Year 10

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Overview

Students learn best when programs cater for their individual needs and talents. At Lyndhurst Secondary College we ensure that the curriculum offers a rich and diverse range of learning strategies to cater for these needs and talents.

The Year 10 curriculum caters for each dimension of student learning: intellectual, physical, emotional and social. The aim of the Year 10 program is to encourage students to maximise their potential and explore the vocational and educational possibilities open to them. At Lyndhurst it is our expectation that students will pursue studies to complete Year 12 culminating in receiving the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). As part of our enhancement program students have the opportunity to access VCE – Vocational Major whilst they are still in Year 10.  Students are able to select from two streams in Year 10 – VCE Preparation or Foundation VCE.


Curriculum information

Year 10 students are able to access each of the Key Learning Areas. The curriculum is based on a two week timetable. Students undertake 3 compulsory units each semester. The remaining choices will depend on the Year 10 VCE Preparation or Foundation VCE stream students have chosen to do.

VCE Preparation

The VCE Preparation stream is for students that intend to go on and complete mainstream VCE or VCE – Vocational Major. Students have the choice of participating in the Tutorial Program plus 2 electives per semester or choosing a VET course plus 1 elective each semester.

A range of electives are available in each of the Key Learning Areas. Please refer to the applicable sections in the Handbook for a full description.

Year 10 Foundation VCE

Students who plan on following a trade pathway or completing further studies at TAFE, are given the opportunity to undertake a Foundation VCE course for Numeracy, Literacy and Personal Development Skills (PDS).
The Foundation VCE program is preparing students for VCE – Vocational Major in year 11 by allowing them to complete practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and gives them the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. 

Students will need to undertake a VET course at a TAFE institute during the year. They will undertake Numeracy, Literacy and PDS for the year at Foundation VCE Level and be required to choose 2 electives.

Curriculum Selection

Students are required to make their selections for the year, with the opportunity for review at the end of first semester in 2023. There is scope for students to select units of personal interest beyond the minimum requirements.

It is extremely important that Year 10 students select VCE studies that meet the pre-requisites for tertiary courses at university and TAFE. Current Year 10 students should consult the publication ‘VTAC Prerequisites for 2024 (see document below).

Please note: It is important that students look at pre-requisites for a range of institutions as they may vary.

It is important that students take note of the VCE subjects listed in each particular Key Learning Area. Students must ensure that any special entry requirements for VCE subjects are met. Students wishing to study a particular area of study in Year 11 must make sure that they have sufficient background in that area to ensure success (e.g. students who wish to study a Science at Year 11 are recommended to study 2 units of Science at Year 10).

Potential Benefits to Early Access to VCE & VET

Many students in Year 10 may wish to include a VCE Unit 1∕2 or a VET subject into their course. There are some obvious benefits of this early access, which include:

  • A potential bonus of 10% on a student’s ATAR, due to a sixth Unit 3∕4 being completed.
  • It ‘demystifies’ the VCE/VET, first at Unit 1∕2, then at Unit 3∕4 if the student continues the study during Year 11. This can be seen as wonderful preparation for Year 12.
  • Early ownership of a career pathway or direction for students, and therefore increased connection to their schooling.
  • It allows students to ‘dabble’ in one subject, if they are unsure of their direction.

Notes About Early Access to VCE & VET

While this option is highly recommended for some students, it is not suitable for all. Serious consideration must be given to this option, and students will need to make a commitment to develop their time management and organisation skills. The subject chosen for VCE/VET study must be carefully selected. Subject descriptions are found within this handbook, by clicking on subject links.

The best advice is to choose a subject that you like, but one that isn’t one of the “most important” ones you will need for an intended future. Therefore, a good option is to complete a subject you enjoy, but one that isn’t vital for your career. Many Maths /Science type students choose an alternative subject for this purpose, while Arts students may tend to choose a Science option. VET studies are a viable third option frequently selected for early access by students.

Students are encouraged to consult the Careers and Senior Sub School team about the possibility of accelerated learning.

If you think this option is for you, please fill out the Acceleration form below, and discuss your suitability for early access with VCE contact teachers and your current teachers before indicating your final subject preference requests on your selection proforma.

Important information About Material Charges

Please note that some electives have extra charges to cover costs such as materials and activities integral to the program. Please refer to the section below for likely costs. Costs outlined here are indicative only. Final charges will be confirmed prior to the end of the school year.


Materials & Fees

From 2022, Government schools are receiving funding for material fees for VET courses. There are some courses, however, that require certain items that do not come under this funding and we are requesting payment for these. Examples of these are items that are retainable by the student or cannot be re-used such as consumables, kits and some excursions.

Outdoor Education; This subject involves considerable out-of-school activity including camps, hikes, visits to outdoor centres etc. There is a compulsory deposit that must be paid to confirm enrolment in this subject.

The Year 10 Outdoor Education unit focuses on students gaining an appreciation of the outdoors, and the environmental issues arising from recreation in the natural environment. Students experience challenging activities in a range of environments, gaining skills and knowledge for safe participation. The unit is based on experiential learning through surfing, orienteering, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing and providing the promotion of independence and group co-operation.


Please take these costs into consideration when selecting electives for next year.