3 former students reflect on their individual senior secondary journeys.
3 former students reflect on their individual senior secondary journeys and how their choice of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) helped them use their strengths and make positive future career decisions. See our student guide on senior secondary pathways.
Derrick’s story
I chose VCE subjects based on my level of interest and how applicable these were to my life and potential career pathway. I picked a range of subjects which gave me a deeper understanding of various fields - this helped me make more informed decisions about my career path. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne.
My advice to students choosing their subjects is to really investigate what you will learn in that subject. Talk to past students, find out what their experience was like but make sure it aligns with your strengths. Ask your teachers about your strengths and where you can improve. I’d also say explore new learnings because you never know what subjects you will really enjoy.
Finally, I enjoyed seeing how my subjects applied in the real world. I loved being challenged. I found the process of dealing with difficult concepts and overcoming barriers very rewarding. This gave me confidence in my own ability to deal with adversity.
Top study tips
Set goals for each study session but don’t hope for results; enjoy the process. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because finding solutions to those mistakes is a lesson in itself. Use funny abbreviations to remember lists. Collaborate with your friends to gather new ideas and views on the same content. Most of all try to understand the subject matter instead of memorising it as just words on a page; think about how this might apply in the real world.
Jessica’s story
I chose the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) because it got me on the right pathway to my career aspirations. I gained valuable skills and knowledge that helped me to meet my goal of becoming a childcare educator and to enter the workforce sooner.
I enjoyed the VCE VM program because of the focus on hands-on work with activities away from the classroom. I was also part of a group that worked together and planned activities for our class. This helped build my teamwork, planning, organisation and communication skills.
My study choices helped to prepare me for real life work by allowing me to complete an apprenticeship during Year 12. My apprenticeship has not only given me work experience, but also guidance from other educators at the childcare centre where I work to complete my TAFE course. The educators shared their knowledge and own experiences which helped me to improve my confidence and further develop my knowledge and skills.
Choosing VCE VM relieved me of the stress and pressure involved in completing Year 12 exams which was a significant reason I chose VCE VM. I have dyslexia, and exams would have been extremely stressful and challenging for me. Although I didn’t receive an ATAR, I intend to go to university to further my qualifications and one day become a primary school teacher.
If you’re thinking of doing VCE VM, I highly recommend it. It is a pathway that offers unique opportunities to gain practical skills, prepares you for the workforce, and reduces the pressure of exams. By choosing VCE VM, many students like me would be able to start their careers while still finishing school.
Top study tips
My advice is to do as much work as you can while in class. Try not to get distracted and sit away from friends if that helps. You can always socialise outside of school. Use your study periods because that’s when teachers are available to help if needed”.
Lili’s story
In 2023, I was introduced to the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) by our Assistant Principal. I was in Year 11, and originally wanted to do the VCE Vocational Major (VM), but I chose to start with the VPC.
For many years I struggled at school and wasn’t coping well; it worsened in 2018 because of a personal issue at home. During this time, I missed a lot of school, gave up on myself, it felt like all my hopes and dreams were washed away. I felt physically ill when I was near the school. However, my teachers did not give up on me; they kept calling my mum to talk about my attendance and how I was falling behind.
The VPC made me believe in myself again and helped me get back on track because the work was tailored to me and what I could achieve. While the workload was still a challenge, I didn’t feel overwhelmed as we understood the tasks. I’m grateful to my fellow students and teachers for the strong relationships we built and how we supported each other during the year.
Throughout the year, I gained a lot of new skills including better communication, personal skills, time-management, literacy, and numeracy. This lifted my confidence.
I am now doing the VCE VM and I’m very proud of my success. As part of my VCE VM, I’m enrolled in VET Early Childhood Education and Care, and I do my SWL (Structured Workplace Learning) at an early childhood centre.
Tips for future VPC students
Do your best and you will succeed. A lot of people think that VPC is an easy program, yet it is challenging, and, you essentially do the same work as other VCE students but at a slower and more manageable pace. You also get more support.
In my VPC I enjoyed the hands-on work and appreciated that teachers took the time to understand my skills and areas for improvement. The classes are smaller, and the work is tailored to our individual interests and abilities. We worked one-on-one with teachers at a slower pace.