Years 11 & 12

Senior Years

To ensure all our students leave high school with a qualification to suit their post-secondary pathways, Year 11 and 12 students have the option of enrolling in either the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). In both courses, we offer the opportunity for students to enrol in Certificates in Victorian Education and Training (VET) subjects. These subjects also contribute to VCE students’ ATARs (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).

Senior Years Handbook

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

Students enrol in a compulsory English subject (either English or Literature) and then select a program of study from a wide variety of other subjects that we offer.

A comprehensive list of these subjects can be found in the handbook, however on a year-to-year basis, this list is subject to some change based on the particular interests of each cohort.

We pride ourselves on maintaining a diverse senior curriculum from year to year, ensuring that students can enrol in university pre-requisite subjects such as Specialist Mathematics and folio subjects such as Studio Art. We also support students to widen their choice of learning program by facilitating enrolment in Distance Education subjects, Virtual Learning Network subjects and University Extension subjects (first-year university subjects).

Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)

Students are involved in a core program of Literacy Skills, Numeracy Skills, Personal Development Skills and Work Related Skills.

To complete their learning program, they also enrol in VET subjects, where they work towards gaining Certificate II in their chosen subject areas. Students in VCAL also engage in a weekly work placement in an industry of interest to them, leading many to gaining apprenticeships after completing Year 12.

Kyneton High School is involved in the Head Start initiative, where students can complete Year 12 whilst simultaneously engaging in an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Senior Secondary Certificate Reform 

Victoria is transforming the delivery of senior secondary education with the introduction of a single senior secondary certificate that will offer greater access to quality vocational and applied learning pathways for all students. The senior secondary education reforms aim to provide access to education and training that is relevant, engaging and that delivers in-demand skills for the future world of work, ensuring that students can access education that leads to employment.

Next year students will still be able to enrol in either the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) or the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The following year, in 2023, VCAL students will be enrolled in the new VCE Vocational Specialisation (or the new foundation pathways certificate) which will be introduced to replace VCAL.

The VCE Vocational Specialisation will be recognised internationally, be valued by employers and will build on the strengths of VCAL including providing:

  • flexible timetables that allow students to study at school, TAFE and work
  • opportunities to experience real-life workplaces
  • subjects that will build students’ skills and prepare them for life after school
  • greater access to high quality VET learning, either in school, a neighboring school or a local TAFE

Building Sound Habits For Life

Year 12 should be a very rewarding and memorable final year of schooling. It can also be a challenging and stressful year for many students.

The Senior Management Team is here to assist and support your student through their final year of schooling. Members of our team are as follows:

  • Lizzie Trembath, Yr 12 Senior Years Leader
  • Blaire Plowman, Yr 11 Senior Years Leader
  • Geoff Comben, Yr 10 Senior Years Leader
  • Annette Brown, Senior Years & Pathways Administration

Our intention is that by working together we will be able to support your student towards success.

The VCE and VCAL 2016 Policy document can be found in the Education Policies collection in the Policies section of this site or downloaded separately from this link: VCE and VCAL Policy 2016