VCE Subjects
At CHES we specialise in six highly regarded VCE studies of great appeal to senior students who cannot access these subjects at their base school:
Algorithmics Units 3 & 4
Classical Studies Units 1 & 2 in 2027, Units 3 & 4 in 2028
English Language Units 1 – 4
Extended Investigation Units 3 & 4
Philosophy Units 1 & 2 launching in 2027, Units 3 & 4 in 2028
Specialist Mathematics Units 1 – 4
We are proud to offer these VCE subjects to high-achieving students in government schools across Victoria, including students in metropolitan, rural, regional, and remote areas and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We’re expanding access to these subjects to an even more diverse group of students than ever before. Through our innovative ‘hy-flex’ approach to teaching and learning, students remain enrolled at their school and undertake a VCE study through CHES, as a part of their overall VCE program. To accommodate as many eligible students as possible, our subjects are available through a hybrid and flexible approach, with opportunities to study online and on-site at CHES.
Our cornerstone belief at CHES is that high-ability students can flourish and realise their potential through the opportunities we offer to extend, deepen and accelerate their learning.
VCE Algorithmics
Algorithmics
Algorithmics is a VCE subject that is also a Higher Education Scored Study (HESS) focused on algorithmic thinking and computational problem-solving, designed for students with a strong mathematical background. Completion can lead to university credits in computer science and software engineering. No Units 1 & 2 for this subject but VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2 is a corequisite or prerequisite.
Classical Studies
VCE Classical Studies explores the enduring cultures and ideas of ancient Greece and ancient Rome. These ideas have intrigued and influenced Western societies for centuries. By examining the written works (in English translation) and material culture of these two ancient societies, students of Classical Studies develop a rich understanding of the intellectual and cultural life of these cultures.
Study is undertaken by analysing classical works, such as mythologies, written texts, art and artefacts, that were produced in the classical world. Students consider these works in their socio-historical contexts, evaluating and comparing what they reveal about the ideas, beliefs and attitudes of the society in which they were created.
This study enables students to:
- develop an understanding of the nature of Classical Studies as a multifaceted discipline
- develop a lifelong interest in the classical world and an understanding of its enduring significance
- develop critical insights into the historical, social and cultural contexts of classical works
- engage in close analysis, comparison and evaluation of classical works
- explore key ideas as presented in classical works
- analyse a range of perspectives and concerns in classical works
- develop an awareness of ancient Greek and Roman thinking and, in turn, a deeper awareness of our own thinking.
In 2027, we are introducing Units 1 & 2 only, and we intend to continue into Units 3 & 4 in 2028.
Philosophy
VCE Philosophy contains a broad introduction to Western philosophy and its methods of inquiry. It explores themes and debates within metaphysics, epistemology and value theory, as well as techniques of reasoning and argument drawn from formal and informal logic. It investigates how we should live by examining what a good life is for the individual and the community, and what it means to believe well.
Studying VCE Philosophy involves explicitly developing the habits of clarifying concepts, analysing problems and constructing reasoned and coherent arguments. It encourages students to reflect critically on their own thinking and helps them to develop a sophisticated and coherent worldview.
This study enables students to:
- understand the distinctive nature of philosophical thinking and the techniques used in philosophical inquiry
- identify and formulate philosophical questions
- understand significant philosophical ideas, viewpoints and arguments
- critically reflect and develop perspectives on philosophical ideas, viewpoints and arguments
- explore ideas and respond to philosophical questions, viewpoints and arguments with clarity, precision and logic
- engage with primary philosophy texts and use techniques of philosophical reasoning to identify, discuss and evaluate philosophical viewpoints and arguments expressed within these texts
- identify and discuss relationships between responses to philosophical questions and contemporary debates.
In 2027, we are introducing Units 1 & 2 only, and we intend to continue into Units 3 & 4 in 2028.
Students remain enrolled at their base schools while studying these subjects at CHES (one subject typically comprises 16% to 20% of their timetable).
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CHES is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri People and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. Our school community pays respects to their Elders, past, and present and extends this respect to Aboriginal Elders of other communities. CHES respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria and pays respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.