The VCE is a senior secondary curriculum course of students that provides pathways for students into tertiary education or enter the workforce. Students are offered a range of subjects, and supported to select subjects to help them achieve their future study or employment aspirations. Each subject is arranged into four Units, which are usually taught consecutively over two years. Students are assessed through school based or external assessments to determine if Unit Outcomes have been achieved. Students who successfully complete the VCE will be provided with an Australian Tertiary Entrance Rank (ATAR). The ATAR is predominantly used for direct enrolment in tertiary education providers. Students may seek to negotiate to receive an unscored outcome.

Students will be asked to plan their course of study over their two senior years. They also have the option to accelerate their program in Year 10 by choosing a VCE study or VET program. Using a pathway planner as a guide, students will select the units they wish to study each year. Students will be given guidance when making pathway choices. It is hoped that all students will make the most of the opportunities offered to them both in preparation for their senior years and in the challenge this will no doubt hold. Student choice is the central element of our planning for subject offerings. Not all subjects can be offered in any one year.

The VCE VM is a two-year vocational and applied learning pathway which enables students to transition into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university through alternative entry programs, or directly into the workforce.

The five pillars of applied learning are embedded into our VCE VM pathway. Applied learning principles and skills are taught through the subjects of Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills, and Personal Development Skills. These are delivered on-site by the College and awarded a Satisfactory or Not-Satisfactory result for each outcome. VM students are also required to complete a VET certificate.

Students at St Brigid’s College can apply for a VET course as part of their program of study. VET courses are offered by third-party providers and on-site.

The VPC is an inclusive Year 11 and 12 certificate, designed to meet the needs of students who require a more individualised and flexible program for their last two years of secondary schooling. It is an accredited foundation secondary qualification under their Education and Reform Act 2006. It is not a senior secondary qualification, but students can use the VPC as a pathway to the VCE, VCE VM, or VET certificates.

School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships (SBAT) commence from Year 10. SBAT is an apprenticeship or traineeship undertaken by a student enrolled in a senior secondary program. Regular school attendance is combined with at least one timetabled day per week spent on the job or in training during the normal school week. SBAT combines part-time, practical experience in the workplace with recognised, structured training from a Registered Training Organisation.

Structured Workplace Learning is an opportunity for VET students to integrate practical on the job experience with learning in workplaces with a nationally recognised VET program. It provides the opportunity for enhanced skill development, practical application of industry knowledge, and assessment of units of competency.