VCAL The hands-on option

for Year 11 and 12 students

VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF APPLIED LEARNING

Information for students and parents at Gisborne Secondary College

2022

WHAT IS THE VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF APPLIED LEARNING? The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) aims to be a hands-on option for senior

secondary students. VCAL is a vocationally specific pathways-based program. VCAL provides students with practical work experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. Like the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the VCAL is a recognised Senior Secondary Qualification. VCAL is a pathways-based certificate. This means that students who do VCAL are likely to be interested in going on to do further training at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institute, starting an apprenticeship, or employment. The VCAL’s flexibility enables learning that suits individual interests and learning needs. To gain their VCAL certificate students undertake units from compulsory strands. VCAL is made up of accredited courses/units. A student’s VCAL learning program must include:

• at least one literacy unit • at least one numeracy unit • at least one unit from the Industry Specific Skills strand (VET qualifications or SBAT) • at least one unit from the Work Related Skills strand • at least one unit from the Personal Development Skills strand

WHAT DO I GET AFTER SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THE VCAL AT GSC? If you successfully complete your VCAL program at GSC, you will receive a Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority accredited VCAL Certificate at either Foundation, Intermediate or Senior level. You will also get a Statement of Results listing all VCAL, VCE and Vocational Education and Training (VET) units undertaken.

VCAA’s SENIOR SECONDAY REFORM WHAT DO THE PROPOSED CHANGES MEAN FOR VCAL?

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) have started a transition process from two separate Senior Secondary Certificates (VCE and VCAL) to a single

Victorian Certificate of Education in 2025. While VCAL is changing, Vocational Education pathways will remain.

Victoria is transforming the delivery of senior secondary education with the introduction of a single senior secondary certificate that will offer greater access to quality vocational and applied learning pathways for all students. The senior secondary education reforms aim to provide access to education and training that is relevant, engaging and that delivers in-demand skills for the future world of work, ensuring that students can access education that leads to employment.

For 2022, students will still be able to enrol in either the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) or the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The following year, in 2023, VCAL students will be enrolled in the new VCE Vocational Specialisation or the new foundation pathways certificate which will be introduced to replace Foundation VCAL. Students entering a VCAL program in 2022 will continue with the current VCAL structure at Year 11 in 2022 and Year 12 in 2023. Please note that until the VCAA release further information about the Vocational Pathway Specialism (scheduled to commence from 2023), it has been advised that only Senior VCAL will be offered to Year12’s in 2023. The VCE Vocational Specialisation (from 2023) will be recognised internationally, be valued by employers and will build on the strengths of VCAL including providing:

flexible timetables that allow students to study at school, TAFE and work opportunities to experience real-life workplaces subjects that will build students skills and prepare them for life after school greater access to high quality VET learning, either in school, a neighbouring school or a local TAFE

The new certificates are part of a suite of 38 reforms recommended in the Review into Vocational and Applied Learning Pathways in Senior Secondary Schooling (the Firth Review) to lift the quality and perception of vocational education and help more students access high-quality applied learning programs.

REFORM CHANGES AND ENROLMENT OPTIONS

SENIOR SECONDARY CERTIFICATE REFORM TIMELINE

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Please note: The VCAA will be releasing additional information about the secondary school reform and any implications or

changes that may happen as a result throughout the transitional process. Vocational Specialisation and Foundation Pathways are not the final certificate names and are subject to change.

For more information about the Senior Secondary Reform Changes please contact GSC’s VCAL Leader Further information is also available from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority; visit

www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or call 1800 134 197.

Year 11 - VCE (Unit 1 and 2) - VCAL (Foundation / Intermediate)

Year 10 - Victorian Curriculum

Year 12 - VCE (Unit 3 and 4) - VCAL (Intermediate / Senior)

Year 11 - VCE (Unit 1 and 2) - Foundation Pathways Certificate - Vocational Specialism (Unit 1 and 2)

Year 10 - Victorian Curriculum

Year 12 - VCE (Unit 3 and 4) - Foundation Pathways Certificate - VCAL (Senior)

Year 11 - VCE (Unit 1 and 2) - Foundation Pathways Certificate - Vocational Specialism (Unit 1 and 2)

Year 10 - Victorian Curriculum

Year 12 - VCE (Unit 3 and 4) - Foundation Pathways Certificate - Vocational Specialism (Unit 3

and 4)

Year 11 - VCE (Unit 1 and 2) - Foundation Pathways Certificate - Vocational Specialism

(Unit 1 and 2)

Year 10 - Victorian Curriculum

Year 12 - VCE (Unit 3 and 4) - Foundation Pathways Certificate - Vocational Specialism (Unit 3

and 4)

Year 11 - VCE (Unit 1 and 2) - Foundation Pathways Certificate

Year 10 - Victorian Curriculum

Year 12 - VCE (Unit 3 and 4) - Foundation Pathways Certificate

VCAL – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Selecting a Senior School Program that is both appropriate to your needs and future

aspirations is important. Here are some of the common questions and concerns:

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT VCAL CERTIFICATE LEVEL I AM? When an application be part of the GSC VCAL Program is received your teachers, the Senior School and Careers will discuss with you the appropriate certificate level for your circumstances.

WHAT ARE INDUSRTY SPECIFIC SKILLS? Industry Specific Skills are the pathways or vocational components of your VCAL. This is the part of your program that links your schoolwork with both Structured Workplace Learning and VET.

CAN I PICK MY SUBJECTS? VCAL has requirements and regulations about what can and cannot be undertaken. In some instances, VCE subjects can contribute towards VCAL Strands. VCE Mathematics, for example can contribute to the Numeracy Strand requirements for the VCAL Certificate. If you would like to undertake a specific subject as part of your VCAL program, please speak with the VCAL Leader. Please note, however, that all subject selection requests are timetable dependent.

WHAT IS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING? Vocational Education and Training (VET) provides an opportunity for schools, training institutes and industry to work together in preparing students for employment and further training. Most secondary schools offer VET/SBAT courses that contribute to satisfactory completion of the VCAL and provide a VET credential that is recognised nationally.

WHERE WILL I COMPLETE MY VET STUDIES? Vocational Education and Training courses are conducted both internally at GSC and externally though VET providers. Internal VET courses include: Workplace Skills (formally VET Business), Building and Construction, Allied Health, Auto, Project Ready and more. External VETs can include: Animal Studies, Plumbing, Beauty, Electro Technology, Engineering and more. Please note that given the extensive range available, VET subjects may not all fall on the same day. This means we cannot timetable out a dedicated day. Students will therefore be required to be organised and self-manage their school work and VET requirements. Further, students who elect to complete an external VET need to make their own travel arrangements. For further information about VET please see the Gisborne Secondary College VET Handbook. WILL PRIOR VET OR VCE STUDIES

CONTRIBUTE TO MY VCAL? VET units completed in previous years can be used towards your VCAL. If you have an ‘S’ result for the satisfactory completion of a VCE unit, it will count towards your VCAL. If you have previously completed VET or VCE units speaking with the VCAL Leader or careers counsellor will determine if your prior study counts towards your VCAL and to plan the remainder of your VCAL program accordingly.

HOW IS THE VCAL ASSESSED? The VCAL is made up of accredited courses/units. VCAL programs are assessed by teachers in accordance with assessment requirements for each part of the program and their VCAA Study Design. Teachers assess Learning Outcomes as an ‘S’ or ‘N’. Outcomes need to be completed to a suitable level in order for the satisfactory completion of a unit to occur.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF VCAL? VCAL students undertake a number of programs within their certificate some of these will require a financial contribution for facilitation. These costs cover activities and excursions such as Personal Development camp/s and certificate based short-courses such as First Aid Level II, Responsible Serving of Alcohol and Food Hygiene. For further information about VCAL costings please contact the GSC Finance Team.

CAN I SWAP TO VCE IF I CHANGE MY MIND? As Senior School Certificates VCAL and VCE units are transferable. If your selected program isn’t working you need to speak with Senior School staff and careers counsellors to decide the best option.

WHAT IS STRUCTURED WORKPLACE LEARNING? At GSC we encourage all of our VCAL students to have employment as part of their VCAL program. We have a dedicated Structured Workplace Learning Day (SWL) and a Structured Workplace Learning Coordinator to help students organize their placements. Students may also have employment as part of their Headstart Program or School Base Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT).

Students who have recognized employment through SWL may gain recognition and credit for part-time work while enrolled in the VCAL. This work can include: • School-Based Apprenticeships • Part-Time Work • Structured Workplace Learning Placement.

WHERE WILL VCAL TAKE ME? Students who complete VCAL can go on to further education, apprenticeships or traineeships and/or employment.

WHAT DO I STUDY IN VCAL? There are compulsory components in VCAL but there is also flexibility. The VCAL Leader and Careers Team will be able to help you develop a VCAL program that best suits your particular

learning needs and interests. To be awarded the VCAL certificate, students must successfully complete a learning program that contains a minimum of 10 credits (semester units). There are also a number of VCAA rules that VCAL programs must follow. This includes the types of subjects students can enroll into and at what level. The 10 credits must include:

a. Core VCAL Curriculum Components: Literacy Strand Units Numeracy Strand Units Work Related Skills Units Professional Development Units

b. Industry Specific Skills Components: This can be comprised of selected VCE subjects or VET/ SBAT / Headstart Programs. This component requires the value of at least one credit (90hrs of VET modules equals one credit)

Students are normally enrolled in 11 units as part of their VCAL Program at Gisborne Secondary College. This may include general credit subjects; typically VCE and VCAL subjects.

THE CORE CURRICULUM EXPLAINED What is the Literacy Strand? Your VCAL program must include Literacy subjects. Students can choose VCAL Literacy Skills or English* units to address this strand.

In Literacy Skills students complete 12 Learning Outcomes across the entire year (totally two units). Literacy includes reading, writing and oral communication skills.

The purpose of this strand is to enable the development of skills, knowledge and attitudes in literacy that allow progression in the main social contexts of family, employment, further learning and citizenship. Students explore literacy in terms of self-expression, knowledge, public debate and practical purposes. What is the Numeracy Strand? VCAL programs must include Numeracy subjects. Students can choose VCAL Numeracy Skills or Mathematics* units to address this strand.

Numeracy is the ability to use mathematical skills in order to carry out purposes and functions within society related to designing, measuring, constructing, using graphical information, money, time and travel, and the underpinning skills and knowledge for further study in mathematics or related fields.

Curriculum selected for Numeracy in this strand should develop skills to facilitate the practical application of mathematics at home, work and in the community.

This strand is divided into units; typically one per semester. What are General Credit Subjects? General Credits are units undertaken that do not explicitly link to the core strands of VCAL. Students who successfully complete a General Credit unit will be given a credit towards their 10 units/credits. General Credits can be gained via VCE subject units and by undertaking Structured Workplace Learning Recognition alongside VET studies. *Timetable pending and teacher endorsement required.

What is the Work Related Skills Strand? The purpose of the Work Related Skills (WRS) Strand is to develop employability skills, knowledge and attributes valued within community and work environments to prepare students for employment.

The development of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) knowledge provides learners with the necessary preparation for the workplace. Locally developed programs that use different social and work contexts to develop the interests and employability skills of young people can be selected for inclusion in the Work Related Skills units

This strand is divided into two units; one per semester.

Selected VCE subjects will meet the Work Related Skills Strand. Speak with the VCAL Leader or Careers to find out more. What is the Personal Development Strand? The purpose of the Personal Development Skills Strand is to develop knowledge, skills and attributes that lead towards the development of self, social responsibility, building community, civic and civil responsibility.

The development of knowledge, skills and attributes in this strand underpins the development of skills in the three other VCAL curriculum strands. Students focus on working for the benefit of others, improved self-confidence and self-esteem and valuing civic participation in society.

Personal development includes self-esteem and personal qualities developed through valuing personal achievement and contributions for the benefit of the community or personal growth. This may involve demonstration of leadership, teamwork skills, accepting responsibility for goal achievement and reflecting on knowledge and skills for decision making and problem solving.

Locally designed programs can be developed to enable students to meet the learning outcomes of a Personal Development Skills VCAL unit.

This strand is divided into two units; one per semester.

WHAT COUNTS AS AN INDUSYTRY SPECIFIC SKILL COMPONENT? The purpose of the Industry Specific Skills Strand is to enable the development of skills, knowledge and attributes related to one or more vocational contexts. Students undertake Industry Specific Skills as preparation for progression to further learning or employment. The learning program should focus on vocational contexts in order for learners to make informed choices as to the pathway options available to them. There are no VCAL only units within the Industry Specific Skills Strand. At Intermediate and Senior level of VCAL: • Curriculum selected for this strand must be drawn from nationally recognised VET qualifications such as

state accredited curriculum or Training Packages (VET/Headstart/SBAT). At Foundation level: • Curriculum can be drawn from nationally recognised certificates or training package qualifications

(VET/Headstart/SBAT) or a selected VCE unit that has a vocational focus, for example, VCE Product Design and Technology.

Further information about accredited programs is provided in the VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook released annually by VCAA. The program selected for the Industry Specific Skills Strand must, however, be consistent with the purpose statement of this strand. It is not specifically intended that students will graduate as qualified in an occupational area, but that they will have gained highly relevant experience and developed employability skills for an industry sector. Curriculum selected for this strand can include:

• selected VCE units such as Product Design and Technology units (in Foundation level only). • a combination of selected and completed VET modules/units of competency that are in total 90 hours.

THEMES AND ACTIVITIES ADDRESSED IN VCAL At Gisborne Secondary College, our VCAL students are encouraged to participate in a range

of tasks and activities that reflect different themes. Across the different subject strands, teachers will often integrate themes and ideas that are studied in order to enhance

understanding and application. Themes at Foundation/Intermediate Year 11:

• Self-awareness and values • The environment • Health and fitness • Road, car and bike safety • Tolerance and understanding • Teamwork

Themes at Intermediate/Senior Year 12: • Organisational skills • Community engagement • Resolving conflict • Awareness of social issues at local, national and

international levels • Teamwork

Activities and Project Examples Foundation/Intermediate at Year 11:

• First Aid Level II • Food Hygiene/Barista Course • Bike Ed Skills Course/Bike maintenance • Personal Development camp • Environment/Community work • SCOPE (See The Person, Not The Disability Course) • Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA) course • Fitness sessions • Orienteering • Driver Education Course (optional)

Activities and Project Examples Intermediate/Senior at Year 12:

• CPR Upgrade • CFA/SES interaction • Homelessness awareness and community work by

visiting the Salvation Army in Melbourne. • Corrections Centre awareness, visiting Loddon Prison • Conflict resolution activity • Amnesty International interaction • Community engagement activities (organised by

students) • Personal Development camp (The Grampians) • Port of Melbourne tour • Interaction with Sunbury Specialist School

Student expectations and organisation of these activities is dependent on their VCAL certificate level. Teacher support is scaffolded according to level.

Senior VCAL Students, for example, are expected to work semi-autonomously. Seniors are required to take on a greater level of responsibility implementing themes and activities.

While Foundation Level students will have greater teacher supports.

WHERE CAN VCAL TAKE ME? If I complete a VCAL Qualification, what will it mean I can do?

If you are considering going to university straight from school VCAL is probably not the best option for you. Students planning to go straight into higher education usually undertake VCE studies, which allows them to gain an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). If you are studying VCAL at Senior Level and decide that you might be interested in going to university, check with the Careers Team as some universities will consider students with a Senior VCAL Certificate for admission. However, entry straight from school is not the only route into university. Some people will study a VET course at TAFE, perhaps leading to a diploma or advanced diploma, and then decide that they would benefit from a university course. VCAL therefore can be a good starting point for this pathway. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS ONCE I HAVE COMPLETED A VCAL LEVEL? The VCAL will give you practical work-related experience and a qualification that will be recognised by TAFE institutes and employers. Together these will help you transition from school to employment, an apprenticeship or traineeship and/or further training at TAFE. If you start studying for your VCAL at Foundation level at Year 11 and successfully complete it, you may consider going on to complete either the Intermediate or Senior Level of VCAL in Year 12. Students who satisfactory complete Intermediate level VCAL in Year 11 can undertake Senior at Year 12. Alternatively at the end of Year 11 you might consider your options, and decide university is the right choice for you after all, and transfer into VCE.

WILL VCAL GET ME READY TO ENTER A TRADE? If you have completed VET units as part of your VCAL certification you will gave developed knowledge and skills that employers value. For example: industry awareness, use of tolls required in the industry and occupational health and safety. Completed VET units will also help demonstrate to an employer that you are keen to work in their industry. To find out more about VCAL, you can contact GSC’s VCAL Leader or the Careers Team. Further information is also available from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority; visit www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or call 1800 134 197.

WHAT IS THE COST OF VCAL? VCAL is the hands-on option for Year 11 and Year 12 students.

Activities, camps and excursions are an important component of the VCAL program at GSC. Throughout the year, students will actively organize and plan a range of experiences for their respective cohorts. These programs will often mean a financial cost is incurred. At Year 11, the Foundation/Intermediate Certificate costings is approximately $475. At Year 12, the Intermediate/Senior Certificate costing is approximately $350. Note, these fees are additional to any applicable VET fees. These costs cover short-course certificate enrollments, camps, excursions and general curriculum enhancing activities. Payment plans are available through the GSC Finance Office.

The Gisborne Secondary College Parent Payment Policy is attached at the end of this booklet.

SO, IS VCAL FOR YOU? VCAL is a complex program that offers students a range of experiences.

Students who do the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning are likely to be interested in going onto further training at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institute, starting an apprenticeship, or getting a job after completing school, rather than going directly to university. The VCAL course aims to provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to make informed decisions and choices about pathways to work, careers and further education. The key principles that underpin VCAL are:

• Tailoring a program to suit students interests and needs • Personal development • Development of work related and industry specific skills and community engagement • A hands-on approach to learning

These principles of applied learning are shown through the development of knowledge and employability skills that help prepare students not only for the workforce, but also for participation in broader society. Our VCAL students are expected to work semi-autonomously in Year 11 and autonomously in Year 12. They are also expected to be positive role models both in the school and wider community.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR VCAL Entry into GSC’s VCAL Program is not guaranteed. Students need to submit an application

and complete online preferences. There are no formal entry requirements for VCAL, however all students who wish to enrol in the VCAL program, must submit a written application and sit an interview to discuss their suitability for the program. Decisions about which VCAL level a student should be enrolled in, will be done in negotiation between the school, student and family, and should take into account the student’s literacy levels, interests, goals and abilities. The decision about entry into VCAL and at what level should also take into account the student’s:

• Strengths and interests • Preferred learning style • Vocational goals • Readiness for participation in structured workplace learning or formal vocational education • Teacher and peer support needs • Envisaged pathways • Leadership capabilities • Organisational skills

ARE YOU INTERESTED? If you are interested in enrolling in VCAL for year 11 or year 12, you must submit a hard copy of the VCAL application form. All students are required to complete their online preferences in addition to paper forms.

All Hard Copy VET, VCAL and VCE acceleration forms must be handed to the General Office by: Recess, Monday 2nd August 2021

All Online Subject Preferences must be submitted by:

9pm Sunday 8th August 2021 You will then be required to sit an interview with Senior School and Careers staff to discuss your future goals, and suitability for the VCAL program. Please be aware that over the last few years there have been many more applicants for the VCAL program than places available, so please ensure all paperwork is submitted on time, and that a VCE program is selected as a backup. For more information, please see or contact VCAL Leader Ms. Stephanie Cust.