Senior School

YEAR 10 Programs

Work Experience*

Ski Camp

Formal


YEAR 11 Program

Student Leaders Camp

Central Australia Tour

VCAL – Sailing Camp

Debutante Ball

YEAR 12 Program

Student Leaders Camp

Study Camp

Formal

Graduation


OPTIONAL FOR ALL

G’day USA

Italian Trip (bi-annual)

World Challenge (bi-annual)

NASA Camp

Performing Arts Tour

Band tour

Year 10-12
Senior students at St Helena are educated
in a supportive and enriching environment.

Students are offered a range of pathways, subject choices and learning approaches that cater for their varied interests, needs and aspirations. Students work productively with their teachers and peers to succeed now and in the future.

In these years, our focus remains on the holistic development of students; their growth as confident, resilient, resourceful, autonomous, healthy and principled community members.

The positive result of having dared to excel is evident in our students’:

  • outstanding academic results
  • stellar performances – productions, music, drama and dance
  • wide ranging sporting achievements
  • Arts/Technology exhibits
  • achievements in the commercial kitchen, the automation centre and any of our specialty technology centres.


Personal growth and skill development is further facilitated through our:

  • Athlete Development Program
  • International tours
  • Camping and outdoor education programs
  • Community service endeavours
  • House traditions and events
  • Student leadership structure.


Each student’s Career Action Plan develops further with progression through the ‘I Plan’, ‘I Decide’ and ‘I Apply’ steps facilitated through STRIVE. The incremental planning, decision making and application process ensures pathways are chosen intentionally, with a deep appreciation for where they lead and the learning/career opportunities they afford.


Compulsory


Year 10

Students have a number of pathway choices including the:

Standard Program

Early Start

Specialist Choice

Specific Requirement

Accelerated and Curriculum Enrichment Program

VCAL

Year 10

Standard Program

English or Flying Start English

Mathematics (several options)

Science, Science at Work or Flying Start Science

Humanities, Contemporary Humanities or Flying start Humanities

Four elective subjects

EARLY START

Create and Bake

Design it, Make it, Wear it

From Trees to Tables

Girls Fix Cars

Girls Design It and Build It

Micro-Electronics

Rev Heads

Rockets and Rocket Cars

The World of Food

SPECIALIST CHOICE

Standard Program plus Two VCE or VET subjects

No elective subjects


SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

English

Mathematics

This is an individual program for specific students.

Entry is strictly in consultation with the Year 9 Manager

ACCELERATED AND CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT (ACE)

Flying Start English

Extension or Pre-Methods Mathematics

Flying Start Science

Flying Start Humanities

At least one VCE/VET subject with two electives or two VCE/VET subjects with no electives

Vocational Education and Training

The Vocational Education and Training (VET) program lets students take their VCE and a VET Certificate at the same time. VET programs provide for a combination of vocational and general education.

The national recognized qualifications and programs offered by St Helena Secondary College may also contribute to the completion requirements for a student’s senior secondary school certificate. Qualifying students may also be eligible to receive a contribution to their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

First year classes are conducted at various locations on Wednesday afternoons.

Second year class times may differ, depending on course selection.

“St Helena SC belongs to the Northern Melbourne VET Cluster (NMVC) providing access to a broader range of VET courses.”


FEATURES OF VET

It is an accredited vocational education and training program (usually over two years). 

It enables students to complete a nationally recognised vocational qualification (e.g. Certificate II in Hospitality) and a senior secondary certificate such as VCE and/or VCAL at the same time. 

It allows students to go directly into employment or receive credit towards further study. It focuses on students developing industry specific and workplace skills. 

It is a vocationally oriented school program designed to meet the needs of industry. 

HOW DOES VET WORK?

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are responsible for the delivery, assessment and certification of VET qualifications. An RTO may be a student’s school, TAFE, private organisation or an ACE provider. 

STRUCTURED WORKPLACE LEARNING (SWL) 

This involves an employer accepting a student on a one-day-a-week or one or two week block basis (VCAL students ONLY). VCE students may do a two week block during the holidays and/or after examinations (late November/December).

Structured Workplace Learning is an essential part of VET and is highly recommended. It enables the student to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge in an industry setting. 

During the work placement, a student will undertake specific tasks in order to demonstrate competence. They will be regularly monitored and may be assessed on the job. 

SWL RECOGNITION 

A student can gain credit towards the VCE or VCAL by successfully participating in SWL and completing the workplace reflections. 

CONTRIBUTION TO VCE 

VET may contribute to VCE units or scores. Some VET programs have a Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) recognised Unit 1-4 structure. Partial or full completion of other programs may contribute via Block Credit to the completion of VCE. 

A scored VCE VET program can contribute to the Primary Four subjects in the ATAR or as a 5th or 6th subject. A student’s Primary Four subjects may be made up of English, with all other sequences derived from scored VCE VET programs. Non scored VCE VET programs usually provide credit at Units 1-4. Unscored increments which previously contributed the average of the primary four, including those for unscored VCE VET and block credit, will instead be calculated using 10% of the lowest study score of the primary four.

 VET Block Credit recognition can be used towards satisfactory completion of the VCE but can only be used in calculation of an ATAR if there are fewer than 6 VCE or VCE VET studies available. If there are 6 or more VCE or VCE VET studies available, a Unit 3 and 4 sequence through VE3 block credit result cannot be used towards an ATAR. 

CONTRIBUTION TO VCAL 

VET contributes to the Industry Specific Skills Strand and/or Work Related Skills Strand. 

VET INCREASES STUDENTS’ PATHWAYS 

Broadens options 

Develops students’ capacities to make decisions and solve problems 

Helps students to gain confidence and improve communication and interpersonal skills through learning in an adult setting

Fosters positive feedback by enabling students to demonstrate specific skills and competencies

Matches students’ interests and career directions through the provision of strong pathways 

VET GIVES NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS 

Upon successful completion of the program, students may be awarded with a nationally recognised VET certificate, or contribution toward this certificate. 

VET qualifications may articulate directly into further education and training at TAFE through documented pathway agreements. 

VET provides access to a range of different technologies related to the type and place of work .

VET PREPARES STUDENTS FOR THE WORKFORCE

Provides the opportunity to trial a career and helps students explore possible areas of interest which promote further study and work choices. 

Allows students to develop strong links with industry and local community employers whereby students may be offered part time/casual work. 

Improves employment prospects. 

Helps students gain knowledge of employers’ expectations and real working conditions.

Assists in transition from school to work. 

LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND NUMERACY SUPPORT

Students requiring  additional  assistance to achieve successful outcomes in their VET programs need to indicate this on the VET application form.

Arrangements will be made between the Home and Host Schools regarding the level of support required. Any formal assessment will be undertaken by the Home School prior to the completion of the VET application form.   

ALL VET STUDENTS WILL NEED A UNIQUE STUDENT IDENTIFIER (USI) 

The aim of the USI is to: 

Help build a national system for the storage of information and enable VET records to be linked 

Make it easier for students to access their VET achievement across multiple providers in the one transcript 

Seamlessly provide a single consolidated ‘outcome level’ transcript for all VET study for students 

Enable students to also easily access secure digital transcripts of their achievements 

Ensure VET records are not lost (i.e. particularly where an RTO closes)

 Assist development of transparency in the VET sector Students studying VET programs will not be able to receive a Statement of Attainment or their qualification until they have a valid USI.

Students can apply for their USI electronically via the  online USI system at www.usi.gov.au 



This Handbook outlines how the Northern Melbourne VET Cluster (NMVC) can provide an extensive selection of VET programs to you as a student. 

St Helena Secondary College is also part of the NMVC and our VET offerings are also published within this handbook.

Read the requirements of your selected program carefully. 

Please note the printed arrangements regarding times, venues and program outlines are subject to change and will be confirmed at the Enrolment/Information Evenings scheduled for Term 4, 2021.

All successful applicants to NMVC /ST HELENA VET programs will be notified of changes prior to course commencement, via their school’s VET Coordinator

There are three steps in making an application for a NMVC/ST HELENA Program in 2022: 

STEP 1: “Application Form” to Home School VET Coordinator 

Read the Pathways Handbook/NMVC & ST HELENA handbook (below) and look at the program requirements carefully, select your program and complete and choose your preferences with the EdVal web-choice portal on Thursday 15th July. 

Once our VET team get your preferences via the EdVal web-choice portal we will organise a separate application form to be given to you and your parents via Compass.

This application form is online so it will be sent straight to our VET Administration Team by the Due Date printed on the Application Form. 

STEP 2: “Enrolment Form” to Host School 

Attend the Compulsory Enrolment/Information Evening at St Helena and/or the NMVC Host School in Term 3/4. The Home school will advise you about the location, date and time of this event. Please ensure that all your details are clear and correct on the Enrolment Form which will be required from the Host school. 

STEP 3: Material Costs

There may be a materials cost associated with your VET Program i.e. PPE equipment/uniform. Your VET coordinator will advise.


AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation

COURSE AIMS
The course was designed for VET in Schools to introduce skills and knowledge to perform minor maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical components and systems on vehicles. It is a hands-on course and great preparation for an apprenticeship. The course is taught over two years.

HOST SCHOOLS                                                                    DAYS & TIMES

St Helena Secondary College                         Wednesday 1.30pm – 5.00pm (Units 1-4)

(RTO-Education Living)           


22338VIC Certificate II in Building & Construction (Carpentry) Pre-Apprenticeship

COURSE AIMS

This course is a partial completion of the Certificate and students will be issued with a Statement of Attainment. The course is designed for students entering the Building and Construction Industry who want to become carpenters. Students are taught 10 core building modules and all of the carpentry stream modules.

HOST SCHOOLS                                                        DAYS & TIMES

St Helena Secondary College             Wednesday 1.30pm – 5.00pm (Units 1&2)

(RTO-Chisholm College)                       Monday 1.30pm – 5. 00pm (Units 3&4)  


CUA20113 Certificate II in Dance

COURSE AIMS

The course aims to provide technical and performance skills, knowledge and attitude needed to establish a career in the entertainment industry. The VCE course is not recommended for students without prior dance experience.

HOST SCHOOLS                                                        DAYS & TIMES

St Helena Secondary College             Wednesday 1.30pm – 5.00pm (Units 1&2)

(Ausdance)                                              Thursday 1.30pm – 5. 00pm (Units 3&4) 


CHC30113 Certificate III in Childhood Education & Care

COURSE AIMS

This qualification covers workers who use organisation policies, procedures and individual children’s profiles to plan activities and provide care to children, facilitating their leisure and play and enabling them to achieve their development outcomes.Depending on the setting, workers may work under direct supervision or autonomously. This course is a partial completion of the Certificate. 

HOST SCHOOLS                                                                              DAYS & TIMES

St Helena Secondary College                                 Wednesday 1.30pm – 5.00pm (First Year)

(RTO-Melbourne College for further education)    Monday 1.30pm – 5. 00pm (Second Year) 


SIT20416 Certificate II Kitchen Operations

COURSE AIMS

This program is designed to provide students with training and skills to be competent to work in the hospitality industry with a particular focus on commercial cookery.

HOST SCHOOLS                                                                DAYS & TIMES

St Helena Secondary College             Wednesday 1.30pm – 5.00pm (Units 1&2)

(RTO IVET)                                               Thursday 1.30pm – 5. 00pm (Units 3&4) 


SIS30115 Certificate III Sport and Recreation

COURSE AIMS

The aim of the program is to provide specific skills and knowledge to work in the areas of sport and recreation. Leadership, organisational and specialist activity skills will be developed through theory and practical sessions. This is a two-year program. 

HOST SCHOOLS                                          DAYS & TIMES

St Helena Secondary College      {Within School Hours}


Students enrolling in a VET program through the NMVC and at St Helena Secondary College will be required to complete a commitment form covering their code of conduct. Any additional course requirements set out by the NMVC must also be adhered to. It is important that parents and students take time to read the following course requirements before submitting an Application Form (Step 1).

1. ABSENCES

Students are permitted two absences a semester or four for the year. Where possible, students need to notify their Home School VET coordinators by 8.30am if unable to attend VET class. An additional two approved absences will be allowed for school camps and excursions.

2. PUNCTUALITY

All students are expected to arrive on time to class.

Please note if you have selected to attend an NMVC VET program it is your responsibility to organise your own transport and ensure you get to your external “HOST SCHOOL” on time everytime!!

3.  WORK REQUIREMENTS

All tasks as assigned by the trainer/ employer are to be completed BY THE DUE DATE. Home School VET Coordinators will be informed about those students who fail to meet deadlines and a second submission date will be negotiated. STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO COMPLETE SET TASKS, BY THE END OF THE TERM IN WHICH THE TASKS WERE SET, MAY BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE PROGRAM.

4.  INFORMATION ENROLMENT EVENINGS

All ST HELENA & NMVC VET programs will hold an Information Enrolment Evening early in Term 3/4. Students will receive a full program outline and have the opportunity to meet and speak with the trainer. Enrolment Forms must be completed, signed and submitted to our VET administration team by the due dates specified.

5.  STUDENT/PARENT APPLICATION/ ENROLMENT FORMS

This form is part of the enrolment process and outlines all students’ responsibilities regarding work requirements, student behaviour and course expectations. This form must be completed by all students prior to enrolling. If students fail to submit these forms by the due dates specified they will be immediately withdrawn from the VET course.

6.  PROGRAM COSTS

All VET programs offered through the NMVC attract fees. Through the clustering arrangement these fees are kept to the minimum possible cost. Program costs will vary according to the materials required by students to complete the program including uniforms, trade materials, transport, books and equipment. All fees associated with a VET program must be paid on time to the Home School.

7.  STRUCTURED WORKPLACE LEARNING

Structured Workplace Learning is a key feature of VET programs. All students are expected to complete a minimum of 10 days work placement in a related industry (this depends on the course – the trainer should advise). It is the responsibility of the Home School and students to ensure that all paperwork associated with this Structured Workplace Learning is completed and returned on time. Students will need to meet the work placement requirements of the course to the best of their abilities.

8.  REPORTS

All students undertaking both an NMVC and ST HELENA VET program will receive an official written report indicating their progress in the program. These reports are issued by the training providers to the student’s school and will include information on completed competencies, student learning, attendance, behaviour and general comments.

Parents will receive a copy of these reports at mid-year. Completed certificates will be sent directly to schools at the completion of the course. Schools will forward these to students. It should be noted that completed certificates might not be sent until the following year in accordance with graduation processes from the various TAFE and training institutions.

Students completing a VET program will receive notification of their final results from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). Students undertaking VET programs with a Study Score or increment at Year 12 will have their results appear as part of their VCAA Statement of Results. ATAR contributions are calculated at the Year 12 level only by VTAC and are made available to students by VTAC through the normal channels.

9.  STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

All students must abide by the trainers’ rules and the rules of the Host School whenever they are on site. This includes meeting Occupational Health and Safety requirements in and out of the classroom. Attitude and behaviour are to be of the highest standard.

10.  CATCH UP VET CLASSES

Where necessary, students may be required to attend catch up classes after school, during the school holidays or on the weekend.

11. ABSENCE FROM AN ASSESSED TASK

– VCE VET UNITS 3 & 4 ONLY

Students, who are absent from class on a day when an assessed task is being held, should:

•      Phone their VET coordinator at school and their VET classroom teacher by 8:30am

•      Provide a detailed parental note immediately on return to school. A copy should be given to the VET coordinator by 9am and a copy

should be faxed to the VET classroom teacher

•      Provide a doctor’s certificate immediately on return to school.

The original to be given to the VET coordinator and a copy to be faxed to the VET classroom teacher.

The VET classroom teacher in conjunction with the student’s VET coordinator

will determine whether the absence is excused and whether rescheduling the missed assessment task will be granted. Students who fail to report to their VET coordinators on their first day back

at school by 8:30am, will not have their assessment task rescheduled.

12.  WITHDRAWAL FROM A ST HELENA and NMVC VET PROGRAM

It should be noted by students and parents that failure to abide by the above course requirements may result in a student being withdrawn from the program.

Also at the start of 2022 you MUST let the VET coordinator know if you chose to be withdrawn from a VET program. This MUST be done no later than Week 3 Term 1 2022.

DISCLAIMER

All course details and delivery arrangements contained in this book are correct at the time of printing (June 2021).

Programs are subject to change.

Revision to some Training Packages may see a changed VCE VET program structure for some courses from 2021. All updates to the programs will be included in the future edition of the VCAA Bulletin. Final arrangements will be confirmed in February 2022.

Units may change from year to year subject to instructions from the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority). Students should refer to individual school’s course brochures.

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is usually a two year course of study.

It is implemented and managed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).

All studies are organised into semester units. Units 1 and 2 are usually undertaken in Year 11 and Units 3 and 4 are usually undertaken in Year 12.At St Helena, students typically take 12 Units in Year 11 and a further 10 Units in Year 12.

VCAA stipulates enrolment in both Units 3 and 4 of a subject.Student performance in Units 3 and 4 is assessed by:

  • School Assessed Coursework (SACs). These tasks are mainly completed in class time under teacher supervision. They are directly linked to classroom teaching programs.
  • Externally set examinations


VCE STUDIES ON OFFER INCLUDE:

English: English, English Literature

Health and PE: Health and Human Development, Physical Education,VET Early Childhood Education, VET Sport and Recreation

Humanities: Accounting, Australian and Global Politics, Business Management, Economics Geography, History – 20th Century (Units 1 &2), History – Global Empires (Units 1 & 2), History – Revolutions (Units 3 & 4), Legal Studies, Philosophy

Info Tech: Information Technology, VET Information Technology

Maths: Foundation Maths, General Maths, Specialist Maths, Mathematics Methods

Languages: Italian

Science: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, Psychology

Technology: Products Design – Wood/Metal, Plastics, Products Design – Textiles, Food Studies, Systems Engineering, VET Automotive, VET Building and Construction, VET Furniture, VET Hospitality

The Arts: Art, Dance (Units 3 & 4 only), Drama (Units 3 & 4 only), Media, Music Performance, Music Investigation (Units 3 & 4 only), Studio Arts – Photography, Theatre Studies, Visual Communication and Design, VET Dance

Our VCE Results

VCE Results

St Helena Secondary College’s VCE results are consistently excellent with impressive percentages of both girls and boys achieving at the highest levels.

Our students consistently rank above the State average, with median ATAR scores above 65 and median study scores of 31.

Approximately 55% of students achieve an ATAR of 60%+, placing them in the top 40% in the state.

When predicted results are compared with achieved results in each subject, our students, on average, gain 1.5 points above the expected subject score. This is attributed to the School’s rigorous academic culture.

A large number of students consistently achieve personal best VCE results.

Almost 100% of VCE students who apply for a tertiary place are offered courses of their choice.


State Awards

Premier’s Award

VCE Season of Excellence:
Include the following areas of study…

Top Arts

Top Class

Top Designs

Top Acts

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a recognised senior secondary qualification and should be chosen for its hands on approach and suitability for a student’s career ambitions.

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a rigorous, challenging program that focuses on practical work-related experience, industry specific skill development, literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work.

The school runs two classes of approximately 20 students, one at Year 11 (Intermediate) and one at Year 12 (Senior). Students are enrolled following a successful application and interview process.

To be eligible to undertake the VCAL students must have:

-been enrolled at St Helena Secondary College for a minimum of 12 months

-completed a Career Action Plan

-completed Work Experience and received positive feedback from their employer

-enrolled/applied for at least one VET subject

-demonstrated consistent maturity and responsibility

-the ability to work independently and as part of a team

-the ability to keep accurate, up-to-date and complete records, a strong work ethic, and the persistence to see tasks through.


Instructions to register for your USI number

 Before you get started you will need to have the following information;

· a) Your Medicare number details

· b) Be aware of your legal name

· c) Please enter an email address on your registration application that you will be able to access once you leave school


· 1) Link to Unique Student Identifier (USI) website: http://www.usi.gov.au/create-your-USI

· 2) Complete your application on the USI website

· 3) Once you have applied, you should receive your USI number online within a few seconds

· 4) Your USI number is with you for life and will be required if you enroll in any certificate or course in the future, i.e. First Aid, Etc

· 5) Record your USI number in a place that you will remember where to find it for future reference, i.e. with your parent


ALL VET STUDENTS WILL NEED A UNIQUE STUDENT IDENTIFIER (USI) 

The aim of the USI is to: 

Help build a national system for the storage of information and enable VET records to be linked 

Make it easier for students to access their VET achievement across multiple providers in the one transcript 

Seamlessly provide a single consolidated ‘outcome level’ transcript for all VET study for students 

Enable students to also easily access secure digital transcripts of their achievements 

Ensure VET records are not lost (i.e. particularly where an RTO closes)

 Assist development of transparency in the VET sector Students studying VET programs will not be able to receive a Statement of Attainment or their qualification until they have a valid USI.

Students can apply for their USI electronically via the  online USI system at www.usi.gov.au 


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