At Notre Dame College, we provide a broad based and innovative curriculum which aims to develop the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social aspects of every student. While engendering a love of learning, we also encourage each student to strive to reach their full potential.

It is important to note that the subject areas listed reflect the College's current curriculum; we regularly review our curriculum so changes may occur from year to year. Elective subject offerings are subject to student choice, student numbers and staff expertise and may alter from semester to semester and year to year.

Important Information Regarding Subject Selections for 2027

2027 Subject Selection and Programme Guides

Subject Selections are an exciting time for students to create a personalised programme tailored to their interests, areas of strength and ambitions.

At Notre Dame College we are committed to supporting our students to make a successful transition to life beyond school, be that further study, training or employment.

The Subject and Programme Guides provide a comprehensive guide to the broad range of subjects available at Notre Dame College - including a great range of vocational options for senior students.

The subject selection process requires careful consideration by students with the support of parents/guardians and careers advisors at the College. Families are encouraged to attend the Subject Selection evenings and access information provided in the various course guides on the College website.

Any queries in relation to subject selections, please don’t hesitate to contact us SubjectSelection@NOTREDAME.vic.edu.au.

Senior Pathways

Senior pathways is an exciting time for students to create a personalised programme tailored to their interests, areas of strength and ambitions.

At Notre Dame we are committed to support our students make a successful transition to life beyond school, be that further study, training, and employment.

The Senior Pathways Subject and Programme Guide provides a comprehensive guide to the broad range of subjects available at Notre Dame College including a great range of Vocational options.

Year 12 2027

The two main pathways available to students in Year 11 and 12 are:

- The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) - the certificate that the majority of students in Victoria receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education

- The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) - a vocational and applied learning programme within the VCE with specific subjects designed to prepare students for a vocational pathway.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a study option offering senior students the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised qualification as part of their VCE or VCE VM programme.

Year 11 2027

Senior students have the flexibility to choose how they approach their studies in the final years of secondary schooling. The two main pathways available to students in Year 11 and 12 are:

- The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) - the certificate that the majority of students in Victoria receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education

- The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) - a vocational and applied learning programme within the VCE with specific subjects designed to prepare students for a vocational pathway.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a study option offering senior students the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised qualification as part of their VCE or VCE VM programme.

VET courses are designed by industry experts to ensure students are well-prepared for the workplace with relevant skills and training. Covering an extensive range of industries, VET is a great way to get a kick-start in a career before leaving school.

Students also have the opportunity to apply to participate in a number of courses through external providers. Check out the VET Information.

The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is an inclusive, flexible option designed for students who, for various reasons, aren't able or ready to complete the VCE or VCE VM.

The VPC provides an accessible pathway to further education, training, and employment opportunities. The VPC is normally completed in Year 11 and 12 but offers flexibility in timing - it can be started earlier or finished over a period longer than two years. Students work with the school to determine the best timeframe for starting and completing the VPC programme.

Year 10 2027

In Year 10, students study a combination of core and elective subjects each semester, tailoring their studies to their interests and aspirations. Eligible students have the opportunity to accelerate a subject, enabling them to begin their VCE studies.

Other students may choose to engage in the Employment Pathways Programme tailored to Year 10 students who are committed to building their skills in a vocational trade. A feature of Employment Pathways is the requirement to participate in Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) which supports students to work across a range of industries with the aim to establish positive relationships with potential employers.

Year 9 2027

Emmaus- Explore and Evolve

Year 9 is a pivotal year for students as they move out to our Emmaus Campus. Here, they encounter a broader array of choices and greater flexibility in their learning. With expanded elective options, students are empowered to pursue areas of interest and contemplate future educational pathways. Some of their options include VET Agriculture, Hairdressing, Fitness Boot Camp and Game Design.

A highlight of their time in Year 9 is Cafe Emmaus, where students have hands-on experience preparing tasty treats and meals for their peers and teachers to purchase.

Full details of subjects offered at Year 9 are available in the Course Handbook.

Year 9 Daborra Experience

The name ‘Daborra’ has been chosen to reflect the connection to land and country that the Year 9 outdoor learning experience provides. Daborra is held during Term 1 in various Victorian locations, which may include Anglesea, Cathedral Ranges, Gembrook, Murray River and Lake Eildon. It is a highlight of College life, with the memories treasured well beyond graduation day.

Daborra along with the varied electives available, helps students to work towards developing resilience, a sense of identity, self-worth, excitement and direction.

Year 8 2027

Students in Year 8 will continue to experience a range of subjects from each of the Learning Areas, building on the Year 7 Programme. Students will undertake eight year-length core subjects and have the opportunity to select four semester-length electives, two from The Arts and two from the Technology Learning Areas.

All subject offerings are detailed in the Year 8 Subject and Programme Guide.

Year 7 2027

Knight Street - Journey of Discovery

In Year 7, students undertake a broad range of subjects to provide a solid foundation for their pathway through secondary schooling.

In their first year students study the following subjects: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, Language (students select Italian or Japanese), The Arts (one term each of Visual Art, Music, Drama, Media), and Technology (one term each of Metal and Wood, Digital Technology, Textiles, Food).

Year 7 students embark on an overnight camp where they undertake a series of fun outdoor activities. The camp aims to build confidence and kick-start new friendships.

Careers Appointments

We encourage all students to book a Careers appointment to discuss their options and receive guidance on their educational journey. Bookings can be made via the College Careers page HERE.

If a parent or carer is also planning to attend, please email this information to careersstaff@notredame.vic.edu.

Please note that this is an extremely busy time for our Careers Team. We strongly encourage students to book their careers appointments early to ensure they can secure an appointment.