Applied Learning (VCAL)

Home > Curriculum > Applied Learning (VCAL)

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on option for Years 11 and 12 students who previously have completed Year 10.

The VCAL gives students practical work-related 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), it is a recognised qualification.

VCAL aims to provide the skills, knowledge and attributes to enable students to make informed choices about pathways to work and further education. The VCAL program is underpinned by personal development, students’ interests and pathways for Senior School students, in the context of applied learning.

VCAL is issued at three award levels:

  • Foundation (usually offered at the Reengagement Campus only)
  • Intermediate (usually undertaken by Year 11 students)
  • Senior (usually undertaken by Year 12 students)

Each VCAL course must include units in the following strands:

  • Literacy Skills
  • Numeracy Skills
  • Personal Development Skills
  • Work Related Skills
  • Industry Specific Skills

At PSC, VCAL students will normally complete an additional VCE subject on top of the above course requirements, which contributes credit to their program.

It is recommended that all VCAL students undertake a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT), or structured workplace learning (SWL).

Students who do the VCAL are likely to be interested in going on to training at Technical and Further Education (TAFE), doing an apprenticeship, or getting a job after completing secondary school.  However, if you start your VCAL and then decide the VCE is the right option for you after all, it won’t be too late to change your mind.  In fact, any VCE units you complete as part of your VCAL will count towards your VCE, should you decide to transfer between certificate courses.

Students will be counselled as to their options and parents will be involved in this counselling process to ensure they are fully aware of the options for their child. More details can be obtained by contacting the Careers Advisor at the College.

APPLIED LEARNING CURRICULUM

 

Year 11 Intermediate VCAL

  • Intermediate Literacy
  • Intermediate Numeracy
  • Personal Development
  • VET (own choice)
  • Work Related Skills
  • VCE Subject

Year 12 VCAL

  • Senior Literacy
  • Senior Numeracy
  • Personal Development
  • Work Related Skills
  • VET (own choice)
  • VCE Subject