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 studies) and programs from Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.   The VCE is awarded to students who satisfactorily complete a balanced programme of studies. Students can undertake their VCE over as many years as they wish: they may stop and return as an adult student and they may still meet the VCE requirements.  Because of this, VCE Unit 1 is especially a time of exploration of possible future directions.  Students will be able to change subjects during the Unit 1 and 2 sequences according to their ability and interest.  However, Unit 3 and 4 sequences must cover one year for that subject. All VCE units are assessed on outcomes which are determined as ‘Satisfactory’ (S) or ‘Not Satisfactory’ (N).  Trinity College will provide detailed feedback at Units 1 and 2 as this will provide an indication to assist students in their subject selection for Units 3 and 4. Unit 3 and 4 subjects are externally and internally assessed, thereby providing a rank for every student in the state who selects that subject. This rank is called an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) and is used for entry into tertiary education. VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) determines the rank based on:   - English or Literature (Units 3 and 4);   - the next 3 highest scaled scored subjects at Units 3 and 4, plus   - 10% of the next two highest scaled scored subjects at Units 3 and 4 level.  The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) requirements state that, for successful completion of the VCE, students must obtain a satisfactory pass in three English units.  English Units 1/2 and/or Literature 1/2 are compulsory for Year 11 students. Year 12 students may choose either or both of English Units 3/4 and Literature Units 3/4 as their compulsory English sequence. For satisfactory completion of VCE, students must attain a ‘Satisfactory’ in:   - at least 16 units of VCE study   - four Unit 3/4 sequences (of which one must be an English sequence)   - three units of the common study of English (Units 1, 2, 3 and 4) or Literature or English Language (two of which must be a Unit 3-4 sequence)   Choosing an appropriate VCE course can be a challenging task.  This Curriculum Handbook is intended to help students and parents/carers explore the many options available at Trinity College.  However, it is important that, before committing to a particular course, students and parents/carers avail themselves of other information sources beyond this guide. It is the responsibility of each student to arm themselves with as much information as possible in order to make informed decisions about their future. The Careers Officer, Year Level Coordinators, VCE, VCAL and VET Coordinators, subject teachers and other Trinity College staff can be of assistance in guiding students to pertinent information, but the course of their future pathway is ultimately the student’s choice.   There are many valuable resources to assist students with career education. Some are available from the Careers Office. Online resources that are recommended include:   - myfuture.edu.au - VCAA - VTAC Students are encouraged to be as fully informed as possible regarding the various alternatives on offer for further study at universities and colleges. As this information is constantly under review, students should familiarise themselves with websites such as those hosted by the VCAA, VTAC and universities and colleges.   Students and parents/carers need to be aware that the move into senior secondary education has additional responsibilities and expectations for students. Skills such as time management and organisation will be dependent on students’ self-discipline and self- motivation and will hence determine their success in achieving their study goals.