Senior Campus

There are three main ways to study Year 11 and 12 in Victoria: the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM), and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE): A traditional academic pathway preparing students for university and higher education.
VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM): A new 2-year vocational, applied learning program within the VCE, offering practical and career-focused education.
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC): An option for students who may not be ready or able to complete a certificate at a VCE level, providing a flexible approach to education.

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You can add Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects to any of these pathways, giving you practical skills and knowledge for work and further study. Whether you aim to attend university, TAFE, pursue an apprenticeship, traineeship, or enter the workforce directly after school, there is a secondary pathway to help you achieve your goals.

VCE

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the certificate that the majority of students receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.

At Kurnai College our core focus is to provide opportunities for students to gain success in their senior studies within an adult learning environment. Our campus is located on the grounds of Federation University, Gippsland Campus. It is a unique development and hosts programs from Apprentice Group Australia (AGA) and utilises the Federation University fields, Art faculty and the Latrobe Valley Leisure Centre. This network enables the potential for Kurnai students to smoothly transition into Federation University, AGA or Federation Training.

Our University Campus offers a range of studies in the areas of:

Students who undertake their VCE with Kurnai College have the option of exploring Vocation Education and Training (VET) as a part of their studies. This is an opportunity for students to gain nationally recognised qualifications while completing their VCE from a range of training providers both on the campus and at outside venues.

Kurnai College also provides students with early acceleration into senior studies through the Year 10 VCE program and Enhancement Studies in Year 12.

VCE VM

The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is an applied learning program within the VCE designed to be completed over a minimum of two years. VCE VM gives students practical work-related experiences.

The VCE VM will give students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths and interests and develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life.

It prepares students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce. Students are at school three days per week, while completing a VET certificate and a day of work placement on the remaining two days.

To be eligible to receive the VCE VM, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 units, including:

3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3–4 sequence)
2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units
2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units
2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units, and
2 VET credits at Certificate II level or above (180 nominal hours)

Students must complete a minimum of three other Unit 3–4 sequences as part of their program.

The VCE VM can be tailored to the needs and interests of the student, to keep them engaged while developing their skills and knowledge.

VCE VM Qualifications

Upon satisfactory completion of the VCE VM, students will be awarded their Victorian Certificate of Education certificate in the area of ‘Vocational Major’.

More information about the VCE Vocational Major can be found at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

VPC

The Victorian Pathways Certificate (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. The certificate can be an end point, with students recognised for and proud of what they have achieved. Alternatively, a student may use it as a jumping off point to one of the other learning programs, most usually when they feel confident in their learning ability.

The VPC is not a senior secondary qualification, however, students can use it as a pathway to the VCE, VCE VM, or VET certificates. VPC units, being at AQF Level 1 do not provide credit into the VCE or VCE VM.

The purpose of the VPC is to:

Unit Structure

Satisfactory Completion of VPC

For satisfactory completion of the VPC, a student must satisfactorily complete a total of no fewer than 12 units. Failure to meet the required unit will result in NOT obtaining your VPC certificate.

Satisfactorily complete units must include:

At least two units of VPC literacy (or units from VCE English group, including VCE Vocational Major Literacy)
At least two units of VPC Numeracy (or units from the VCE Mathematics group, including VCE Vocational Major Numeracy)
At least two VPC Personal Development Skills Units
Choosing one elective each semester (Food Studies, Art and Design or Digital Literacy)
Community Projects

Attendance

Strong attendance is vital for your success in the VPC program. At least 90% attendance is required for teachers to authenticate completion of the VPC modules. Attendance is calculated as attending class or the provision of a medical certificate to cover absences.

Reasonable Adjustments

Under the Disability Standards for Education 2005, students with a disability are entitled to reasonable adjustments to enable them to participate in education on the same basis as other students. An adjustment is considered reasonable if it achieves its aim of making sure a student with a disability can take part in their education on the same basis as students without a disability. Teachers assessing students who have needs must maintain the validity and reliability of assessment. Flexible assessment methods in the VPC program is used to allow students to demonstrate the successful completion of learning goals without disadvantage.

VET

Kurnai College is proud to offer students a range of opportunities to explore their creative talents and develop their passions through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Program.

What is VET?

VET can be an integral part of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and is essential for the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM).

Why Choose a VET program?

Hands-on Learning – Gain practical, real-world experience in your chosen field.
Experience-Based Education – While some theory is required, most learning is conducted through hands-on activities in your area of interest.
Employment Advantages – Completing a VET program can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs, with some courses even offering credits towards apprenticeships or traineeships.
Dual Certification – Upon completion, you will receive both your VCE or VCE VM certificate and a nationally recognised VET certificate.

Most VET programs are conducted in partnership with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) such as TAFE Gippsland and Community College Gippsland. These programs typically require students to attend off-campus training one day per week.

VET & VCE – How they contribute to your ATAR

Some VET programs contribute directly to your ATAR by including a final exam and a study score, just like any other Year 12 VCE subject:

Cookery
Engineering, Fitting & Fabrication
Health Services Assistance
Hospitality
Information Technology
Integrated Technology
Music – Performance & Sound Production
Screen & Media
Sport, Aquatics & Recreation

Other VET programs contribute to your ATAR by providing a 10% bonus and a 3/4 sequence:

Agriculture
Animal Care
Automotive
Building and Construction – Carpentry/Bricklaying/Painting & Decorating
Business
Civil Construction
Conservation & Ecosystem Management
Electrotechnology
Plumbing
Retail Cosmetics – when completed consecutively with Salon Assistant
Salon Assistant – when completed consecutively with Retail Cosmetics

Additionally, some courses count towards your VCE or VCE VM as unit credits:

Costs

All course fees are covered by Kurnai College however some VET courses have associated costs depending on the materials and equipment required. These may include:

Additional Information

To learn more about VET courses, you can:

Read the VET Booklet or the VET section in the Kurnai College Programs of Study Handbook.

Talk to students currently enrolled in VET programs.

Important Notes:

Majority of programs run over two years.

An Expression Of Interest form must be completed.
A parent/guardian signature is required.
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) Number is necessary for enrolment, visit www.usi.gov.au(link is external) for details.
Attendance at a VET orientation day is required. This helps students familiarise themselves with transport arrangements and course expectations.
By enrolling in a VET program, you can gain valuable skills, industry experience, and qualifications that will support your future career and education goals!

An Expression Of Interest form must be completed.

VDSS

At Kurnai College, we’re proud to offer dynamic, real-world learning pathways for our students.

Here, your education doesn’t just stay in the classroom it takes you into industry, skills and future careers.

What is VDSS?

VDSS (Vocational Education & Training Delivered to Secondary Students) enables you to gain a nationally recognised vocational qualification while completing your senior school certificate (whether the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM))

In short: you learn industry-skills now, get credentialed now, and build your future sooner.

Why choose a VDSS program at Kurnai College?

Hands-on + real skills — Go beyond textbook theory. Get workplace-style learning, expert trainers, authentic materials and processes.
Industry-relevant experience — Our VDSS partnerships give you exposure to real-industry systems and expectations, so you graduate ready for work (or further study).
Dual-track benefit — You’ll still complete your VCE or VCE VM and graduate with a nationally recognised VET qualification.
Future-facing outcomes — Whether you aim for an apprenticeship, employment or higher study, VDSS gives you a launch pad.

Most programs run in partnership with trusted Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and take place one day per week off-campus or on-site.

How VDSS fits your study plan & ATAR?

Some VDSS courses directly contribute to your ATAR — with a final exam and study score like a regular VCE subject.

By understanding how these programs integrate into your pathway, you can tailor your senior years to both your passions and your future goals.

What are the costs involved?

Kurnai College covers tuition fees. You may still need to meet material or equipment costs (e.g., uniforms, protective clothing, boots or safety gear). We keep these as minimal as possible and support equitable access.

Next Steps – What to do now

Explore the VDSS section of the Kurnai College VET Booklet
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Talk to your VET Coordinator or Careers Practitioner about current course options.
Obtain your Unique Student Identifier (USI) at www.usi.gov.au — required for enrolment.
Complete the online Expression of Interest form with a parent/guardian signature
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Attend the VDSS/VET Orientation Day so you’re clear on expectations, transport and schedule.

Most programs run over two years, so start planning early for your senior years.

Start your future-ready journey

Choosing a VDSS program means investing in you. You’ll develop practical skills, industry know-how and recognised credentials all while you complete your senior schooling. At Kurnai College, we believe in opening doors, building confidence and shaping futures together.