Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority VCAL Introduction David Gallagher Manager - VCAL Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority gallagher.david.j@edumail.vic.gov.au

Senior School Certificates VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) Literacy & Numeracy, Industry Specific Skills, Work Related Skills, Personal Development Skills Senior School Certificates VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) Usually 20-24 units 90 different studies available Vocational Education & Training VCE VET Program School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Other VET Certificates

Policy driving VCAL Ministerial Review of Post Compulsory Education and Training Pathways in Victoria 2000 (Kirby Report) stated: Strong links between education/training outcomes and employment Pathways for young people are uncertain, unequal and poorly signposted VCE has its limitations as a program suited to the entire cohort at the upper secondary age

VCAL Senior secondary school qualification Accredited in July 2002 Based on existing good practice Develops and extends pathways for young people to: Work, apprenticeships/traineeships Training and further education

VCAL enrolments 2011

VCAL providers 2011

Applied learning principles Negotiate curriculum. Engage in a dialogue with learners about their curriculum Connect with the communities and real life experiences Integrate learning. Real life tasks are used to achieve leaning outcomes from a number of the VCAL strands Share knowledge. Recognise the knowledge learners bring to the learning environment

Applied learning principles cont’d Concerned with working with a student in a holistic manner - valuing skills and knowledge that may not normally be the focus of more traditional school curricula Takes into account differences in preferred learning styles and ways of learning Assess appropriately

VCAL VCAL Fab Four Curriculum flexibility Learner diversity Community connections Assessment practices

VCAL curriculum strands Four compulsory curriculum strands: Literacy and Numeracy Skills Industry Specific Skills Work Related Skills Personal Development Skills

VCAL curriculum strands Work Related Skills (WRS) School based projects focusing on enterprise, teamwork, communication, resume writing, job applications, researching industry areas, OH&S etc. The unit may include structured work placements. Personal Development Skills (PDS) Development of knowledge/skills that leads to the development of self, social responsibility, building community, civic responsibility and improving self confidence.

VCAL curriculum strands Literacy & Numeracy Skills (LNS) Literacy Skills curriculum encourages the development of knowledge/skills, in the contexts of family, employment, further learning and community Numeracy Skills curriculum develops skills to use mathematical skills within society related to design, measuring, time, travel etc Industry Specific Skills (ISS) The development of knowledge/skills related to one or more vocational areas in preparation for work or further training

VCAL award levels 3 VCAL award levels: Foundation Intermediate Senior

VCAL course components A VCAL learning program may contain curriculum components drawn from: VCAL units (LNS, ISS, WRS and PDS) VCE units (including VET in the VCE programs) Other VET curriculum or Training Packages Further Education accredited curriculum

VCAA VCAL resources Professional development program for VCAL providers Curriculum Planning Guides Unit Assessment Planning Guide VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook Brochures for parents/Year 10 students Web address: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au

Community support

Applied Learning in the VCAL School-based learning in classroom contexts Work-based learning in work place settings Service learning in community contexts Project-based learning based involving 'real-world' issues Adult learning in vocational learning contexts

John and the Country Fire Authority John is 16 years old and completing his VCAL by blending his study at school with training courses and volunteer work with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

John and the Country Fire Authority Adult-based VET Certificate courses in fire fighting Fund-raising activities for the Fire-wise Trailer Contributions to fire-safety community education program Workplace learning with the Country Fire Authority Presentations for local community and publications developed and published for media Industry Specific Skills Personal Development Skills Work Related Skills Literacy & Numeracy Skills

Contact Details David Gallagher + 61 3 9032 1727 Email gallagher.david.j@edumail.vic.gov.au Cornelia DeBrincat + 61 3 9032 1726 Email debrincat.cornelia.c@edumail.vic.gov.au Anton Bouwer + 61 3 9032 1725 Email bouwer.anton.p@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au

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