VCE Handbook — Summary for Students and Parents

The full VCE Handbook (38 pages) is issued to every Year 11 and 12 student at the start of the year and is available on the Learning Hub under Pathways → Documents. This page summarises the parts families ask about most: how the VCE is structured, how School-assessed Coursework (SACs) works, the attendance rule, what to do when a student is ill, and the VCAA dates for 2026. Where this summary and the Handbook differ, the Handbook applies. Our VCE Coordinator is Mrs Jenny Marsh.

How the VCE is structured

• A VCE study is made up of four semester-length units. Units 1 and 2 are usually taken in Year 11 and Units 3 and 4 as a sequence in Year 12.
• To receive the VCE a student must satisfactorily complete at least 16 units, including three units from the English group (with at least one Unit 3–4 English sequence) and three other Unit 3–4 sequences.
• Each unit is awarded S (satisfactory) or N (not satisfactory) based on demonstrating the outcomes. Only Unit 3–4 studies receive a study score.
• Students at St Mary's take six studies in Year 11 and five in Year 12. Year 10 students may be approved to accelerate one Unit 1–2 study; Year 11 students may accelerate one Unit 3–4 study.

Study scores and the ATAR

Each Unit 3–4 study yields a study score out of 50, combining School-assessed Coursework or School-assessed Tasks with external examinations. The proportion varies by study (for example English is 50% SACs and 50% exam; Mathematical Methods is 40% SACs and 60% exams). VCAA statistically moderates school-based scores against exam performance. VTAC then scales study scores and calculates the ATAR from the English score, the next best three, and 10% of any fifth and sixth. Study scores and the ATAR are both released on Thursday 10 December 2026 (study scores via the VCAA results service from 7:00am; ATAR via VTAC the same morning).

School-assessed Coursework (SACs)

• SAC dates are published on the Learning Hub assessment calendar at the start of each unit, and at least one week before any change.
• A student who misses a SAC through illness must have a parent contact the Senior Office by 9:00am on the day and provide a medical certificate dated the day of the SAC. The student sits the SAC at the next scheduled Redemption Session (Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30pm–5:30pm, Senior Study Centre) and receives their score.
• A SAC missed without approved reason is sat at redemption for S/N purposes only; the score is recorded as zero.
• Students may not complete a SAC early except for approved school representation.
• No more than two SACs are scheduled for any student on a single day wherever possible; students with three should see Mrs Marsh.

Authentication and AI

All work must be the student's own. Teachers verify authenticity through drafting checkpoints and, where necessary, an interview. Generative AI may be used only where the task instructions explicitly allow it and must be acknowledged. Breaches are dealt with under VCAA rules and can result in a score of zero for the task — see Digital Learning and AI.

The 90% attendance rule

To receive an S for a unit, a student must attend at least 90% of scheduled classes for that unit (approximately no more than four absences per subject per semester), in addition to demonstrating the outcomes. Absences covered by a medical certificate or approved by the Head of Senior School do not count towards the 10%. Families are notified through the Learning Hub when a student reaches three absences in any unit. Extended absence (for example family travel during term) is strongly discouraged in Year 11 and 12 and must be requested in writing to Mr Tom Brennan. See the Attendance Policy.

Special provision

• School-based provision (extra time or rest breaks for SACs, alternative formats, flexible deadlines) is arranged through Learning Diversity Leader Mr Sam Devlin with supporting documentation.
• Special Examination Arrangements for VCAA examinations must be applied for through the College by the VCAA deadline in Term 1 (Friday 27 February 2026 for 2026). Late applications are considered only for newly arising circumstances.
• Derived Examination Score (DES): a student who is ill or affected by a serious event during the exam period may apply, with a medical report, within seven days of the exam. The DES is based on SAC results and the GAT, and is never lower than the exam score achieved.
• Students experiencing personal hardship should speak to Mrs Marsh or Senior School Counsellor Mr Chris Nguyen early — see Wellbeing and Counselling.

VCAA dates 2026

All written examinations are held in Mary MacKillop Hall unless the individual VCAA timetable issued to each student states otherwise. Students must bring their VCAA student number, approved calculator (where permitted) and clear water bottle; phones and smartwatches are not permitted in the exam room. Exam rules, the practice exam schedule and what to do if a student is sick are set out on Exam Timetables 2026 and Practice Exams Year 12.

Study expectations and support

Year 11 and 12 students are expected to complete two to three hours of independent study per night. The Senior Study Centre (upper level of the Library) is open from 7:45am, during study periods and until 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, and VCE Study Hall runs during the exam period — see Study Skills and Homework Club. Pathways, VTAC and careers questions go to Mrs Marsh — see Careers and Pathways.