Senior School

SENIOR School

Inspiring Me

Year 10 to Year 12

Our Inspiring Me program recognises the ever-changing world in which we live, and the need for young people to develop the ability to thrive in this environment after completing their secondary schooling journey.

The program is centred on problem-finding and problem-solving skills, inspiring our students to think actively, logically, socially, and creatively. With a focus on lifelong learning and effective communication skills, Inspiring Me prepares our students for the pathways and opportunities beyond our school gates.

Academics


Senior School classes are about consolidating the foundations for lifelong learning and encouraging the pursuit of personal excellence for each student. Teachers aim to inspire a passion for their subject, whilst teaching skills and knowledge that the students can apply throughout their Senior School journey and beyond.

Achievement is not only about academic success. At Peninsula Grammar as students embark on their VCE Academic Studies, they are encouraged to always strive to achieve their personal best and to learn for life, not just for an exam. For students who are encouraged to use high-order thinking skills and who can critically analyse the subject matter before them, an exam should be a less demanding form of assessment in which they excel.

 

Personalised Study Program

The Personalised Study Program is designed to support students’ unique strengths, interests, and circumstances. This flexible approach allows eligible students to request the tailoring of their academic journey. This could mean accelerating into VCE subjects not traditionally studied in Year 10, adjusting their three-year plan to accommodate elite sporting commitments, or modifying their VCE studies to include a university subject that contributes to their ATAR. It might also mean requesting an adjustment that leads to the study of one less subject in Year 12 to support their wellbeing, health, or learning needs. This personalised program assists students, where it is in their best interests, to achieve their best through balancing academic and personal goals.

Senior School Program


Considerable time and energy has been spent to design our VCE program and we are pleased to be able to offer a comprehensive list of VCE subjects. Our VCE structures are designed to achieve maximum flexibility to offer the best options for our students.

Year 10 Academic Program Subjects

Most Year 10 students have a 3 year VCE program at Peninsula Grammar. In addition to their Year 10 academic subjects, students are supported to study one VCE Units 1 and 2 subject so they are prepared, supported and experienced in VCE before they begin Year 11.

  • English or Extension English.
  • Geography.
  • History.
  • Mathematics (Foundation, General, Methods, Advanced).
  • Physical Education.
  • Science.
  • Select a combination of two subjects from a list of Electives and Units 1 and 2 Subject Offerings as part of the Personalised Study Program.

VCE Academic Program Subjects

Students may actively participate in a unique selection of learning experiences across the following subject offerings*:

(*All subjects are offered contingent on sufficient interest).

  • Art: Creative Practice Units 1-4.
  • Accounting Units 1-4.
  • Biology Units 1-4.
  • Business Management Units 1-4.
  • Chemistry Units 1-4.
  • Computing Applied Units 1-2.
  • Computing Data Analytics 3 – 4.
  • Drama Units 1-4.
  • Economics Units 1-4.
  • Food Studies Units 1-4.
  • English Units 1-4.
  • Literature Units 1-4.
  • English as an Additional Language (EAL) Units 1-4.
  • Bridging English as an Additional Language Units 1-2 (to be taken together with EAL Units 1 and 2).
  • Geography Units 1-4.
  • Global Politics Units 3-4.
  • Australian and Global Politics 1-2 (Global Politics Units 3-4).
  • Health and Human Development Units 1-4.
  • History: Modern History Units 1-2.
  • History Revolutions Units 3-4.
  • Languages: Chinese First Language Units 1-4.
  • Languages: French Units 1-4.
  • Languages other than French (offered externally and course fees apply).
  • Legal Studies Units 1-4.
  • Mathematics: Foundation Mathematics Units 1-4.
  • Mathematics: General Mathematics Units 1-4.
  • Mathematics: Mathematical Methods Units 1-4.
  • Mathematics: Specialist Mathematics Units 1-4*.
    *Students who wish to study Units 1 – 4 Specialist must also study Units 1 – 4 Methods.
  • Media Units 1-4.
  • Music Units 1-4.
  • Outdoor and Environmental Studies Units 1-4.
  • Physical Education Units 1-4.
  • Physics Units 1-4.
  • Product Design and Technologies Units 1-4.
  • Psychology Units 1-4.
  • Theatre Studies Units 1-2.
  • VET Sport Aquatics and Recreation First and Second Year.
  • Visual Communication and Design Units 1-4.

Vocational Education Training (VET) 


Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects in the VCE offer students a practical, hands-on approach to learning and provide a nationally recognised qualification. These subjects are ideal for students who enjoy applied learning and have a specific vocational interest. A wide range of external VET subjects are available to study such as Animal Care, Automotive, Dance, Equine Studies, Aviation, Applied Fashion Design, Interior Decoration, Building and Construction, and Electrotechnology.

While VET subjects offer many benefits, external programs may involve additional costs and transport requirements, so it’s important for students and parents to speak with the school’s Vocational Experience Coordinator to understand the application process, timelines, and fees.