VCE or IB

Two paths, countless destinations.

A Lauriston student chooses either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) for study in Years 11 and 12. Both programs can facilitate entry to local and overseas universities. 

Lauriston has a history of outstanding academic results in both the VCE and IB and both programs are popular with our students. Each year approximately 40% of the cohort undertakes the IB Programme and 60% choose to study the VCE. Our academic staff teach across both programs. 

In Year 10, or prior to admission in Year 11, each student works with the School’s dedicated VCE and IB Coordinators, as well as their teachers, the Careers Advisor and Heads of House to choose the pathway which best suits her needs and future study plans.

“The equal commitment at Lauriston to both certifications enables students the choice of a program of work that suits their outlook, interests, and academic goals.”

― Anne Wallington, Deputy Principal & Head of Senior School

VCE: The Victorian Certificate of Education

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is administered by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and is a two-year course. Apart from the study of English, no other subjects are compulsory. Students may choose to specialise in areas of interest such as the Sciences, the Humanities or the Arts, or select a more general course from these and other areas. 

The VCE comprises a number of ‘Units of Study’, each designed to take one semester to complete. Units 1 and 2 are designed for Year 11 students, while Units 3 and 4 are for Year 12 students. There is a great deal of flexibility within the VCE so that students can study Units 3 and 4 in Year 11. 

Lauriston VCE cohorts perform consistently well, and classes annually rank amongst Victoria’s top performers. 

IB: The International Baccalaureate Diploma

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is also a two-year curriculum that fosters high academic standards and international understanding. It is recognised by Australian tertiary institutions and major universities worldwide. The IBDP encourages students across the globe to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners. 

Students completing the IB study six subjects including the student’s first language, a second language, a humanity, an experimental science, mathematics, and one other subject which may be drawn from the arts, or from a subject area already mentioned. In addition, they complete three core components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). 

Lauriston has offered the IB Diploma since 1991 and IB cohorts have consistently achieved at a very high standard.