Victorian Certificate of Education – Curriculum

Reaccredited study designs for implementation in 2018

The following VCE studies have reaccredited study designs, which will be implemented in 2018:

• Australian and Global Politics
• Health and Human Development
• Legal Studies
• Media
• Outdoor and Environmental Studies
• Product Design and Technology
• Sociology
• Visual Communication Design
• Physical Education (Units 3 and 4 only).

Chinese Language, Culture and Society Units 3 and 4 are being implemented in 2018. Units 1 and 2 were implemented in 2017.

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Reaccredited study designs for implementation in 2019

The reaccredited study designs for VCE Classical Studies, Extended Investigation, Industry and Enterprise, Philosophy and Systems Engineering are now available. These study designs are published online in the year prior to their implementation on the relevant VCE study webpage.

The study designs for Accounting, Dance, Drama, Theatre Studies and Languages: Arabic, Chinese Second Language, Chinese Second Language Advanced, French, German, Greek, Indonesian Second Language, Italian, Japanese Second Language, Korean Second Language, Spanish and Vietnamese Second Language will be published on the relevant VCE study webpage progressively during Term 1.

Schools are advised that these online publications are being made available to assist teachers with preparation for the implementation of revised studies in 2019 and must not be used for the 2018 academic year, as the accreditation period begins in 2019.

Updates and amendments to study designs are announced in the VCAA Bulletin and published on individual study webpages.

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Implementation briefings for revised studies

During 2018 the VCAA will conduct state-wide implementation briefings for teachers of revised VCE studies. These studies are: Accounting, Dance, Drama, Theatre Studies and Languages: Arabic, Chinese Second Language, Chinese Second Language Advanced, French, German, Greek, Indonesian Second Language, Italian, Japanese Second Language, Korean Second Language, Spanish, and Vietnamese Second Language.

Online information sessions will be provided for Classical Studies, Extended Investigation, Industry and Enterprise, Philosophy and Systems Engineering.

Full details of the briefings will be provided in the VCAA Bulletin and Notices to Schools during Term 1.

For general enquiries related to the implementation briefings, please contact Robyn Douglass, Curriculum Program Manager, phone: (03) 9032 1720 or email: douglass.robyn.f@edumail.vic.gov.au

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2018 VCAA Consultation Register now open

Consultation is an important part of the review process for VCE studies. The consultation process is conducted electronically. Teachers and stakeholders are invited to participate by joining the VCAA Consultation Register.

Teachers and stakeholders registered for consultation will receive email notification once the draft of the relevant VCE study design is available and will be invited to respond via an online questionnaire. Teachers and stakeholders will be given the option of allowing the VCAA to use their registration details to receive email notification of the implementation briefings for the revised studies in 2019.

The online consultation register is now open for the following VCE studies:

• Agricultural and Horticultural Studies
• Computing – Software Development
• Computing – Informatics
• Foundation English.

Consultation drafts of the listed study designs will be available for consideration throughout 2018. Each study or group of studies will have a four-week consultation period. The draft study design and consultation questionnaire will be available on the VCAA website from the relevant VCE study page.

To register your interest, please complete the registration form.

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School-based Assessment Audit 2018

General information about the 2018 School-based Assessment Audit of all VCE Units 3–4 studies is now available on the VCE General Advice and Policy page. Specific information in relation to School-assessed Tasks is located on the relevant individual study webpages for Algorithmics (HESS), Art, Computing (Informatics and Software Development), Product Design and Technology, Media, Studio Arts, Systems Engineering and Visual Communication Design.

Notification dates

In 2018, notification of studies selected for the School-based Assessment Audit in Unit 3 will be released on Monday 26 February. The following menu in VASS will contain the studies being audited as well as the outcomes of each stage of the audit: School Program > VCE > School-based Assessment Audit.

The notification dates for the School-based Assessment Audit in 2018 are:

• Monday 26 February: notification of studies being audited in Unit 3
• Monday 19 March: Unit 3 audit questionnaire responses due
• Monday 7 May: outcome of Unit 3 audit questionnaire delivered
• Monday 21 May: Unit 3 further evidence due (if applicable)
• Monday 16 July: notification of studies being audited in Unit 4. Outcome of Unit 3 further evidence delivered
• Monday 6 August: Unit 4 audit questionnaire responses due
• Monday 10 September: outcome of Unit 4 audit questionnaire delivered
• Monday 24 September: Unit 4 further evidence due (if applicable)
• Monday 29 October: outcome of Unit 4 further evidence delivered.

Further information on the School-based Assessment Audit can be obtained from Merry Young on (03) 9032 1735 or via email at: school.assessment.vcaa@edumail.vic.gov.au.

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School-based Assessment reports

VCE School-based Assessment reports have been published for the following VCE studies: Algorithmics (HESS), Art, Business Management, Economics, English, English as an Additional Language, Food Studies, Literature, Music Investigation, Music Performance, Religion and Society, Studio Arts and Texts and Traditions.

School-based Assessment reports are written following the first year of implementation of a revised study design. The reports are based on findings from the School-based Assessment Audit and VCAA statistical data, and cover themes, topics, key knowledge and key skills, outcomes and assessment relevant to the revised studies.

The reports are published on individual VCE study webpages and can be accessed from the VCE Studies index page.

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2018 VCE study design wall chart

All schools will be sent a study design wall chart during Term 1. This chart provides VCE coordinators, teachers and librarians with a quick visual reference to the entire collection of accredited VCE study designs for 2018.

Each accredited study design is available on the VCAA website from the relevant study page. It is essential that teachers use the currently accredited study designs as the basis for all course development and assessment of VCE studies. The VCAA remains the official source of advice for all VCE studies.

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VCE Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are now available for VCE Classical Studies, Outdoor and Environmental Studies and Product Design and Technology. These are based on questions raised during implementation briefings conducted in 2017.

For Geography, a series of FAQs on the drawing of sketch maps by students has been added to the existing FAQs document. Three FAQs relate to Unit 3 Area of study 2 and one to Units 1–4.

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VCE Philosophy Text List 2019

The VCE Philosophy prescribed text list for 2019 is now available on the Philosophy study page. For further information contact the Curriculum Manager, Humanities on (03) 9032 1693.

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VCE English/EAL 2018 Text List revisions

Publication details for two texts on the VCE English/EAL 2018 Text List have been revised as follows:

Satrapi, Marjane, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood, Jonathan Cape, 2003.

Rayson, Hannie, 'Extinction' in Endangered: Three Plays, Currency Press, 2016.

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VCE English/EAL and Literature 2019 text lists

Schools are advised that the VCE English/EAL and Literature 2019 text lists are now available on the VCAA website. These text lists are to be used with the following accredited study designs:

• VCE English/EAL Units 1 and 2: 2016–2020, Units 3 and 4: 2017–2020.
• VCE Literature Units 1 and 2: 2016–2020, Units 3 and 4: 2017–2020.

Teachers should consider the lists in conjunction with the relevant text selection advice published on page 17 of the VCE English/EAL Study Design and page 15 of the VCE Literature Study Design.

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VCE Dance

2018 Prescribed list of works

The 2018 Prescribed list of works is available for download on the VCE Dance study page. This list must be used with the VCE Dance Study Design 2014–2018.

In Unit 3, two solo dance works created by 20th- and 21st-century choreographers should be studied. In Unit 4, one group work created by a 20th- or 21st-century choreographer/s should be studied. The teaching and learning program associated with the works selected for study should focus on Outcome 1 key knowledge and skills in Units 3 and 4. For further information, contact the VCE Curriculum Unit: (03) 9032 1720 or vcaa.vce.curriculum@edumail.vic.gov.au

Advisory Panel for 2019 Prescribed list of dance works

Applications for membership of the VCE Dance Prescribed list Advisory Panel are now being taken through the Sessional Staff Management System (SSMS). The panel will propose works for the 2019 list of prescribed works to be approved by the VCAA. Panel members may be teaching Units 3 and 4 of the study.

The closing date for applications is Friday 25 May 2018. For further information, contact the VCE Curriculum Unit: (03) 9032 1720 or vcaa.vce.curriculum@edumail.vic.gov.au

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VCE Drama and Theatre Studies

2018 Playlist

The Drama Unit 3 and Theatre Studies Units 3 and 4 Playlist is available for download from the Drama and Theatre Studies VCE study webpages. The list should be used with the 2014–2018 study designs for VCE Drama and VCE Theatre Studies. Students are required to see one of the plays on the relevant list for the purposes of study and assessment in each of Drama Unit 3 and Theatre Studies Units 3 and 4. As required, additional information about specific plays will be published during 2018.

The VCAA has worked closely with the submitting theatre companies to create playlists that reflect a broad range of contemporary and classic works. The diversity of works selected supports the interrelated nature of the areas of study in the VCE Drama and Theatre Studies study designs for Units 3 and 4. The key criteria considered in the selection were: dramatic merit; a representation of diverse forms and styles; works that challenge and sustain intensive study; and theatrical works that are accessible to and suitable for study at VCE level by a range of students. It is understood that current professional theatre practice often explores contemporary issues and themes. In discussion with the theatre companies, the VCAA provides advice on the list about issues relevant to specific plays and has deemed all works on the playlist to be suitable for study at VCE level. Advice is provided to assist schools in making appropriate choices for their students.

It is important that, when selecting work for their students, teachers familiarise themselves with the content and form prior to students viewing the play or studying the playscript. In most cases this information is available by speaking directly to the theatre company, obtaining a copy of the relevant script, obtaining education resources, attending a preview or conducting research on any previous productions of the work. Teachers should read the notes and advice provided on the list, consider the culture of their school and the experience of their students, and make choices accordingly. Each playlist offers a range of choices for teachers and students, including at least one touring production.

Teachers are advised to complete the required planning and booking as early as possible in order to have access to their preferred productions.

Advisory Panel for the 2019 Playlist

Applications for membership of the VCE Drama and Theatre Studies Playlist Advisory Panel are now being taken through SSMS. The panel of teachers, academics and industry representatives will propose plays for the 2019 playlist to be approved by the VCAA. It is expected that the bulk of the panel's work will take place between June and November. Panel members may be teaching Units 3 and 4 of the study.

The closing date for applications is Friday 25 May 2018. For further information, contact the VCE Curriculum Unit: (03) 9032 1720 or vcaa.vce.curriculum@edumail.vic.gov.au

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Amendment to the VCE Music Study Design 2017–2021

VCE Coordinators and teachers of VCE Music Performance should note that a minor amendment has been made to the VCE Music Study Design 2017–2021, Music Performance, Units 3 and 4, for immediate inclusion.The updated study design is now available on the VCE Music study page.

For further information, contact Helen Champion, Curriculum Manager, For further information, contact the VCE Curriculum Unit: (03) 9032 1720 or vcaa.vce.curriculum@edumail.vic.gov.au

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VCE Music Investigation and Music Performance prescribed lists

The same prescribed lists are used for Units 3 and 4 Music Investigation and Music Performance. Information about study-specific requirements is provided on the lists. The 2018 list of group works is available on the VCE Music Investigation study page and the VCE Music Performance study page. In Section A some works have been added to the list and works that will be deleted in 2019 are identified. Works have also been added in Section B. In the Solo lists, new works for 2018 and works for deletion in 2019 are identified. Note that for most works on the lists the editions listed are recommended only. Other equivalent editions may also be used without seeking approval from the VCAA. If a work is a specific arrangement or transcription, it is generally only published in the listed edition. It is the responsibility of schools to ensure that students perform only listed works or approved alternative works.

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VCE Music – alternative works and alternative instruments

Guidelines and application forms for approval of alternative works and/or alternative instruments for solo performance are available on the VCE Music Investigation and VCE Music Performance study webpages. Note that separate guidelines and application forms are provided for Music Investigation and for Music Performance. These forms must be received at the VCAA by 5.00pm on Thursday 1 March 2018.

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VCE Music – contributing to ongoing review of lists

Each list includes information about review and an email address for sending suggestions of works that could be added. For further information, contact the VCE Curriculum Unit: (03) 9032 1720 or vcaa.vce.curriculum@edumail.vic.gov.au

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VCE Music Investigation Topic approval

All students who enrol in MCO5 Music Investigation Units 3–4 must submit an Investigation Topic for approval by the VCAA. Copies of the approval form template can be downloaded from the VCE Music Investigation study page. The template is used to prepare the application for data entry, and uploaded via VASS: Student Program > VCE > Approved Focus Area. This approval process allows the VCAA to confirm that each student enrolled in VCE Music Investigation Units 3 and 4 has selected an Investigation Topic that offers appropriate depth and breadth, has appropriate links to a work selected from a VCE Music prescribed list, and provides adequate scope for the student to prepare and present a performance examination program that allows them to address assessment criteria at the highest level.

Before submitting topics for approval, schools must ensure that each student is correctly enrolled in the study:

• The study code is MC05 3–4.
• The correct focus (instrument) code must be identified. These codes are available as a VASS download.
• As needed, a separate application for alternative instrument should be submitted in addition to Investigation Topic approval form.
• As needed, a separate application for alternative work may be also be submitted. Schools are not required to submit sheet music or audio files at this stage.

Approval forms should be uploaded via VASS by 5.00pm on Thursday 1 March 2018. A reply indicating 'approved' or 'not approved' will be sent by the VCAA during March. Replies will be sent to the person identified on VASS as the Music Investigation school contact person. During the approval process, the VCAA may contact schools and request copies of sheet music for a prescribed work and/or an audio recording of that work.

Enquiries about this process should be directed to the VCE Curriculum Unit: (03) 9032 1720 or vcaa.vce.curriculum@edumail.vic.gov.au

Music Investigation Topic Approval Panel

Applications for membership of the Music Investigation Topic Approval Panel are now being taken through SSMS. This panel will review topics submitted for approval and provide feedback for students and teachers. It is expected that the bulk of the panel's work will take place in March. Panel members may be teaching Units 3 and 4 of the study. The closing date for applications is Friday 16 February 2018. For further information, contact the VCE Curriculum Unit: (03) 9032 1720 or vcaa.vce.curriculum@edumail.vic.gov.au

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School-assessed Tasks professional learning sessions

Professional learning sessions for School-assessed Tasks will be held during February 2018. These full-day sessions are designed to provide teachers with a clear understanding of how to apply the assessment criteria and descriptors for the School-assessed Task in the relevant study. Each session will have a practical component, during which assessment criteria will be applied using sample student work. Teachers will be required to bring a copy of the relevant study design and 2018 administrative information for school-based assessment criteria to the session. These documents are available on the relevant Study Design webpage.

Teachers of Art, Studio Arts, Media and Visual Communication Design are required to bring a laptop. Due to the high number of registrations, there will be two sessions for Studio Arts and Visual Communication Design. Participants may only register for one session.

Further details about the professional learning sessions will be emailed to registered teachers closer to session dates, which are listed on the online registration form. For teachers who are unable to attend the scheduled sessions, a web conferencing activity will run for all School-assessed Task studies except Algorithmics (HESS). Dates for the web conference sessions are also listed on the online registration form. For further information, please contact: curriculum.vcaa.vce@edumail.vic.gov.au or (03) 9032 1729.

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Change to the English requirement for satisfactory completion of the VCE from 2018

To satisfactorily complete the VCE a student must have satisfactory results (S) for a Unit 3 and 4 sequence from the English Group. The English Group includes: English, English as an Additional Language, English Language and Literature.

The following rules for satisfactory completion of the VCE will apply from 2018:

• To satisfactorily complete the VCE a student must have a satisfactory result (S) for a minimum of 16 units. This must include:
  • at least three units from the English Group, two of which must be a Unit 3 and 4 sequence
  • an additional three Unit 3 and 4 sequences of studies which can include further sequences from the English Group.

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Higher Education studies in the VCE program for 2018

Information about the Higher Education Studies in the VCE program for 2018, including a complete list of participating universities and studies offered, is now available on the Higher Education Studies in the VCE webpage.

Schools must finalise VCE enrolments for students interested in applying for a Higher Education Studies (HES) in the VCE course prior to Monday 30 April 2018. A finalised school enrolment is required for universities to confirm a student's eligibility for their HES course.

Schools are also responsible for ensuring that students have met the pre- and co-requisite requirements for their selected Higher Education Study.

General information about Higher Education Studies can be found on the VCAA website.

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VCE Extended Investigation professional learning day

Schools delivering VCE Extended Investigation in 2018 are invited to attend a professional learning day on Tuesday 27 February 2018.

Sessions will provide practical information and advice for supervising teachers, and the opportunity to network with other schools delivering the study and hear about their experiences.

The professional learning day runs from 9.00am to 3.00pm at the VCAA, Level 7, 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

Schools are invited to send up to two representatives. The VCAA recommends that all VCE Extended Investigation supervising teachers attend. CRT grants are available.

Please register your attendance by Tuesday 13 February 2018.

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Accreditation periods for VCE studies: Effective 1 January 2018

A summary of accreditation periods for VCE studies as approved by the VCAA Board and accredited by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority is provided in the following table.

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