Senior Pathways - VCE
Everything you need to know about the VCE pathway at Assumption College, from how the program works to the full range of subjects available to your student.
Understanding the VCE Pathway
At Assumption College, the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the pathway most students follow through Years 11 and 12. It is a recognised credential that opens doors to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, and a wide range of career pathways.
The VCE is designed to give students both breadth and depth to their knowledge. It is a chance to pursue subjects they are passionate about while building the understanding and skills they need for life beyond school.
VCE Subjects Offered
Choosing the right subjects is one of the most important decisions a family makes during the senior school years. We offer a broad range of VCE subjects across the humanities, sciences, mathematics, languages, technologies, and the arts, giving every student the opportunity to build a program that reflects their strengths and supports their goals.
For families considering Assumption College, including those exploring boarding options, we understand that knowing what subjects are available is an important part of your decision-making process. The alphabetical list below outlines every VCE subject we currently offer, along with the units available, so you can plan with confidence.
Units 1 & 2 are typically completed in Year 11. Units 3&4 are typically completed in Year 12. Advancement options may be considered for some subjects, with the guidance and support of our expert Pathways team.
VCE English
| VCE English | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
|---|---|---|
| VCE Literature | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE English Language | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
VCE Mathematics
VCE Mathematics offers a range of pathways, including Foundation Mathematics, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, and Specialist Mathematics. These subjects cater to different interests and levels of challenge, from practical, real-world problem-solving to advanced theoretical and abstract thinking.
Collectively, these subjects build students’ ability to apply mathematical concepts, analyse data, model real situations, and develop logical reasoning, with increasing complexity, precision and independence across the units.
| VCE Foundation Mathematics | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
|---|---|---|
| VCE General Mathematics | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Mathematical Methods | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Specialist Mathematics* | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
VCE Science
VCE Science offers a diverse range of subjects, including Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Psychology and Systems Engineering. Each explores the natural world, human behaviour and designed systems through scientific inquiry and real-world application.
Collectively, these subjects develop students’ ability to analyse evidence, apply models and theories, investigate complex problems, and communicate scientific understanding, with a strong focus on critical thinking, practical investigation and the impact of science on society and the environment.
| VCE Biology | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
|---|---|---|
| VCE Chemistry | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Environmental Science | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Physics | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Psychology | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Systems Engineering | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
VCE Humanities
VCE Humanities subjects include Philosophy, History (Empires and Revolutions), Geography, Politics, Legal Studies, Economics, Business Management, and Accounting. These subjects explore how societies function, change and respond to challenges across time and place.
Collectively, they develop our students’ ability to think critically and ethically, analyse evidence, understand systems of power and decision-making, and apply knowledge to real-world contexts, building informed, adaptable and socially responsible learners.
| VCE Philosophy | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
|---|---|---|
| VCE Revolution | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Empire | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Geography | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Politics | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Legal Studies | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Economics | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Business Management | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Accounting | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
VCE Visual Arts
VCE Visual Arts subjects include Media and Visual Communication Design and explore how ideas, messages and stories are created, communicated and interpreted through visual and digital forms.
Collectively, these subjects develop students’ creative thinking, visual literacy and technical production skills, alongside the ability to analyse how media and design shape meaning, influence audiences and respond to social, cultural and environmental contexts.
| VCE Media | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
|---|---|---|
| VCE Visual Communication Design | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
VCE Religion & Society
VCE Religion and Society explores how religious traditions interact with individuals and communities across past and present contexts. Collectively, the study develops students’ ability to think critically and respectfully about belief systems, analyse the role of religion in society, and understand how diverse worldviews shape personal and social experience through informed and objective inquiry.
| VCE Religion & Society | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
|---|
VCE Health & Physical Education and Outdoor Education
VCE HPE & OES subjects include Physical Education, Health and Human Development, and Outdoor and Environmental Studies. They explore how the body works in movement, how health and wellbeing are shaped across individuals and populations, and how people interact with natural environments.
Collectively, these subjects develop students’ understanding of physical performance, health literacy and wellbeing, as well as their ability to apply scientific principles, analyse health issues, and make informed decisions that support active, healthy and sustainable lives.
| VCE Physical Education | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
|---|---|---|
| VCE Health & Human Development | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Outdoor Education Studies | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
Technology
VCE Technology subjects include Applied Computing, Data Analytics, Product Design and Technology (Wood and Metal), Art Creative Practice and Food Studies. They focus on designing, creating and evaluating solutions to real-world problems through practical and digital approaches.
Collectively, these subjects develop students’ ability to apply design thinking, analyse data, use technology and materials effectively, and respond creatively and critically to user needs, sustainability considerations and contemporary challenges.
| VCE Data Analytics | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
|---|---|---|
| VCE Product Design: Wood | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Product Design: Metal | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Creative Art Practice | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Food Studies | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Applied Computing | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
Languages
VCE Languages include French and Punjabi, as well as additional languages available through the Victorian School of Languages. They focus on developing students’ ability to communicate effectively in another language while deepening their understanding of culture and identity.
Collectively, these studies build skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, while fostering intercultural understanding, critical reflection, and the ability to engage with diverse perspectives in both local and global contexts.
| VCE French | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
|---|---|---|
| VCE Punjabi | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
| VCE Victorian School of Languages | Unit 1 & 2 | Unit 3 & 4 |
Find Out More About Our Senior School Pathways
Our VCE program is part of a broader senior school experience designed to help every student grow with purpose and confidence. Discover more pathways at Assumption College.