Assessment >

Graduation in the VCE depends on the satisfactory completion of the units which make up the VCE studies. The decision about satisfactory completion is based on a student’s ability to demonstrate the outcomes.

These outcomes are specified in the study design for each VCE study. They describe the knowledge and skills that should be demonstrated by the time a student has completed a unit.

Graded assessment consists of school-based assessment and examinations.

School-based assessment

A school-based assessment is either School-assessed Coursework ('SACs') or School-assessed Task ('SATs').

With School-assessed Coursework students complete assessment tasks specified in the study design. These tasks must be done mainly in class time and include essays, reports, tests, and case studies. The task, the specifications of which are set by the VCAA, is the same for every student enrolled in a subject.

External examinations

External examinations are set and marked by the VCAA. Most are held in October/November, but a small number of studies also have examinations in June.

Study scores

A student who satisfactorily completes Units 3 and 4 of a VCE subject and the graded assessment requirement is eligible for a study score. The study score is used by VTAC when a student applies for tertiary entrance.

The General Achievement Test (GAT)

The GAT is an essential part of the VCE. It provides the basis of a quality assurance check on the marking of examinations. Any student who is enrolled in a VCE or VCE VET Unit 3 and 4 sequences is required to sit the GAT.

Scaling

Scaling is the process that adjusts VCE study scores into ENTER subject scores.

VTAC adjusts VCE study scores to allow for any adjustments in the overall performance of groups of students taking the different studies.

Once scaled, these study scores become ENTER subject scores.

Scaling DOWN happens when the overall performance is high.

Scaling UP happens when the overall performance is low.