Senior School
Years 10 to 12
Preparing young adults to follow their pathway
The senior years at Caulfield Grammar School are designed with a focus on personal development and academic performance, as well as preparing young adults for their chosen post-secondary destination.
The Years 10–12 study program aims to realise the potential of each individual by offering a diverse academic program with 49 VCE subjects, and a range of co-curricular experiences.
Year 10 students can include in their course of study a number of VCE Units suited to their interests and abilities. This means that the VCE is spread over three years rather than two, enabling students to tailor their own individual learning journeys for these three critical senior years.
Our excellent academic programs and innovative approaches to learning, tailored to each individual, are reflected each year in our VCE results, which consistently place Caulfield Grammar in the top Victorian schools.
Our Senior School learning programs are designed to support individual needs in many ways, including for example:
Acceleration
Acceleration at Year 10 into a Unit 1/2 subject (Year 11) and at Year 11 into a Unit 3/4 subject (Year 12) is available for suitably qualified students. Selection for acceleration is confirmed after consultation between the Head of Teaching & Learning, Head of House, Head of Faculty, students and parents.
Learning Strategies Services
The Learning Strategies Department supports individual student needs, offering remediation to help a student reach their academic potential. Assistance may be given in small group settings or in a one-on-one situation with teachers who are experienced in the field. Collaboration between teachers, students and parents is key.
Community Service
Caulfield Grammar has a long tradition of community service, fostering responsibility, cultural awareness and compassion. The Caulfield Grammar School Certificate of Excellence acknowledges students who have completed 20 hours or more of service. Year 10 students are also encouraged to develop awareness of community needs and take action through community service.
Student Leadership
Throughout their time in Senior School, students are given the opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership through student-led committees in their areas of passion – for example, from House Captaincy, Community Service, Sport, Music, Debating and STEM to informal leadership opportunities integrated within our day-to-day academic and extra-curricular programs.
‘Year 13’ traineeships are integral elements of the Year 9 Kakadu Program, Yarra Junction Education Outdoors and Sport programs, giving graduates an opportunity beyond school to gain valuable on-the-job work experience, provide care as a relatable student mentor, and receive ongoing professional development.
Work Experience
In Year 10 students may undertake a week of Work Experience during term breaks, aiding their transition to working life and supporting their intellectual, social and vocational growth. It also helps with career choices, understanding employment opportunities, adapting to workplace changes and valuing lifelong learning.
Careers Education
Our Careers Education Program for Years 10–12 helps students identify strengths, passions and skills while fostering adaptability and lifelong learning. Year 10 Morrisby tests guide career discussions on strengths and preferences. The program includes personalised career counselling, Careers Expo events, Subject Selection Fairs, Parent Career Presentations and Career Industry Breakfasts with alumni panels, empowering students to plan their future confidently.
VCE (Baccalaureate)
The VCE (Baccalaureate) is an additional recognition within the standard Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) for high-achieving students who complete challenging VCE studies, specifically a higher-level Maths (Methods/Specialist) and a VCE Language, alongside strong English results, showing depth and breadth in their studies. It’s not a separate certificate but an endorsed notation on the VCE Statement of Results, acknowledging students who tackle rigorous subjects beyond the core requirements.
VETiS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools)
VETiS allows students to complete a nationally recognised qualification, such as Certificate III in Screen and Media, alongside their VCE. Students undertaking a VETiS program can articulate into designated post-school academic pathways (TAFE and university) as well as enhance their transition from school to work.
Community Life
A dedicated 45-minute period called Community Life is scheduled each day within the Learning Program. In this period, Secondary students participate together in planned activities that promote a positive sense of belonging and wellbeing through coordinated community connection and supportive relationships. Providing access to a wide range of life experiences and transferable skills, students pursue their passions and customise their curriculum. Activities such as Assembly, Sport, House Activities, Academic Master Classes and Thrive lessons are scheduled during Community Life periods.
Other offerings include the following:
Thrive Curriculum: Years 7–12
Students engage with a comprehensive and age-appropriate Thrive curriculum each week. The focuses are on acquiring and applying the knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
Flexible Academic Time: Years 10–12
Whole year levels and smaller groups participate in joint activities that enhance academic learning and encourage the pursuit of interests such as Student Futures (careers) sessions, transition programs, planning camps and other experiences, academic support events (exam preparation, subject selection, VTAC discussions, subject-based Masterclasses, academic competitions), approaches to learning skills, and services of worship.
Recreational Physical Activity Program: Years 10–12
Offered as part of the core Sport Program, RAP includes recreational activities such as yoga, pilates, indoor rock climbing, fitness classes, HPR and strength and conditioning classes. Students are still required to participate in a competitive Sport for a minimum of two out of three seasons if they are in Years 10 and 11, and one season if they are in Year 12.
Caulfield Connection: Years 11 & 12
These sessions provide dedicated time to explore passions and interests beyond the traditional academic classroom, with a focus on practical learning experiences that provide students with transferable skills beyond Secondary School. Short courses and micro-credentials on offer allow students to pursue further study in a specialised field and are designed to build in-demand career skills, as well as deepening student understanding of areas of personal interest.
Quality Teaching
Our teachers, specialists and support staff are united in their motivation to provide a learning environment that nourishes learners to become capable and curious, helping them develop a ‘Mind for life’. We encourage a culture of continuous learning and support innovative education methods so that our educators are empowered to inspire our students each and every day.
Pastoral Care
Within our Secondary Schools, the Heads of House and Assistant Heads of House collaboratively support our students alongside Student Services, which includes our Counselling Service, Chaplaincy, Student Futures & Careers team, and Learning Strategies.
Having a multi-disciplinary team ensures we are able to create a strong community of care and promote a sense of belonging where every student feels known, heard and valued.
Cultural Immersion
Each year our Senior School students participate in cultural immersion experiences that foster a strong sense of community, cultural awareness and responsibility, inspiring students to make a positive difference to the world around them.
Extra-Curricular Experiences
Our extra-curricular programs inspire and engage all students to find their pathway through exploring Sport, The Arts, cultural immersion and experiential learning.
Senior School Life
