Early in Term 3, our Year 10 students will be asked to select their pathway for Year 11 and 12 study – will it be IB or VCE?
At Carey, we are proud to offer a range of senior pathways designed to support diverse interests, strengths and future aspirations. Students may choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), with additional opportunities to complement their studies through Vocational Education and Training (VET).
The IB DP is an internationally recognised course that combines both breadth and depth of learning. Over two years, students study six subjects across a range of disciplines, alongside three core components: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Our Year 12 IB students (about a third of our Year 12 cohort) are currently completing their Extended Essays, independent research projects that develop advanced academic writing, critical thinking and inquiry skills valued by universities. Through TOK, students examine how knowledge is constructed across disciplines, while CAS encourages personal development, collaboration and global awareness. Our IB students are supported by their Core teachers to complete those three unique and exciting components. Recently, Year 11 IB students participated in a CAS activity led by Indonesian and Core teacher Ms Kakerissa, exploring the art of batik while developing collaboration and global engagement skills.
Assessment, which is all criteria-based in the IB, includes internal assessments, project-based work completed during Year 12, as well as final external examinations. The program is well suited to students who enjoy academic challenge, independent inquiry and maintaining a broad range of subjects rather than specialising early.
The VCE remains Victoria’s primary senior certificate and offers students flexibility and choice. Typically, students undertake six Units 1 and 2 in Year 11 and five Units 3 and 4 in Year 12, with opportunities to accelerate from Year 10. Assessment is ranked and scaled and combines school-based coursework and external exams, contributing to study scores out of 50.
A key strength of the VCE is its flexibility, allowing students to tailor a program across a wide range of subjects. Students may also undertake VET studies alongside their VCE, gaining practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications. At Carey, VET options include Sport and Recreation, Community Services, and Business, with additional courses available through local TAFE providers.
Both pathways provide strong preparation for life beyond school and contribute to an ATAR for tertiary entrance. In addition, all Carey students graduate with the Australian Learner Competency Credential (ALCC), co-awarded with the University of Melbourne.
Our annual Careers Expo offers Senior School students the chance to connect with universities, training providers and employers to explore a wide range of post-school options. This year’s event took place on Monday 22 June, with Year 10 students attending during Lesson 3 and Years 11–12 invited at lunchtime. Featuring universities, professional firms, sporting organisations and trades among many more, the expo provided valuable insights and opportunities to ask questions. It was followed by the Game Changers – Careers in Sport Showcase, an evening event highlighting diverse career pathways in the sporting industry. Read more about Game Changers. [link]
Frédérique Petithory
Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Student Learning
