Mathematics - Pathways to VCE, VCE VET and VCAL
As students approach the end of the compulsory years of schooling they begin to make choices about their preferred areas of and pathways for learning. Students choose studies from the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or recognised vocational training through either a Vocational Education Training (VET) program or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
The Mathematics domain provides students with pathways to a wide range of VCE studies, VET programs, and VCAL units, as well as to the world of work. The standards ensure that students have both sufficient knowledge and skills, and appropriate learning strategies, to pursue all possible options.
The following diagram outlines some of the possible pathways available to students moving into the post-compulsory years. There are other possible sequences or combinations of options not shown here, such as VCE VET programs.
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Victorian Essential Learning Standards – Mathematics Domain |
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VCE |
Foundation Mathematics Units 1 & 2 |
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VET |
Possible VET pathways with mathematics links include... |
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VCAL |
Any of the VCE Mathematics studies will meet the eligibility requirement for the numeracy component of the VCAL Literacy and Numeracy Skills strand. |
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Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Mathematics studies
The five VELS dimensions: Number, Space, Measurement, chance and data, Structure, and Working mathematically provide a comprehensive preparation for all VCE Mathematics studies. This applies to both the content of the VCE studies, in terms of suitable preparatory domain knowledge and skills, and also approaches to working mathematically involving problem solving, modelling, investigation and the effective use of technology.
Pathway 1 (2 units of VCE Mathematics)
Students choosing this pathway do not intend to study Mathematics beyond Units 1 and 2 level. Typically, they wish to study Mathematics at the Units 1 and 2 level to provide support for other VCE, VCAL, or VET studies, or in preparing for general employment. These students would generally study either Foundation Mathematics Units 1 and 2 or an implementation of General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 designed to meet these needs.
Pathway 2 (4 units of VCE Mathematics)
Students choosing this pathway intend to study General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 as preparation for Further Mathematics Units 3 and 4. This pathway would provide a flexible preparation for further study or work, with a significant study of statistics, but without study of calculus and related content on algebra and functions.
Pathway 3 (4, 6 or 8 units of mathematics)
Students choosing this pathway intend to study Mathematical Methods or Mathematical Methods (CAS) Units 1 and 2 (possibly in conjunction with General Mathematics Units 1 and 2), and subsequently study Mathematical Methods or Mathematical Methods (CAS) Units 3 and 4, possibly in conjunction with Further Mathematics Units 3 and 4. This pathway would provide a suitable preparation for further study in fields such as science, medicine or economics where a strong background in functions, algebra, calculus and probability is required.
Pathway 4 (8 or 10 units of mathematics)
Students choosing this pathway intend to study Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 or Mathematical Methods (CAS) Units 1 and 2 in conjunction with an implementation of General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 which emphasises mathematical structure and proof; leading to subsequent study of Mathematical Methods or Mathematical Methods (CAS) Units 3 and 4 and Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4, possibly in conjunction with Further Mathematics Units 3 and 4 This pathway provides a suitable preparation for further study in fields which require a strong mathematical background, such as computer science, engineering, actuarial studies and mathematics.
More information about VCE (www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce)
More information about VET (www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vet)
More information about VCAL (www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vcal)
