‘VCE has a number of advantages over other programs. The school-to-school partnership model is unique and enhances both the credibility and quality assurance of the program. VCE also offers a direct pathway to Australian universities, without the need for a separate IELTS requirement. And the assessment model of the VCE includes school-based assessments in your final results, not just exams.’
‘As a result of completing VCE, I was well prepared to start university and confident about both my English-language ability and my study skills.’
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As a junior high school student, Lucas was determined to choose the senior secondary qualification that would give him the best chance to pursue his university and teaching ambitions. He considered a number of programs, including International Baccalaureate and A-level programs, but in the end chose VCE.
‘VCE has a number of advantages over other programs,’ says Lucas. ‘The school-to-school partnership model is unique and enhances both the credibility and quality assurance of the program. VCE also offers a direct pathway to Australian universities, without the need for a separate IELTS requirement. And the assessment model of the VCE includes school-based assessments in your final results, not just exams.’
It was a challenge, though, for Lucas to shift from his previous lecture-style and test-oriented learning to a more critical and reflective process. ‘I had to move from being a passive learner to being an active learner,’ says Lucas. ‘Also, since the program is all in English, I had to make an effort to decode the language before being able to understand and absorb the information. This experience enabled me to develop my initiative and new ways of thinking, which definitely helped set me up for future success.’
Lucas feels this capacity to develop independent learning skills is one of the strengths of VCE. ‘The VCE program allows students to take control of their own learning,’ he says. ‘I was able to proactively organise my study plan to support my academic goals, and every school-based assessment offered an opportunity to reflect on my work and make improvements the next time.’
Lucas adds, ‘As a result of completing VCE, I was well prepared to start university and confident about both my English-language ability and my study skills.’
Lucas went on to pursue his dream of enrolling in an education degree and qualifying as a mathematics teacher. ‘VCE Mathematical Methods taught me some of the advanced material that was required at university level,’ says Lucas. ‘This meant I was eligible to choose mathematics as my major, which then allowed me to become a registered maths teacher.’
For students embarking on their VCE journey, Lucas’ advice is to be patient with yourself. ‘You are out of your comfort zone and in your developmental zone, so it’s natural to feel challenged,’ he says. ‘Just stay focused on what you want to achieve, keep aligning your actions to your goals, and you will get there.’