Senior School Student Handbook 2021 - Cranbourne East ...
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2021
Senior School
Student Handbook
Student Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Home Group: ___________
50 Stately Drive
Cranbourne East VIC 3977
Tel: (03) 5990 0200
Fax: (03) 5990 0299
Web: http://www.cesc.vic.edu.au/
Email: cranbourne.east.sc@edumail.vic.gov.auSenior School Student Handbook 2021
Contents
Introduction Pg. 3
Positions of Responsibility Pg. 3
Introduction to Senior Studies Pg. 4
Student Declaration Pg. 4
How the VCE Works: Duration Pg. 4
Satisfactory Completion of the VCE Pg. 4
Satisfactory Completion of a Unit Pg. 4
Attendance J Grades Pg. 4 - 5
Verification Tests Pg. 5
Special Provision Pg. 5 - 6
Application to Reschedule Pg. 6 – 7
VCE Redemption Process – Failed Outcome Notice Pg. 7 – 9
Extensions Pg. 10
VCE Program and Assessment: Year 11 Program Pg. 10
Unit 1 & 2 Assessment Pg. 10
Year 12 VCE Program Pg. 10
SACs and SATs Unit 3 & 4 Assessment Pg. 10
What do S, N and NA mean? Pg. 10
The GAT Exam Pg. 10
Exam Dates June and November Pg. 11
Policies and Processes: Possible Breach of Authentication Pg. 11
Plagiarism/Copying Pg. 12
Cheating Pg. 12
Due Dates – Policy for 2021 Pg. 12
Mobile Phone Policy Pg. 12-14
Presentation of SAT’s Pg. 15
Student Study Information: Keys to Successful Study Pg. 15
Homework versus Home Study Pg. 15
Taking Responsibility for Your Own Learning Pg. 15
How do you learn? Pg. 15-16
Use of Study Sessions Pg. 16
Yr. 11 and Yr. 12 Privileges Pg. 16
Yr. 12 Zone Pg. 16
Final Day for Course Changes Pg. 16-17
VCAL Studies: What is VCAL? Pg. 17
What are the Aims of VCAL? Pg. 17
What Must Students do to receive a VCAL Qualification? Pg. 17-18
Attendance Pg. 18
Assessment of VCAL Pg. 18-19
VCAL Assessment Keys Explained Pg. 19
VCAL Redemption Process Pg. 20
VCAL Curriculum Strands Pg. 21-22
VET Studies Pg. 22-23
Appendices: Appendix 1 – Implication of Absences Pg. 24
Appendix 2 - VCAL Progression Policy Pg. 25
Appendix 3 – VCE Failed Outcome Notice (Sample Only) Pg. 26
Appendix 4 - VCAL Failed/Missed Outcome Notice (Sample Only) Pg. 27
Appendix 5 – Application to Reschedule an Assessment Task (Sample Pg. 28
Only)
Appendix 6 – Notification of Potential Breach of Authentication (Sample Pg. 29
Only)
Forms/Agreements: Student Absence Learning Plan (Sample Only) Pg. 30
Notification of Extended leave from class (Sample Only) Pg. 31
VCE Course Change Application Form (Sample Only) Pg. 32
VCAL Program: Student Contract (Sample Only) Pg. 33
VCAL Media Consent Form (Sample Only) Pg. 34
VCAL Generic Excursion/Incursion Consent Form (Sample Only) Pg. 35
VCE to VCAL Application Form (Sample Only) Pg. 36
VCAL Parent/Guardian Approval to Change from VCE to VCAL Pg. 37
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 2Senior School Student Handbook 2021
Driving to school letter to parents/guardians Pg. 38
Student Driving Cars to College: Parent/Guardian & Student Agreement Pg. 39
Senior School Student & Parent Agreement Pg. 41
Introduction
This handbook has been prepared to assist students at Cranbourne East Secondary College in matters relating to
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) studies in 2021. It also
contains information about specific rules, processes and procedures that are applied in Senior School.
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is responsible for the development, maintenance and
implementation of the VCE. The information in this booklet is largely based on the ‘VCE/VCAL Administrative
Handbook’, an official publication of VCAA available online at:
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/pages/schooladmin/handbook/2021/index.aspx.
Students enrolled at Cranbourne East Secondary College must abide by the administrative guidelines and regulations
of the VCE/VCAL. It is the responsibility of students and their parents to be fully aware of VCAA regulations and the
expectations of Cranbourne East Secondary College relating to the VCE/VCAL.
Parents and students should contact the relevant Senior School Team Leader if they have any questions relating to
the rules, processes and procedures contained within this handbook.
Carys Freeman
Senior School Assistant Principal
Positions of Responsibility
Senior School Assistant Principal Carys Freeman
Yr. 12 Team Leader Kelly Jessop
Yr. 12 Assistant Team Leader Veronica Guthrie
Yr. 11 Team Leader Elise Corney
Yr. 11 Assistant Team Leader Dylan Cousins
Yr. 11 & 12 VCAL Team Leader Irene Greenwood
Yr. 12 VCAL Assistant Team Leader Jess Latchford
Yr. 11 VCAL Assistant Team Leader Natalie Pace
Senior School Administrator Vanessa Mohr
Study Hall Manager Andrea Stein
Welfare Nicole Price
Senior School Attendance Officer Andrea Stein
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 3Senior School Student Handbook 2021
Introduction to Senior Studies
The VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) offers a diverse range of subjects that may contribute to a
VCE or VCAL. Most students’ VCE programs consist of 20-22 units over two years. Some students study units, but only
after consultation with the Course Counsellors or relevant Team Leader.
Student Declaration
Before undertaking any VCE studies, all students must sign an agreement to abide by the VCAA regulations. This
Declaration must be signed at the start of each year that a student undertakes a VCE study. The declaration must also
be signed by any students who are undertaking VCAL or VET studies only.
How the VCE Works
Duration
The VCE is normally completed over two years, but there is no limit to the number of years you may take to accumulate
results towards achieving a Certificate. If you require an ATAR score you must complete the program within 3 years.
Satisfactory Completion of the VCE
To meet the requirements of the VCE, each student must satisfy the following:
• exhibit all learning outcomes in a minimum of 16 Units (achieve an “S”), which must include:
• 3 units of English or English equivalent (ESL, Literature or Language)
• 3 sequences of unit 3 and 4 (year 12) studies other than English
Satisfactory Completion of a Unit
To gain a pass, students must demonstrate an understanding of each stipulated Learning Outcome in the unit by
completing designated School Assessed Coursework. One Learning Outcome not met satisfactorily will create an “N”
for the Unit, irrespective of performance on the other outcomes.
Course theory and practice is provided as part of the ordinary activities in class, however students are expected to
commit to substantial homework requirements in order to successfully negotiate courses of study undertaken in each
unit. The class teacher is the sole proponent who determines whether a student has demonstrated a Learning
Outcome. Students must satisfy set standards in order to pass a unit.
A student who fails to reach a satisfactory level on a SAC or SAT will have an opportunity to re-sit the test or task, or
complete another activity as set by the teacher to meet the outcome requirements. Teachers will try to be flexible
and negotiate these alternative activities, and try to make them as student-friendly as possible without reducing the
difficulty of the task. The mark from the initial SAC or SAT is the one that will stand, as students are only attempting
to gain an S for the Outcome in their second effort. The timing of the resit can be negotiated between staff and the
student at the teacher’s discretion, (normally on specified after school sessions) but it must be within two weeks of
the initial Task. A SAC or SAT can be re- attempted once only for Year 11 students and twice for Year 12 students,
although in special circumstances this may be negotiated. Teachers will have notified parents when a student has not
completed a SAC or redemption to a satisfactory standard.
Attendance
Senior school students are expected to:
• Attend all timetabled classes, excursions, assemblies etc.
• Be punctual to all classes
• Have 95% attendance for each semester
If a student has less than 95% attendance for each subject, a panel will be convened to determine whether this
constitutes a fail.
All absences need be approved by the College as there is a VCAA requirement of attendance for teachers to validate
student work. The following absences will be approved and not be considered as part of the 95% attendance
requirement:
• Illness - a medical certificate is required
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 4Senior School Student Handbook 2021
• Bereavement – A parental note will be accepted
• Other Educational Activity (e.g. if you are on an excursion for a distance education unit/ excursion/ sitting an
exam etc.) – you must notify the VCE/VCAL Team Leaders
• Other – if there are other valid reasons, these will need to be discussed with the VCE Team Leaders before the
absence (if possible) or as soon as possible.
Family holidays, part time work, license tests and other similar reasons for absence are not acceptable.
Students/Parents are required to attend a compulsory meeting for known absences of greater than 3 days with their
Year Level Leader and complete a leave application form and an absence learning plan.
Absence for School Assessed Coursework requires a student to complete an “Application to Reschedule an
Assessment Task” form and submit this to the VCE Program Manager or relevant Team Leader. The management
team member will notify both the student and teacher of the outcome of the application within two days of the receipt
of the application.
Once students have 3 unexplained absences in a study course, teachers will notify the sub-school in writing, and tell
the student of the gravity of the situation. A Senior Sub-School Advisory Panel may be constituted to call the student
forward to explain the absences and to receive a formal warning of the consequences of further unapproved absences.
Experience shows that one of the first indicators of a student being at risk is when he/she starts missing class.
Address it early – don’t start a bad attendance habit, which may easily spiral out of control.
J Grades
J grades are rarely used, and are awarded to students who have stopped attending but haven’t completed an exit form.
Students are required to explain why they haven’t been attending. This is normally in the case of long term illnesses
or rehabilitation. Only the VCE Program Manager or Assistant Principal can award a J Grade.
Verification Tests
Verification tests will occur in the first week of Term 1. The purpose of the verification test is to:
• Identify the level of the student and to put in place extra support for students who may need it
• Determine who had/had not completed their holiday homework
• And/or, to identify students who were showing a lack of commitment to their VCE studies
If a student receives less than 60% on their verification test, a meeting will be organised by the Year Level Leaders
with the student and his/her parent/guardians to work out a suitable plan or pathway that will best support the
student in achieving success.
Special Provision
The revised special provision guidelines now incorporate those conditions outlined in the old consideration of
disadvantage guidelines. These guidelines are designed to allow students who have experienced hardship the
opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge they have gained through their courses of study in each unit of work they
have undertaken.
There are four forms of provision:
• Curriculum Delivery and Student Programs
• School based Assessment
• Special Examination Arrangements
• Derived Exam Scores
In each case, there are special eligibility requirements that apply. For the first two, the school determines what is
suitable, while the school applies to the VCAA for the second two.
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Grounds for claiming Special Provision include:
• Significantly adversely affected by illness (physical or psychological), personal environment or other serious
cause
• Disadvantaged by a disability or impairment, including a learning disability and hearing impairment
• Coming from a non-English speaking background
For school based assessment, special provision strategies used to enable students to address their issues can include:
• Allowing the student to complete tasks at a later date.
• Allowing the student extra time.
• Setting a substitute task of the same type
• Replacing one task with a task of a different kind
• Using another planned task to assess more outcomes or aspects of outcomes than originally intended.
• Using technology, aides or other special arrangements to undertake assessment tasks.
• Deriving a score from other assessments or tasks completed by the student (when none of the above options
are feasible)
For VCAA exams, the time and task cannot be altered. Extra time, the provision of appropriate technology or a scribe
are possible in specific cases. It is not easily granted, and requires you to provide documentation from an appropriate
professional detailing why you should be granted special provision.
Derived exam scores only apply if a condition has suddenly occurred which interferes with your exam result. It will not
be granted for long term conditions. It also requires professional input.
If you feel you deserve the considerations of Special Provision, a Special Provision application form needs to be
completed. Only the VCE Program Manager or Assistant Principal can complete and submit this form. Students will
need to speak to the VCE Program Manager about their eligibility.
This is particularly important for students completing Unit 3/4 studies, as Special Examination Arrangements can be
requested for these students. It is important to note that applications need to be submitted quickly as due dates are
strictly administered by the VCAA.
School based applications for all coursework and Unit 1/2 exams will be dealt with by the Senior Sub-School
Management Team, and once granted a student’s teachers will then be notified of the strategies they may wish to take
to provide consideration. External applications for Special Examination Conditions and Derived Scores will be
completed by the student with the assistance of the Senior Sub-School Management Team, and then relayed to the
VCAA.
Application to Reschedule
The application to reschedule notice is used when students miss the scheduled SAC.
A student may apply for an extension of time at the school level to complete assessment tasks, SACs or SATs by using
the Application to Reschedule an Assessment Task form under special provision guidelines. An extension will only
be granted on the basis of a medical certificate or other convincing evidence of good reason, such as a death in the
family, a family crisis, or having to represent the school or alternative body at an event (must be approved by the
school). Reasons such as general medical appointments, license tests etc., are not valid reasons. Wherever possible
the extension request should be made prior to the due date.
Process when appropriate documentation is provided by student
• If a student knows in advance that they are going to miss a SAC (i.e. due to a specialist appointment, VET
etc.), the student is to collect an ‘application to reschedule’ notice from the year 11/12 office and apply to
reschedule their SAC prior to the SAC day. No penalties apply if they provide a medical certificate or other official
documentation.
• If a student is unexpectedly sick on the day of the SAC, the student is to collect an ‘application to reschedule’
notice from the year 11/12 office and apply to reschedule their SAC when they return to school. No penalties apply
if they provide a medical certificate or other official documentation.
Process when no appropriate documentation is provided by student
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• If a student misses a SAC, without acceptable documentation (i.e. medical certificate), the student will
receive an N for the SAC. The student will need to apply for redemption. This is to achieve an ‘S’ for the outcome,
however, the student will receive a 0 for the SAC.
Please note: All students must hand in their required coursework on or by the day of the SAC. If the student is
absent on the day of the SAC and therefore does not hand in their coursework by the day of the SAC, they must
provide a medical certificate or other official documentation and submit their coursework on the day they return to
school, otherwise they may risk receiving a 0 for the SAC, or N for the outcome. This will depend on the outcome of
the review meeting with YLLs.
VCE Redemption Process – Failed Outcome Notice
All students are required to hand in their coursework 48 hours prior to a SAC. If the student does not hand in their
coursework by the due date, they may risk receiving a 0 for the SAC depending on the outcome of the review
meeting with YLLs.
Students will not be eligible for redemption if a reasonable attempt has not been made on coursework and not
submitted by the due date. This will result in the student being issued with an N for the outcome.
Please note: the decision regarding whether an attempt is deemed reasonable will be determined by the class teacher, Year Level
Leader and Assistant Principal.
If a student scores below 50% on a SAC, and has made a reasonable attempt to meet the SAC requirements, the
following steps will apply:
1. First opportunity – redemption (different task to original SAC) (year 11 and year 12)
• Students are issued with a Failed Outcome Notice
• Parents are notified (at least 3 days prior to redemption*).
• Students seek assistance and clarification from subject teacher about areas for improvement
• Students sit a redemption SAC
S is given if the student is able to achieve 50% or above or N if student does not meet the 50% minimum.
Year 11 Students – if N is received on their 1st attempt, class teachers assess coursework (step 3)
Year 12 Students – if N is received on their 1st attempt, second redemption opportunity applies (step 2)
Year 12 Only
Students will not be eligible for a second redemption if no reasonable attempt has been made on the redemption
SAC, therefore student will be issued with an N for the outcome.
2. Second opportunity – redemption (different task to original SAC and redemption) - Year 12 only
If redemption result is below 50%:
• Students are issued with a Failed Outcome Notice
• Parents are notified (at least 3 days prior to redemption*)
• Students seek assistance and clarification from subject teacher about areas for improvement
S is given if the student is able to achieve 50% or above or N if student does not meet the 50% minimum.
3. Coursework (year 11 and year 12)
If student handed in their required coursework 48 hours prior to a SAC:
1. Student is issued with a Failed Outcome Notice, indicating if his/her coursework met requirements or not
2. Parents are notified of next steps
S is given if the student is able to demonstrate understanding of the outcome via authenticated coursework that
meets outcome criteria. In order to demonstrate an understanding, students will attend a meeting with their class
teacher where they will discuss the outcome to gauge student understanding.
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Any students who receive an N at this stage are no longer eligible for redemption and will receive an N for the
outcome, and therefore the unit.
Please note: redemption will not improve your original score.
* At the end of each unit, notification to parents may be less than 3 days due to the VCAA deadline for results
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VCE Redemption Process – Failed Outcome Notice
All students are required to hand in their coursework 48 hours prior to a SAC.
Teachers to enter a 48 hour SAC warning chronicle for any students with inadequate coursework.
No/very limited Coursework submitted as competent,
coursework submitted Less than 50% achieved on SAC
Student will sit the SAC, results First opportunity – redemption
will be pending depending on (different task to original SAC)
the outcome of the review
meeting with YLLs.
50% or greater on SAC Less than 50% on SAC
Less than 50% on SAC
‘S’ If no reasonable attempt has been
Achieved made on the redemption SAC, N is
‘N’ for specific issued
No eligibility for redemption as outcome If reasonable attempt is made, second
reasonable attempt has not redemption opportunity applies
been made on coursework. (different task to original SAC and
redemption).
50% or greater Less than 50%
‘S’ Achieved for specific
outcome
If no reasonable attempt has been made on the
redemption SAC, N is issued
If reasonable attempt is made, student’s coursework is
assessed and a meeting with class teacher to gauge
student understanding.
‘S’ ‘N’
If student is able to If student is unable to
demonstrate understanding of demonstrate an
the outcome via authenticated understanding. “N” will be
coursework that meets given for the outcome &
outcome criteria. subsequently unit.
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 9Senior School Student Handbook 2021
Extensions
A student may apply for an extension of time at the school level to complete assessment tasks, SACs or SATs by using
the Application to Reschedule an Assessment Task form under special provision guidelines (Appendix 5). An
extension will only be granted on the basis of a medical certificate or other convincing evidence of good reason, such
as a death in the family, a family crisis, or having to represent the school or alternative body at an event. Wherever
possible the extension request should be made prior to the due date.
VCE Program and Assessment
Year 11 VCE program
Typically, a student will complete 5 subjects in Year 11. Some students elect to do a Year 12 subject as one of the 5.
Unit 1/2 Assessment
The VCE is a dual level certificate (year 11 & 12) where students must achieve to a satisfactory level (“S”).
Students must attain an average of 50% over all SAC/SAT task. Work requirements are additional tasks that teachers
may require students to undertake to exhibit an understanding of a Learning Outcome, and these may or may not be
graded.
Year 12 VCE program
Year 12 students will usually undertake 5 subjects in Year 12.
SACs and SATs – Unit 3/4 Assessment
Unit 3/4 studies have at least 50% of their assessment based on exams except for Folio/Performing/Language. The
other 50% is based on assessed coursework (SACs) or tasks (SATs). Teachers select from the range of options for these
as per the Study Design. Students will be clearly informed of the tasks they are required to undertake for each SAC or
SAT by their classroom teacher.
What do S, N, and NA mean?
School Assessed Tasks/Coursework and work requirements use these codes to indicate the level of achievement to
students on work submitted:
• Work or tests are marked according to a criteria sheet and a mark will be allocated according to how many
marks are available for the task. Satisfactory completion will result in an “S”
• If not submitted by the due date, the item receives an “NA”, or Not Assessed.
• Work designated “UG” requires further work for a student to meet an outcome.
• Students do not always have to pass the end of Unit exam to gain an “S”, although this may be used on occasion
by staff to allow a further opportunity to meet an outcome.
To Summarise:
S = Outcomes Exhibited N= Outcome not exhibited, & Unit Failure
NA = work not submitted on time UG= work on time but of an unsatisfactory standard.
Both NA and UG will result in an N, unless redeemed by the student
The GAT Exam
The GAT (General Achievement Test) – Wednesday 9th June 2021
The GAT is a test undertaken by all students completing any Unit 3/4 Studies even if the student is unscored. It is used
as a checking tool in the statistical moderation of SACs, and in the generation of ATAR scores with indicative grades
and class result profiles under Special Provision if students suffer illness or accident and can’t complete exams
effectively. Additionally, it is used to select classes of SAT results that are outside the expected performance levels for
review. Hence, it is in all students’ best interests to complete this test to best of their abilities, as it may well affect
themselves and all students in their class if they don’t. The GAT result may be used in the middle band selection
process to some universities.
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 10Senior School Student Handbook 2021
Exam Dates
Unit 1 and 2 Exam Period
At Cranbourne East Secondary College, the policy is to have assessment tasks that reflect what is required at Unit 3/4,
to provide the best possible learning preparation for the following year. The assessment tasks during semester are
used to allow students to exhibit Learning Outcomes, while formal exams in June and November complete the
preparation.
Year 11 Exams:
Mid-Year: Friday 4th June – Friday 11th June
End of Year: Monday 15th November – Friday 19th November
During the exam period no formal classes will operate. Attendance at exams is compulsory for all students. These
exams are important and are a student’s best guide to their likely performance in Year 12.
Exam Dates, June and November, Units 3 and 4
Examination Timetable’s will be provided as soon as they are finalised.
Year 12 Exam periods:
Mid-Year: Friday 4th June – Friday 11th June
VCAA GAT: Wednesday 9th June
Practice Holiday Exams: Friday 17th September – Thursday 23rd September
VCAA Performance/Language: Monday 4th October – Sunday 31st October
VCAA End of Year: Wednesday 27th October – Wednesday 17th November
Policies and Procedures
Possible Breach of Authentication
SACs and SATs are subject to VCAA authentication requirements – students must submit only their own work, and
acknowledge other influences in their work appropriately. Please note that the onus of proof here is on the student –
they are required to supply drafts and evidence of background work in the event of an appeal.
The College Community will be notified of these rules by:
• Staff will be alerted by staff meetings and their handbook.
• Students will be alerted via this handbook, through other publications, and at level assemblies.
• The wider school community will be informed through newsletter items and at VCE Information sessions.
Where a teacher is not satisfied that work submitted is the student’s own, they will complete a pro forma: Notification
of Potential Breach of Authentication (Appendix 6), and submit it with their evidence to the VCE Program Manager
or Assistant Principal (Senior School). This should occur within 2 days of submission. The VCE Program manager or
Assistant Principal will ensure that the process for breaches of authentication strictly adhere to guidelines outlined in
the VCAA Administrative Handbook, and will keep the teacher and student informed at each stage of the said process.
The stages are as follows:
• Notification made to VCE Program Manager or Assistant Principal
• Potential breach investigated
• If necessary, a notification of a formal interview with a Principal elected panel will be convened if there is
sufficient reason to believe that a breach may have occurred.
• Where it is determined that a breach has occurred, the Principal (or nominee) will inform the student in
writing of the penalty imposed and the provisions for appeal. Notification should be made within 14 days
of the initial interview. The Principal (or nominee) will inform the VCAA of the breach according to their
requirements. Students may then appeal, and will need to approach the VCE Program Manager if this is
their desire.
Sanctions that can come from Breaching Authentication range from repeating a set task, to dismissal from all VCE
programs. This depends entirely on the nature of the offence, and the issue is treated extremely seriously by the
VCAA.
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Plagiarism/ Copying
In line with breaching authentication, Cranbourne East Secondary College has developed a policy for plagiarism
offences on work in units of study other than official SACs and SATs. Teachers who suspect either of the above of a
student in their class will bring evidence to the notice of the VCE Program Manager. A Panel will be convened, and
students will be allowed to present information to assist them in their case.
Students who are found guilty of submitting work that is plagiarised or copied on a first occasion will be required to
complete an alternative task to meet the outcome, however they will get zero for the assessment task. This has
implications for passing the subject. Any students found guilty a second time in any subject in a year will receive an N
for whatever unit in which the plagiarism was committed.
Cheating
Students who are found guilty of cheating on a first occasion will be required to complete an alternative task to meet
the outcome, however they will get zero for the assessment task. This has implications for passing the subject. Any
students found guilty a second time in any subject in a year will receive an N for whatever unit in which the cheating
was committed.
Any deceptive behaviour such as plagiarism or cheating will not be tolerated.
Due Dates – Policy for 2021
If a student does not meet a due date for a deadline and has not been granted an extension, he or she may be required
to attend a Panel interview to decide the consequences. This applies to both SAC and SAT components. All other work
will receive an “NA”, and need to be redeemed to pass.
If a student has an approved absence for a SAC or SAT, they will need to complete and Application to Reschedule an
Assessment Task (Appendix 5), and have it signed by the VCE Management Team. The class teacher will decide when
the task or a replacement task will be completed. If the absence was not approved then the student scores zero for
the task, but will be granted a further opportunity to demonstrate the learning outcome as discussed under the
“Assessment” section of this handbook.
Mobile Phone Policy
Students Using Mobile Phones Policy 2020-2024
Note that this is a ministerial policy formally issued by the Minister for Education under section 5.2.1(2)(b) of the
Education and Training Reform Act 2006.
Statement of Commitment
Cranbourne East Secondary College believes every student deserves a safe and positive learning experience where
they are engaged and supported to reach their full potential.
The College adheres to the principles of Australian democracy and takes into account the diversity of all children and
makes reasonable efforts to accommodate them. This includes (but is not limited to) the needs of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disabilities,
children who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning (LGBTIQ) individuals, and children
who are vulnerable.
The College is committed to creating a child safe environment protecting children from all forms of abuse and neglect.
Purpose
To explain to our school community the Department’s and Cranbourne East Secondary College policy requirements
and expectations relating to students using mobile phones during school hours.
Scope
This policy applies to:
1. All students at Cranbourne East Secondary College and,
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2. Personal mobile devices brought onto school grounds during school hours, including recess and lunchtime or
during school activities
Definitions
Personal mobile devices refer to mobile phones and smart watches, Fitbits that receive text messages and any other
devices that send or receive messages. School grounds refer to inside the boundary fence.
Policy
Cranbourne East Secondary College understands that students may bring a mobile phone or smart watch to school,
particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school or to extra curricular activities.
• Mobile phones or smart watches must not be used whilst on school grounds during the school day.
• Mobile phones or smart watches must be switched off, and locked securely in the student’s locker during
these times.
• Students in possession of or using their mobile phones or smart watches will have them confiscated and
locked securely in the administration office. It will usually be returned to the student or the parent/carer at
the end of the school day.
• Students are not permitted to access their mobile phones or smart watches during lunchtime, recess or any
other break times and whilst on school grounds.
• Students will use their laptop for educational purposes. Mobile phones or smart watches are not to be used
for educational purposes.
• The use of headphones with laptops, is not permitted in class or between class, unless under the instruction
of a teacher when being used for educational purposes. The College strongly advises that for safety reasons
headphones are not used when students are travelling to and from school, eg. walking, riding a bike, moving
on and off buses.
• When emergencies occur, parents or carers should reach their child by calling the school’s office on 59 90
0200.
Insurance
Students are responsible for all items brought to school. Please note that Cranbourne East Secondary College does not
have accident insurance for accidental property damage or theft. Students and their parents/carers are encouraged to
obtain appropriate insurance for valuable items and ensure they have a lock for their locker to secure valuables and
ensure the lock is locked at all times. Refer to the Cranbourne East Secondary College Personal Property Policy AND/OR
the Department’s Personal Goods policy.
Camps and Excursions
In most circumstances, students will not be allowed to bring their mobile phones on overnight school camps or
excursions. Cranbourne East Secondary College will provide students and their parents and carers with information
about items that can be brought to special activities and events, including mobile phones.
Breach of Mobile Devices Policy Consequences
Related policies and resources
Cranbourne East Secondary College Policies
• Student Wellbeing, Engagement & Inclusion Policy
• Personal Property Policy
Department Policies
• Mobile Phones – Department Policy
• Ban, Search and Seize Harmful Items
• Personal Goods – Department policy
This policy is to be implemented during Step-Up, 2 December 2019 and is scheduled for review at the end of 2019
and each year thereafter.
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 13Senior School Student Handbook 2021
BREACH OF MOBILE DEVICES POLICY CONSEQUENCES
(Appendix 1)
Mobile device is
sighted and staff
member asks for
mobile device
Student hands
over mobile Student refuses to hand
device on first over mobile device on
request first request
IN YARD OR AT
Device is placed in a ziplock bag with BREAKS -
name and sent to Admin Ofice by IN CLASS - Staff member
Class Captain where it is secured in a The Class Captain takes a informs a member
year level cabinet yellow card to closest of the leadership
admin office and the team and creates a
closest leadership team Compass entry or
member is informed email
Admin Assistant logs the incident
on Compass (Mobile Phone
Misuse) which notifies parent of Student hands the Student refuses to hand
breach automatically by SMS mobile device over to a the mobile device to a
Electronic Devices - minor member of the member of the
leadership team leadership team
Recorded on Compass (Mobile Student is removed from
Phone Restriction) by leadership class for failing to follow a
SECOND OFFENCE - team member which notifies reasonable instruction and
FIRST OFFENCE - parents contacted
Device is placed at the parent of breach automatically by
Device is collected
main reception in a SMS
by student from
secured cabinet and Electronic devices - major
Year Level leaders
must be collected by
at the Admin
parent, guardian or
Office at 3pm
nominated other
Consequence - see Behaviour
Consequence - student
Model and student must leave
must leave mobile
mobile device with Year Level
device with Year Level Mobile device is placed at the main Leader between 8.50am and
Leader at the start of reception in a secured cabinet and 3pm for a period of time and
the school day, for a must be collected by parent, guardian is placed on a mobile device
period of time and is or nominated other contract
placed on a mobile
device contract Consequence - see Behaviour Model
and student must leave mobile device
with Year Level Leader at the start of
the school day, for a period of time
and is placed on a mobile device
contract Repeated incidents -
failing to follow
reasonable insructions
may result in suspension
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 14Senior School Student Handbook 2021
Presentation of SATs
Applies to Units 3 & 4 Design and Technology, Media, Studio Arts and Visual Communication.
Students will be provided with a clear outline of requirements for each SAT, together with progressive dates. You must
maintain the timeline required, and exhibit your work a minimum of three times to your teacher during the
development of the SAT.
Presentation of SATs (Student Instructions):
• Put your official VCAA candidate number on the top of the right hand corner of every page of the SAT
• Clearly number each page
• Write the word length at the end if applicable
• Attach the ID sheet provided by your teacher on the front of the SAT (VASS identification Sheet)
• Provide an entire photocopy of the SAT with the original, and keep another copy for yourself
• Place the completed SAT in a clear plastic envelope for protection
• Place the copy and your draft in a separate plastic envelope
• Ensure that the SAT is entirely legible, if handwritten
• It may be wiser to write on every second line or word process the SAT under the teacher’s directions. Only
write on one side of each page, to ensure ease of reading.
Student Study Information
The Keys to Successful Study
Successful students have successful study habits. They may not all score an ATAR of 99, but they do not spend the rest
of their life saying “I wish I worked harder” …Similarly, successful students often have a balanced social life to temper
their study habits – studying effectively is as much about the balance as about the hours involved.
The “Keys” include…
• Organising yourself • Establishing clear personal goals for yourself
• A consistent work pattern and planning • Attendance at every opportunity
• A determination to succeed • Managing your time
• A commitment to do your best • Understanding how you learn
Homework versus Home Study
Homework is completing outstanding work, and far too many students think that that is all that’s required at VCE level.
Not even close! While for many this may be sufficient at junior levels, during VCE you will need to study your work, to
keep abreast of each subject and to consolidate your understanding in it. This may involve rereading notes, quizzing
with a friend, completing extra questions, summarising and writing class work out in a format you find easier to
understand etc. The options for home study are only limited by your imagination.
You should spend approximately 2hrs/week for each Unit 1/2 study, and around 3hrs a week for each Unit 3/4 Unit
in homework and home study combined. For most students, this means 10 hours/week in Year 11 and 15
hours/week in Year 12.
Taking Responsibility for Your Own Learning
It’s an attitude thing – do you want to be your own boss, and take responsibility for yourself? Most students would say
yes to that. Then don’t wait to be told what to learn, or how to learn it – look for opportunities in class to absorb all
the information in your preferred way, and ignore the others that are into distractions. A teacher’s role is to assist
students to learn, not to force them, so use them to help you. Remember – you’re in charge of your learning, so take
and keep, control.
How do you learn?
Understanding how you learn gives you a better insight into more effective learning. Remember how you learned to
ride a bike? You should recognise the following steps. Try to consciously include them into your study program.
• Identifying the need to learn
• Intending to learn
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 15Senior School Student Handbook 2021
• Gathering resources
• Forming ideas
• Trialling ideas
• Reflecting on outcomes
• Repeating steps (i.e. Practising)
Additionally, people learn in different ways. Some like to use concept maps, others tables, a few colour codes, some
like to associate things with other ideas or words they understand, a number of people learn emotionally (through
involvement) – try to figure out which is the preferred method for you to learn most effectively, and then use it.
Use of Study Sessions
Students will be required to maintain their homework program and in order to ensure that students keep up to date
with their school work there will be catch up sessions on various nights for VCE students, this will be communicated
via your coordinator. Students will be informed that they have to attend the sessions if they are falling behind in their
school work and the study session will be compulsory to attend. Contact will be made with your parents if this is the
case. In addition, some senior classes will not be covered by a Casual Relief Teacher in case of teacher absence,
students will attend Study Hall - quiet and effective study is expected in these sessions.
Year 11 and Year 12 Privileges
Study Hall
The study hall is located in the yellow open space and is available for year 11 and year 12 students during lunchtime,
before and after school and study periods. This is a quiet study area. During study periods, students are permitted to
use the coffee/tea station and other facilities that are available.
Expectations
• Area is to be kept clean
• Students are working quietly and productively
• Students are to be working independently on their own work/study
• No phones are permitted to be used in study hall
• If a student has study periods, they are expected to attend study hall. Attendance is compulsory. Study hall
will be supervised by Mrs Stein (and monitored by the Year Level Leaders and the Senior School Assistant
Principal). Students are not permitted to arrive late or leave early regardless of when the study period occurs
Students who are not working, disrupting others and/or refusing to follow instructions of supervising teacher will be
banned from using the study hall.
Year 12 Zone
Additional space in the yellow building is available for year 12 students during lunchtime, before and after school.
This is an area to be used for study/lunch. Students are permitted to use the coffee/tea station and other facilities
that are available.
Expectations
• Students are not to use any other rooms in the yellow building
• Area is kept clean, chairs are pushed in
• Students are behaving quietly and productively
• No phones are permitted
Those misusing or misbehaving will be banned from using the study area.
Final Day for Course Changes
• Final date for Unit 3 & 4 course changes is Friday 12th February
• Final date for Unit 1 course changes is Friday 12th February
• Final date for Unit 2 course changes is Friday 28th May
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 16Senior School Student Handbook 2021
Students wanting to change their subjects, must see their year level leaders and complete the Course Change
Application form before the final dates above, please find this form at the end of this handbook.
Students will not be permitted to change their subjects after this date.
VCAL Studies
What is VCAL?
The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a 'hands-on' option for students in Years 11 and 12.
Like the VCE, the VCAL is a recognized senior secondary qualification. Unlike the VCE, which is widely used by
students as a pathway to university, the VCAL focuses on 'hands-on learning'. Students who do the VCAL are more
likely to be interested in going on to training at TAFE, doing an apprenticeship, or getting a job after completing Year
12.
What are the Aims of VCAL?
The VCAL aims to provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to make informed choices about
pathways to work and further education.
The principles underpinning the VCAL are:
• new accredited pathways for secondary students
• tailoring a program to suit students’ interests
• personal development
• development of work related and industry specific skills.
These principles are within the context of applied learning.
In the VCAL these principles are shown through:
• the development of knowledge and employability skills that help prepare students for work and for
participation in a broader society – family, community and life-long learning
• the development of knowledge and skills that assists students to make informed vocational choices and
facilitate pathways to further learning and employment.
What Must Students do to receive a VCAL Qualification?
The VCAL is accredited at three levels:
Foundation level
At this level the focus is on basic and preparatory knowledge and employability skills. There is also a strong emphasis
on literacy and numeracy skills.
Intermediate level
At Intermediate level the focus is on knowledge and employability skills development that leads to independent
learning, confidence and a higher level of transferable skills.
Senior level
At senior level the focus is on knowledge and employability skills that lead to a high level of interpersonal skills,
independent action and achievement of tasks that require decision making and leadership.
The demonstration of knowledge and skills that apply directly to the workplace or further training is also important.
The three qualification levels cater for a range of students with different abilities and interests. They also provide a
progression in the development of skills, knowledge and attributes.
A student is awarded a certificate when they gain credits for 10 units that fulfil the minimum requirements for their
learning program. A credit is gained for successful completion of a unit of study.
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 17Senior School Student Handbook 2021
A unit of study can be:
• one VCAL unit
• one VCE unit
• 90 hours for VET modules or units of competence and/or Further Education (FE) modules.
Each unit of study must be justified against the purpose statement for one of the four VCAL curriculum strands.
A student’s VCAL learning program must include:
• a minimum of two VCAL units
• at least one literacy unit*
• at least one numeracy unit
• at least one unit from the Industry Specific Skills strand (at the Intermediate and Senior levels this must
include a unit of study from a VET qualification)
• at least one unit from the Work Related Skills strand
• at least one unit from the Personal Development Skills strand
• at least six credits at the level or above, of which one must be literacy and one VCAL Personal Development
Skills unit.
*If a student is enrolled in a VCAL literacy unit to fulfil the Literacy Skills strand requirement, the student must
complete the VCAL Literacy – Reading and Writing unit at the certificate award level. A student must also
successfully complete Personal Development Skills at the certificate award level.
Attendance
Senior school students are expected to:
• Attend all timetabled classes, excursions, assemblies etc.
• Be punctual to all classes
• Have 95% attendance for each semester for each curriculum strand
If a student has less than 95% attendance for each subject, they will be at risk of not successfully gaining their VCAL
certificate.
All absences need be approved by the College as there is a VCAA requirement of attendance for teachers to validate
student work. The following absences will be approved and not be considered as part of the 95% attendance
requirement:
• Illness - a medical certificate is required
• Bereavement – A parental note will be accepted
• Other Educational Activity (e.g. if you are on an excursion for a distance education unit/ excursion/ sitting an
exam etc.) – you must notify the VCE/VCAL Team Leaders
• Other – if there are other valid reasons, these will need to be discussed with the VCE Team Leaders before the
absence (if possible) or as soon as possible.
Family holidays, part time work, license tests and other similar reasons for absence are not acceptable.
Students/Parents are required to attend a compulsory meeting for known absences of greater than 3 days with their
Year Level Leader and complete a leave application form and an absence learning plan.
Experience shows that one of the first indicators of a student being at risk is when he/she starts missing class.
Address it early – don’t start a bad attendance habit, which may easily spiral out of control.
Assessment of VCAL
To successfully complete the VCAL at the award level, students must:
• Enrol in a minimum of two VCAL units for each of the 4 streams: Literacy and Numeracy Skills; Industry
Specific Skills; Work-Related Skills; Personal Development Skills
• Achieve a score of ‘Competent’ at (or above) the award sought (Foundation, Intermediate or Senior)
• Achieve a total of 10 credits that fulfil the minimum requirements
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 18Senior School Student Handbook 2021
• Be enrolled in a VET subject
• Undertake Structured Workplace Learning
• Attend and participate in all VCAL classes, events and excursions
• Maintain a folio of evidence of their work
VCAL Assessment Keys Explained
Competent
• C - Competent
The Learning Outcome was completed satisfactorily. The student has met the requirements of each element
demonstrating a sound understanding of the knowledge/skills required at this level.
Not Yet Competent:
• NYC
Students are still working towards this outcome. Not all Elements of the Learning Outcome are completed and/or
quality of content is below expected level. Evidence must be re-submitted.
Not Yet Assessed:
• NA
Learning and assessment for this outcome has not yet started.
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 19Senior School Student Handbook 2021
VCAL Redemption Process
Students who fail to meet course work deadlines, set class work or receive a NYC for a Learning Outcome, and the
classroom teacher deems Redemption to be for a valid reason, may be required to attend Redemption Sessions until
the Learning Outcome requirements have been met. See flow chart below.
Student has not completed a Learning Outcome Task
by the due date OR failed to complete it to the
required standard
Student is granted one additional week to complete the Learning Outcome Task to the
required standard, in their own time.
Class teacher must inform student, parent/guardian and GREI new date work is due.
Class teacher must also make a record on Compass.
Student fails to submit the Learning
Outcome Task to the required
standard.
Student is required to attend
afterschool VCAL redemption until all
learning outcome requirements are
met
Class teacher to complete VCAL
failed/missed outcome paperwork
AND make contact with
parents/guardians
Student submits the Learning Student fails to attend VCAL
Outcome Task to the required redemption OR complete learning
standard outcome requirements
Student is marked as Competent for Student is marked as Not Yet
the Learning Outcome Competent for the learning outcome
Teacher to inform parents and GREI
of the NYC result.
Student given one final opportunity
to attend redemption before referral
to GREI
Student may not be eligible to
achieve VCAL certificate, and
alternative pathway may be sought
for student.
NOTE: For practical tasks, excursions, incursions or team activities, an alternative
task/activity will be given.
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 20Senior School Student Handbook 2021
VCAL Curriculum Strands
Each VCAL award level contains four curriculum strands:
• Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• Personal Development Skills
• Industry Specific Skills (VET)
• Work Related Skills (SWL)
To ensure coherence in designing a VCAL learning program, selected curriculum components must closely align with
the purpose statement of the appropriate curriculum strand. Refer also to VCAL information sheets provided by the
VCAA.
Literacy Skills purpose statement
The purpose of literacy curriculum selected for this strand is to enable the development of skills, knowledge and
attitudes in literacy that allow progression in the main social contexts of family, employment, further learning and
citizenship.
Literacy skills corresponding to these social contexts include literacy for self-expression, practical purposes,
knowledge and public debate.
Literacy includes reading, writing and oral communication skills.
Numeracy Skills purpose statement
Numeracy is the ability to use mathematical skills in order to carry out purposes and functions within society related
to designing, measuring, constructing, using graphical information, money, time and travel, and the underpinning
skills and knowledge for further study in mathematics or related fields.
Curriculum selected for numeracy in this strand should develop skills to facilitate the practical application of
mathematics at home, work and in the community.
Personal Development Skills purpose statement
The purpose of the Personal Development Skills Strand is to develop knowledge, skills and attributes that lead
towards:
• the development of self
• social responsibility
• building community
• civic and civil responsibility, for example through volunteering and working for the benefit of others
• improved self-confidence and self-esteem
• valuing civic participation in a democratic society
Work Related Skills purpose statement
The purpose of the Work Related Skills Strand is to develop employability skills, knowledge and attitudes valued
within community and work environments as a preparation for employment. The development of employability skills
within this strand provides learners with a capacity to consider and choose from a range of pathways.
Work related skills include skills that align with the employability skills. The employability skills are:
• communication
• team work
• problem solving
• technology
• initiative and enterprise
• planning and organising
• self-management
• learning
Employability skills are those that are valued by employers.
Cranbourne East Secondary College Page | 21Senior School Student Handbook 2021
Work Related Skills Units
The VCAL Work Related Skills units have been designed to enable locally developed non-accredited curriculum to
contribute to the VCAL qualification. In the Work Related Skills Strand, achieving VCAL unit learning outcomes and
meeting the purpose statement of the strand may involve programs that incorporate part-time work, structured
workplace learning programs, School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and on the job learning.
Providers should note that completing a structured work placement is not sufficient for a student to achieve an ‘S’
for a VCAL Work Related Skills unit.
Structured Work Placement
• Structured Work Placement is an essential part of Vocational Education and Training (VET). Young people
who are completing a VET program need to practise their skills to complete their qualification. For some VET
programs a Structured Work Placement is compulsory
• It is a requirement of the VCAL Work Related Skills unit that students have a Structured Work Placement
organised for one day a week during each school term. Ideally they should complete a maximum of 40 days
in one year. Students will also be required to maintain a signed log book/journal officially logging their work
placement hours. This will contribute to their final assessment.
• It is a legal requirement that students undertaking Structured Workplace Learning as part of a VET program
within VCE or VCAL must be undertaking or have completed the O H & S training unit of competency within
the VET program
• All Structured Workplace Learning must be in the same industry as the VET program. Structured Workplace
Learning hours must be between 8:30am and 9:00pm with a minimum payment of $5.00
• Where a student is undertaking Structured Workplace Learning which is not part of a VET program or
Structured Work Placement which is not related to their VET program within VCAL, the student must
complete Work Related Skills Unit 1 Safe @ Work assessments (General & Specific) – to be updated every 12
months
• All Building and Construction/Construction placements e.g. Plumbing students must complete Construction
Work Safe Card (White Card) prior to attending any building site
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
• VET is a compulsory part of the VCAL Intermediate and Senior levels. However, students are not required to
focus on or complete any single VET certificate. For example, they may choose to undertake various units
from a range of VET certificates. This would be an ideal option for a student who is undecided about which
pathway best suits them.
• Most students, who focus on one VET certificate, will complete the certificate at either level 2 or 3.
• Every 90 hours of completed VET units, will contribute 1 credit towards the VCAL. On average, most students
acquire 2 credits within one year.
• All providers will report attendance to the school. Any concerns will be followed up with parent contact by
the school’s VET coordinator.
• VET reports will be sent either to the student’s home address and/or the school. Students will receive a mid-
year and end of year report.
VET Studies
VET or Vocational Education and Training studies are now an expanding, integral part of a broad stream VCE. VET
training courses are module based, and students work through the modules of competence at their own pace.
Each module must be signed off by your assessor once the student can exhibit competence with the skills involved in
the module. Students will get a statement each semester indicating the modules achieved. When the amounts of
modules are completed sufficiently, the VCAA will credit the student with a VCE Unit. Whatever modules are completed
will be awarded to the student and are nationally recognised. These may in the future provide credit to further studies
at TAFE level.
VET scores provide a credit towards a student’s ATAR either by accruing an additional 10%, or by being graded
themselves and becoming part of the normal ATAR calculation.
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