Learning
Year 10 to 12 (Balam Balam and Bunjil)
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Senior School Curriculum
The Senior School Curriculum at Pakenham Secondary College is based around offerings for the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), which includes academic subjects, and learning opportunities within the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and/or the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).
Year 12 students undertaking academic VCE studies will complete five subjects, with each subject scheduled for four periods per week. They will also have five supervised study periods each week. Year 11 students undertaking academic VCE studies will complete six subjects, each with four periods per week, in addition to a Futures and Pathways period. We offer a wide range of academic subjects for students pursuing the Victorian Certificate of Education. For further details, please refer to the Senior School Handbook.
The two-year Vocational Major and Applied Learning program within the VCE is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary for the workforce. It also prepares them for seamless transitions into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, or university through non-ATAR pathways. Students enrolled in the VCE VM attend VET once a week to work towards a certificate, in addition to attending Structured Work Placement one day per week.
The Victorian Pathways Certificate offers an enriched curriculum and strong support to help students develop the skills, capabilities, and qualities needed for personal and civic life. The VPC is designed to meet the needs of students who are not yet able or ready to complete the VCE, including the VCE VM, and prepares them for a smooth transition into either the VCE or VCE VM.
The curriculum is based on a fortnightly timetable with five 60-minute periods each day.
In this section
Year 9 Mainstream
Subject
Periods
English
10
Mathematics
10
Science (1 semester)
6
Humanities (1 semester)
6
H & PE - Plus a minimum 1 compulsory P.E. elective must be chosen
10
(Health only)
Life Skills
6
2 electives per semester
6 electives in total
1 compulsory from Art/Technology and 1 compulsory from P.E.
The other 4 electives can be from any of the Key Learning Area (KLA) electives they choose
Year 9 Applied Learning
Subject
Applied Literacy
Periods
7
Applied Numeracy
7
Applied Science
4
Applied Humanities
4
H & PE - Plus a minimum 1 compulsory P.E. elective must be chosen
2
(Health Only)
Applied Life Skills
6
Hands on Learning
10
2 electives per semester
4 electives in total
1 compulsory from Art/Technology and 1 compulsory from P.E.
The other 4 electives can be from any of the Key Learning Area (KLA) electives they choose
Year 9 Enhancement
Subject
Periods
English
10
Mathematics
10
Science (full year)
6
Humanities (full year)
6
H & PE - Plus a minimum 1 compulsory P.E. elective must be chosen
2
(Health Only)
Life Skills
6
2 electives per semester
4 electives in total
1 compulsory from Art/Technology and 1 compulsory from P.E.
*NB - Life Skills = capacity building and development and development skills.
Program can include Respectful Relationships, Careers and Pathways, Learning Skills, Key Presentations