Great question, the amount of time VCE coordinators spend doing this is considerable haha.

1 . It is standard VCE policy that students have at least 1-2 weeks to change the subject from the commencement of the class allowing you to question whether the subject is the right one for you. You do not want to be spending one whole year learning History for example if you find you cannot be bothered or are not too skilled in writing essay after essay and filling it with dates, years and important events.

Generally, this is why the first week of school is filled with going over the course content and describing what is required.

2 . It's too hard/easy/boring (sort of the same explanation as above)

3 . The subject teacher is not the ideal candidate, although VCE coordinators and teacehrs alike stress this should not be taken into account, I still think its a good basis for change! Teachers are humans, and our race is not all made equal, in terms of skill and knowledge that is)! Usually if students do not feel very confident in a subject, or it is the first time they are testing this "field" , if the teacher turns out to be not so ideal, it creates anotehr reason to drop it.

4 . Timetable clashes It has happened to me, and happens to many of us, especially if you plan to do a Unit 3/4 in year 11 where the timetable is not created to best match with year 12.

5 . Failing/on the burge of failing Many schools have policies regarding this, but generally if you fail a Unit you are forced to drop the subject.

6 . Failing attendance rate Once again, its set by the school but as a general rule of thumb its between 80-95% attendance per subject.

7 . Moving schools (need to fill timetable of a school doesn't offer a subject you previously commenced