VCAL Research Project
Let's make VCAL great again!
Did you know that the Geelong region has the largest number of VCAL providers in the State? This includes both schools and other non-school providers like the Gordon TAFE and some Neighborhood Houses/Learn Locals.
VCAL has for too long been the poor cousin to VCE. It's time to change that. The Geelong Region LLEN has committed to undertake a research project which will look at the benefits of studying VCAL, talking to schools and employers in the Geelong region about their experiences.
"The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning is a highly engaging senior secondary qualification. It aims to provide the skills, knowledge and attributes to enable students to make informed choices about employment and educational pathways." (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority)
We will be posting regular updates on here about what we have found through our research, so make sure you check back in regularly, or you can sign up to receive updates via email here
Resources
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
Study options in Yr 11 and 12 - Department of Education and Training
Making the case for VCAL - from our 2018 Annual Report
VCAL Success Stories
VCAL Coordinators' Cluster - Geelong Region
The VCAL Coordinators' Cluster is a vital component in the success of VCAL in Geelong schools. Coordinators meet regularly to discuss any changes in the structure or delivery of VCAL, as well as sharing learnings from what they've found successful in their own schools.
Click the image to read the full story.
Indie School Wodonga - The Indie School Wodonga commenced in 2006 to deliver VCAL to Year 11 and 12 students, and sought to support young people with a history of poor attendance and who struggled with literacy and numeracy. Indie School is a registered and accredited non government school specifically designed for the inclusion of those young people who have been unable to complete their studies in mainstream schools. It is designed for students aged 15 – 19 years who are not in traditional school.
What people are saying about VCAL
VCAL in the news
Kids of VCAL shrug off its 'dead end' reputation and get down to work
Published 24 November 2019:
Elaya Carbone's education as a chef began early in life, helping her Maltese father and Polish mother in the kitchen.
So by year 10, and already firmly set on a career in cheffing, Elaya knew VCE was not the road for her.
But when she told her teachers she wanted to do the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning and do a school-based apprenticeship in commercial cookery in her last two years of secondary school, some tried to talk her out of it.
Read the full article here
Review to look into Victorian trades teaching
Published 12 November 2019:
The Victorian state government has announced a review of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and the state’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector as delivered through Victoria schools. Read the full article here
VCAL Review to improve learning and pathway options
Published 11 November 2019:
The Andrews Labor Government will review the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Victorian schools, to ensure all students can choose a path through senior secondary school that offers a high-quality qualification providing the technical and practical skills that our economy needs.
Read the full media release here
Lorne P-12 VCAL student forum
The VCAL Student Forum, held on 15th October, was attended by 350 VCAL students from 34 schools across the Geelong region. It was the first such forum held which provided VCAL students with the opportunity to meet each other. VCAL coordinators and students reported positive feedback, expressing a desire for it to become an annual event. The day was free to attend, and included workshops and inspirational speakers.