THE NEW VCE VOCATIONAL MAJOR

Announcing a new applied learning option in the VCE! The new VCE Vocational Major, which has replaced VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning), will be a much better fit for some students than the standard VCE. It can offer so much more than an ATAR, opening up pathways rather than closing them.

The emergence of new technologies, globalisation and shifting workforce needs are reshaping the way we live and work. Not only are the skills needed for success in our fast-moving world changing rapidly, there are now also more pathways into careers than ever before.

So, what are the skills our students will need to thrive in the 21st Century? Competencies such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and digital literacy top the list. Applied learning seeks to develop these skills in our students in a different way through an active process in which learners apply knowledge and skills gained from theory, hands-on experience, and authentic learning opportunities.

Applied Learning Co-ordinator Priscilla Herington says that the new VCE Vocational Major is structured exactly the same as the VCE, with the only major difference being the way in which it is assessed.

“Students who choose an applied learning pathway will now finish Year 12 with a VCE. It offers a different pathway with a strong emphasis on vocational training, and opportunities such as School Based Apprenticeships.”

She says this means more connection to industry and more pathways to different careers.

“It leads not only to TAFE and applied learning pathways post-school but also, importantly, to tertiary options."

“Not every student finds traditional academic learning engaging or appropriate for the way they learn.”

As part of the Applied Learning program at Grammar, in addition to getting their VCE Vocational Major and VET qualifications, students also have the opportunity to learn micro-credential skills such as barista skills, food handling, café management, Responsible Serving of Alcohol and First Aid which they can immediately use in a workplace environment.

The VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses that complement the New VCE Vocational Major are industry-specific and provide a head start, with students entering their post-school years with qualifications and experience in the workplace. Grammar delivers a number of VET courses internally, such as our very successful VET Agriculture course. Students also have access to 30 other VET offerings through the local Highlands LLEN cluster.

Peyton McMillan (Year 12) and Olivia Butler (Year 12) are two of 36 students from across Years 10, 11 and 12 who are studying the new VCE Vocational Major in 2023.

Peyton is studying the new VCE Vocational Major as well as two VET courses and completing a management program.

“I’m currently doing Certificate III in Retail and a trainee management program with McDonald’s every Wednesday. I’m also doing Certificate III Allied Health which I plan to take into studying Paramedicine at tertiary level. I love the flexibility of my current program and the ability I now have to step into the workforce more genuinely. I also really enjoy building my skills in an authentic environment.”

Olivia is studying the new VCE Vocational Major, General Maths 3/4 and VET Agriculture.

“I love how hands-on it is. I love all the activities we get to do and the practical skills we are learning. I really like how relevant the content is. After I leave school I’m looking at getting a job in hospitality using the microcredential skills and qualifications I’ve gained this year. Once I’ve worked for a while I’ll think about further opportunities.”

Old Grammarian Hamish Pulford (2021) studied the VCAL program, achieving a VET Certificate III in Allied Health and VET Certificate II in Community Services before leaving school. Since Year 12, Hamish has gained management experience in hospitality and is hoping to work in the renewable energy sector and study Environmental Sciences at university.

“Taking the Applied Learning pathway and studying VET courses while at school was a great choice for me. I learned tonnes of practical skills. The teachers were a key part of why I liked it – they supported me and pushed me to do what I wanted. I love that you have lots of options when you leave school, maybe even more than other students, because of the hands-on skills you learn.”

OUR ACADEMIC CURRICULUM.

There are many current examples, such as the experiential learning for our Year 9 students at City Cite, the place-based learning program for our Year 4 students at the Stephen & Sue Higgs Centre at the Mount Rowan Farm Campus, and the impressive outdoor education experiences available, from the Bushlings and Bush Kinder programs for our youngest learners in the Centre for Early Education (CEEd) through to the school-wide camp program.

Practical learning programs on offer over the years have featured practical skills considered important for students to thrive and are a reflection of the times. Examples include the needlework classes taught at Queen’s and Mr Dart’s wood cutting with students helping to deliver the wood.