Hampton Park Secondary College aims to prepare students to be lifelong learners who are well-equipped for the world of work. Students studying in the Excel program (Years 10-12) have a range of pathway options available to them which are dependent on their aspirations, interests, literacy and numeracy skills and their preferred mode of learning.
Pathway options available to our Excel students include:
The General Victorian Certificate Of Education (VCE)
The General VCE is a senior secondary, internationally recognised, certificate, usually studied over a two-year period. The VCE prepares students to continue study at university, TAFE or another VET provider.
Students in the General VCE can choose from a wide range of VCE subjects, which can also include VET* (Vocational Education and Training – delivered to school students) studies.
Suitable students in Year 10 can select from subjects in the General VCE, accelerating their studies, to support their outcomes.
The Victorian Certificate Of Education – Vocational Major (VCE-VM)
The VCE VM provides students with practical work-related experience and the opportunity to build their literacy and numeracy skills, important for life and work.
The VCE Vocational Major prepares students for pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (through alternative entry programs) and employment.
Students in the VCE VM can choose from a wide range of VCE VM subjects, as well as General VCE and VET studies.
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is a standards-based certificate suited to students not yet ready to complete a General VCE or VCE VM certificate. The VPC is usually a 2-year pathway, designed for students in Years 11 and 12. The VPC provides a curriculum that supports students to develop skills and capabilities to be successful in personal and civic life. The VPC is an accredited foundation secondary qualification. VPC prepares students for pathways into a senior secondary qualification, an entry level vocational education and training (VET) course, or employment.
At Hampton Park Secondary College, we also offer a Pre VPC program designed for students in Year 10. This program is for students requiring additional support with their learning. The Pre VPC program can include a VET or student choice SBAT, and suitable students may attend Foundation Learning Centre to engage in the SEED program. The Pre VPC program leads into the VPC certificate at Year 11 and 12.
Vocational Education And Training (VET)
Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs assist students to make the transition to further education, training, and employment. Vocational Educations and Training in Schools (VETiS) programs refer to TAFE level courses that give students the opportunity to complete a nationally recognised vocational qualification. Students can study a VET at HPSC, or travel to a TAFE institute or another secondary college one day per week to attend classes.
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs)
A School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) offers students the chance to combine their senior secondary education with part-time employment and skills training. The program is undertaken under a formal training contract with an employer. The training must lead to a nationally recognised qualification. Regular school attendance is combined with a minimum of 1 timetabled day a week of employment and/or structured training.
Suitable students can be supported to engage in an SBAT through Head Start. For further information about Head Start, please refer to the website link here: https://www.vic.gov.au/head-start-apprenticeships-and-traineeships
The Excel section of the handbook contains general information and unit descriptions about the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE General and VCE VM), the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC and Pre-VPC), and Vocational Education and Training delivered to school students (VET or VDSS). Students intending to undertake their studies at Hampton Park Secondary College, along with their parents/carers, are advised to read the information provided to assist them in making an informed choice about their Excel program at HPSC.
For further information about the Excel Program at Hampton Park Secondary College and for all Policies and processes connected to Senior learning please refer to our Senior Studies Handbook below, or contact Kelly Krieg, Assistant Principal, Senior Studies Improvement.
