Victorian
Certificate of Education

The VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.  Learning and teaching within the VCE is divided into studies, which are undertaken in units. Each unit is taken over one semester (two terms). Most studies have four units. Units 1 & 2 may be taken independently (usually in Year 11) and Units 3 & 4 must be taken together as a sequence.
At Mount Lilydale Mercy College students undertake a program consisting of 22 Units of Study spread over Year 11 and Year 12. Students choose 12 units in Year 11 and 10 units in Year 12. There are certain requirements of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) which must be met in selecting a program. At Mount Lilydale Mercy College, each program must include at least four Units of English: ENGLISH 1 & 2 in Year 11 and ENGLISH 3 & 4 or LITERATURE 3 & 4 or ENGLISH LANGUAGE 3 & 4 in Year 12. English Units 1 and 2 are a compulsory component of our VCE program. For students with special needs, however, a reduced workload of units may be requested. This could apply in cases where students have a disability or where they have other VCE/VET educational commitments outside the College. The option also exists to complete the VCE over three years. 

Students may choose from:

• Accounting

• Agricultural and Horticultural Studies

• Art

• Biology

• Business Management

• Chemistry

• Dance

• Drama

• Economics

• English

• English Language

• Geography

• Health & Human Development

• History – Australian
  

• History – Twentieth-century
  

• History – Revolutions
  

• IT – Information Technology
  

• IT – IT Applications
  

• IT – Software Development
  

• Languages other than English - Italian
  

• Languages other than English - Japanese
  

• Legal Studies
  

• Literature
  

• Mathematics:
  

• Media
  

• Music Investigations
  

• Music Performance
  

• Music Styles & Composition
  

• Philosophy
  

• Physical Education
  

• Physics
  

• Politics – International Studies
  

• Politics – National Politics
  

• Psychology
  

• Religious Education
  - Religion and Society
  - Texts and Traditions

• Studio Arts

• Technology: - Design and Technology (wood or textiles)
  - Food and Technology
  - Systems Engineering

• Theatre Studies

• Visual Communication and Design

Victorian
Certificate of
Applied Learning

VCAL is a recognised award qualification. Students who choose to undertake VCAL are more likely to be interested in training at TAFE, commencing an apprenticeship, or undertaking employment after completing school.

Students who undertake VCAL will require up to two days off campus completing work placement and work related study. 

VCAL is a hands-on option for students at Year 11 and Year 12. Both the Intermediate and Senior VCAL award levels are offered at the College. The Intermediate Certificate is normally completed over one year during Year 11, but in some circumstances it can be completed over two years. Students may then seek their chosen vocational pathway or commence Senior VCAL in Year 12. 

To qualify for the recognised VCAL qualification, students need to complete a selection of four core strands. Each strand has prescribed Learning Outcomes similar to the VCE, but with greater emphasis placed on skills and delivered in an applied learning team approach. The Strands include:

Literacy and Numeracy Skills Strand - VCAL English Unit, VCAL Mathematics Unit. 

Industry Specific Skills Strand - Vocational Education Training course or Vocational School Based Apprenticeship.
Students can choose from on-campus or off-campus options in a diverse range of career areas.

Work Related Skills Strand - Integrated workplace unit. Credit can be granted for part time work and work placement. 

Personal Development Skills strand -  Integrated team and individual negotiated projects, Religious Education Community Service Unit. 

The students’ programme will consist of 3 days on campus composed of: 

• VCAL Literacy (English)

• VCAL Numeracy (Mathematics)

• VCAL Personal Development Skills

• VCAL Work Related Skills

Up to one day on or off campus undertaking a VET course or Australian School Based Apprenticeship (ASBA).
One day off campus undertaking work placement or training. 

Homeroom Retreats, Seminar days and other College Community Days (as per VCE students) are compulsory.  Students are not automatically enrolled in VCAL. Due to the special requirements of the program the following process is required. Students will: 

• complete an expression of interest form, which is countersigned by parents. 

• have a demonstrated level of responsibility, self management, work ethic and performance from previous studies. 

• undertake a pathways learning styles appraisal. 

• be required to undertake a Careers and VCAL panel interview. 

• if successful, be offered a placement and invited to attend a VCAL

• attend an Information Evening with parents; as well as an orientation program. 

The VCAL program has been designed around thematic extended projects which foster the development of problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills.

Vocational
Education &
Training

The College offers all students the opportunity to undertake VET subjects during Year 11 and Year 12. A VET subject replaces one VCE subject. VET is also a core strand within VCAL. Mount Lilydale Mercy College is a registered provider of VET programs and currently offers the following courses:

• Building & Construction

• Horticulture

• Hospitality

• Multimedia

• Outdoor Education

The Yarra Valley VET Cluster of Schools is able to offer other VET programs within the local region and students may travel to these schools to undertake the program. Schools in the Yarra Valley VET Cluster include: Billanook College, Lilydale Heights Secondary College, Lilydale High School, Mount Evelyn Christian School, Mountain District Christian School, Pembroke Senior Secondary, Upper Yarra Secondary College and Mount Lilydale Mercy College.
A sample of programs available from VET Cluster Schools and TAFE Colleges include:

• Certificate II in Automotive Technology

• Certificate II in Acting Film & Television

• Certificate II in Building & Construction

• Certificate II in Business

• Certificate II in Community Services Work

• Certificate I in Engineering

• Certificate II in Equine Industry

• Certificate II in Fitness, Community Recreation, Outdoor Recreation

• Certificate II in Food Processing (Wine)

• Certificate II in Furniture Cabinet Making (pre-apprenticeship)

• Certificate II in Horticulture (multi-sector)

• Certificate II in Hairdressing

• Certificate II in Hospitality (Food and Beverage or Commercial Cookery)

• Certificate III in Information Technology

• Certificate II and III in Multimedia

• Certificate III in Music

• Certificate II in Outdoor Education

• Certificate II in Small Business Practice

• Certificate II in Telecommunication