates a student’s English units. Once a student has met the English requirement, or satisfied an English sequence, any additional sequences will be credited towards the requirement for sequences other than English.
To qualify for the VCE, students must complete at least 16 units, including three from the English group (with a Unit 3–4 sequence) and at least three other Unit 3–4 sequences. VTAC requires a scored English sequence for ATAR calculation. The VCE is usually completed over two years, though students may take longer or, in some cases, finish within a single year.
If a result is not provided for the unit, the student will not receive a study score. When making their enrolment selection, students should consider the requirements for satisfactory completion and the award of the VCE. Not achieving graded assessments may limit a student’s options for further training, study and work
Minimum Requirements
The minimum requirement is satisfactory completion of 16 units, which must include:
- Three units from the English group, including a Unit 3–4 sequence
- At least three sequences of Unit 3–4 studies, which can include further sequences from the English group.
The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) advises that satisfactory completion of a scored Unit 3–4 of an English group sequence is required for the calculation of a student’s Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Students undertaking atypical programs may have their previous studies or experience counted towards the awarding of the VCE. These students are adult students with no Year 12 results, adult students with Year 12 results prior to the VCE, students with credit from interstate and overseas studies, and students
To qualify for the VCE, students must complete at least 16 units, including three from the English group (with a Unit 3–4 sequence) and at least three other Unit 3–4 sequences. VTAC requires a scored English sequence for ATAR calculation. The VCE is usually completed over two years, though students may take longer or, in some cases, finish within a single year.
If a result is not provided for the unit, the student will not receive a study score. When making their enrolment selection, students should consider the requirements for satisfactory completion and the award of the VCE. Not achieving graded assessments may limit a student’s options for further training, study and work
Students seeking EAL (English as Additional Language) Status
Introduction
As the satisfactory completion of an English study is a compulsory requirement for achieving the VCE, students who are unfamiliar with the English language because they are from non-English-speaking backgrounds or who are hearing impaired may have access to EAL status. Students applying for EAL status should indicate this on their VCE Student Personal Details form. Identifying a student as having EAL status does not automatically enrol the student in EAL.
Applying for EAL
To apply for EAL status, each student is required to submit an Application for Enrolment in English as an Additional Language Units 3 and 4 form to the school in order to evaluate a student’s EAL status.
This will be asssessed by the school and the student will be informed of the outcome.
Criteria
There are 2 criteria for eligibility:
- The student must not have been a resident in Australia or other predominantly English-speaking country for more than seven years.
- Or, the student is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander whose first language is not English
- English has not been the student’s major language of instruction, (such as science being taught in English for example) for a total period of seven years over the period of their education.
Special Circumstances
Special circumstances may be considered by the VCAA in determining a student’s eligibility for EAL status
An application does not guarantee eligibility; students will be assessed and and informed of the outcome.
If a student believes they may be eligible, it is best the contact the school so that our academic team may discuss this with them.
Minimum Requirements
The minimum requirement is satisfactory completion of 16 units, which must include:
- Three units from the English group, including a Unit 3–4 sequence
- At least three sequences of Unit 3–4 studies, which can include further sequences from the English group.
The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) advises that satisfactory completion of a scored Unit 3–4 of an English group sequence is required for the calculation of a student’s Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
Students undertaking atypical programs may have their previous studies or experience counted towards the awarding of the VCE. These students are adult students with no Year 12 results, adult students with Year 12 results prior to the VCE, students with credit from interstate and overseas studies, and students
VCE Subjects Offered in 2026
English
- English and EAL
- Literature
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
Health & Physical Education
- Health & Human Development
Health & Physical Education
- Health & Human Development
Languages
- Arabic
Visual Arts
- Art Creative Practice
Business & Economics
- Business Management
- Economics
- Legal Studies
Mathematics
- General Mathematics
- Mathematical Methods
Technologies
- Applied Computing
Humanities
- History
A seamless F-6 Learning Pathway
One of our key goals is to create a smooth, connected learning journey from Foundation to Year 6. Our curriculum reforms support this by ensuring:
Early Years (F–2):
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- Strong foundations through InitiaLit
- Decodable readers to support early success
- MiniLit Sage for targeted intervention
Middle & Upper Years (3–6):
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- Growing independence in reading and writing
- MacqLit intervention for students who need continued support
- Deepening comprehension and critical thinking
Across All Years:
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- Consistent Explicit Teaching practices
- A strengthened Learning Support team
- Regular communication and partnership with families
This approach ensures every student experiences continuity, clarity, and the support they need to thrive.
Building Strong foundations: InitaLit (Foundation – Year 2)
A strong start is essential for long-term success, which is why we have implemented InitiaLit, a research-backed literacy program grounded in the Science of Reading. This program provides a structured, clear, and systematic approach to teaching the essential building blocks of reading and writing.
What this means for your child:
- Children learn phonics in a carefully sequenced order, making reading easier and more predictable.
- They receive explicit spelling and handwriting instruction, helping them develop confident writing habits.
- Oral language and vocabulary are built into every lesson to strengthen comprehension.
- Children experience success early, which boosts their motivation and helps them feel confident as readers
Why we chose InitiaLit
Schools across Australia using InitiaLit have seen powerful improvements in reading accuracy and fluency. Its structured and consistent approach ensures all children—regardless of background or learning style—are given the foundation they need to become skilled, confident readers.
Get in Touch
school hours
M-F: 8am - 4pm
Address
93 Daley St, Glenroy VIC 3046, Australia
admin@glenroyprivate.vic.edu.au
Phone
+61 3 9306 7988