[Year 12 SofDev] VCAA Bulletin Notice - expressions of interest: VCE IT Review Panel

[Christophersen, Paula P]

Hi Mark and colleagues

Mark, your question about the rationale of this proposed pair of units is a fair one, and I hope that the following explanation answers your query. With respect to the second question about content, this I can't answer, as it's part of the reaccreditation process which is yet to begin.

Currently within the VCE, students are able to undertake additional studies through the Higher Education studies program offered by universities - there are two types of programs; those that extend an existing VCE study and those that are not linked to any VCE subject. There are several such IT-extension programs. http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vce/studies/studiesextension.aspx Students enrol in these subjects directly with the university offering the program and for ATAR purposes students are eligible for bonus points (maximum of five). The standard of the studies is first year university, and the assessment and teaching is under the control of the university, as they are subjects offered in the undergraduate degree. Because of this arrangement, students cannot count these studies towards their VCE. However this year the VCAA is working with several universities to co-jointly develop a couple of studies that will be at first-year university level and form part of the VCE. They will be written in study-design format, assessed through the VCE assessment regime, and accredited by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). As a consequence they will contribute towards satisfactory completion and students will receive a study score. From a pathways perspective, universities will offer different incentives to students who have completed these studies, for example, contribution to the first-year subjects in an undergraduate degree.

Of course, as with any study that is being reaccredited or newly developed, the VCE Guidelines and Principles of assessment and curriculum will need to be followed, including no duplication with other offerings. Currently with the Extension studies program, universities must get approval from the VCAA that their extended programs do not duplicate existing VCE programs to maintain the integrity of the VCE. It will be the role of an expert group and the Review panel to determine the boundaries and details of the VCE IT offerings, but they must all comply with these curriculum and assessment guidelines.

This is new territory and we are proceeding with care and enthusiasm.

Regards
Paula

Paula Christophersen
Curriculum Manager, Digital Technologies
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment
Authority
2 Lonsdale Street
MELBOURNE 3000
(03) 9032 1724
0407 043 110

From: sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Mark
Sent: Thursday, 4 April 2013 4:27 PM
To: Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Year 12 SofDev] VCAA Bulletin Notice - expressions of interest: VCE IT Review Panel


On 4 April 2013 15:59, Christophersen, Paula P <christophersen.paula.p at edumail.vic.gov.au<mailto:christophersen.paula.p at edumail.vic.gov.au>> wrote:
a new pair of units at levels 3 and 4 that will focus on computer science

I'd certainly like to know the rationale and anticipated content of the new pair of units at levels 3 and 4 that will focus on computer science, especially how it differs from ITA and SD.
Is that published anywhere?

One of the Marks

--
Mark Kelly
mark AT vceit DOT com
http://vceit.com


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