VCAL

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is an accredited senior school certificate designed for year 11 and 12 students who wish to prepare for apprenticeships, employment or TAFE studies.
Our VCAL curriculum is offered at three award levels: foundation, intermediate and senior and integrates VET specialisations alongside core subjects. A student’s award level is determined in consultation with experienced staff at the initial interview. Practical skills are applied in real life settings, community activities, Structured Work Placements or schools-based apprenticeships within a chosen vocational field.

Link to Careers & Pathways


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General Stream VCAL

A General Stream VCAL certificate is for students seeking a practical, hands-on learning alternative to a VCE qualification. This certificate combines core subjects with VCE subjects or VET electives in the Arts or Trades & Technology.  Core subjects include Work Related Skills, Interview Skills, Personal Development Skills and Literacy and Numeracy skills to prepare students for employment pathways or further TAFE studies in their chosen field. VET or VCE electives are selected by the student based on their area of interest. The College appoints a Careers Advisor to assist parents and students with the design of a personalised curriculum based on a student’s individual needs.

Core Subjects

  • Literacy & Numeracy
    In the Literacy stream your reading and writing skills will improve as you study texts of your choice, create radio programs, get involved in interviews or in a special project. In the Numeracy stream you will learn skills you need like managing your money or maths related to the job you want to do. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCAL page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au
  • Personal Development Skills
    This subject involves student-negotiated projects exploring issues that are relevant and important to you, while developing important personal skills such as planning and organising activities, using technology and working in a team. Past projects include: organising a four-day camp, the creation of a student radio broadcast, community work,and the planning and organising of a vegetable garden. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCAL page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au
  • Work Related Skills
    This area focuses on job seeking skills, training information and career advice. You will have the opportunity to explore your career options in work placements, schools-based apprenticeships and part-time work - all of which count towards the certificate. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCAL page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au

VET Arts Electives


VET Technologies Electives


VET Community Electives

VCE Electives

  • Business Management
    Learn about how to run a small business, including the use of computers to perform relevant tasks. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Dance
    Students study both dance performance and choreography, developing a personal language and expression, alongside technical skills. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Health & Human Development
  • Legal Studies
    This subjects involves the investigation of criminal law, civil law, how laws are constructed, and the issues of dispute resolution and justice. Students study actual cases to investigate how and why the legal system works, and changes over time.
  • Maths
    There are several different Maths subjects offered at VCE level. These include Foundation Maths, General Maths, Mathematical Methods, and Further Maths. Course advisors and teachers will help you select the best Maths subject for your career path. For further information see the Subject outline documents on the VCE page, and for the full Study Designs go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Media
    Make and complete your film, animation, radio/audio show, newspaper or multimedia piece – it’s your choice. Look at the impact of new technology on the media. Identify how a production goes from its initial stages to finished product; take on a specialised role within a production and understand the need for collaboration. Look at the Australian media industry: What gets made? Why? By whom? Look at how society’s values have shaped the media. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Music Investigation
    This subject is based on group or solo performance, and involves aural comprehension, music theory, composition, improvisation and a range of activities related to performance. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Music Performance
    Students undertake performances of group and solo work, develop listening skills, learn to sing or play music and understand written notation. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Music Style and Composition
    This subject involves exploring a range of music, creating and analysing music, and how people create music. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Product Design & Technology (Fashion / Textiles)
    Product Design & Technology (Fashion / Textiles) is an introduction to the areas of fashion design & textile design. Based on practical projects, and with a focus on sustainability, students will research, analyse, and produce pieces that explore contemporary trends. Possible career paths include fashion design, fashion merchandising, textile design & production, visual merchandising, footwear, and product development. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Psychology
    This subject looks at the human brain and perception. Students investigate different stages of life, how the mind works, and questions of illusion and identity. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Studio Arts
    Studio Arts addresses issues of popular culture and establishing personal art styles. There is a focus on contemporary art, with students visiting artist studios & exhibitions, and College-based workshops & tutorials with visiting artists. Students have the opportunity to explore new mediums and ways of doing things, while developing their own artistic style, annotating, & idea development. Students may choose either a general Studio Arts stream, or a Photography based Studio Arts stream. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Studio Arts - Photography
    Studio Arts addresses issues of popular culture and establishing personal art styles. The photography emphasis in this subject covers both film & darkroom techniques, and digital photo imaging,
  • Systems Engineering
    Systems Engineering complements VET Engineering for students interested in Tertiary study in the technology area. This subject promotes innovative thinking and problem-solving skills through a project-based learning approach. It provides opportunities for students to learn about and engage with systems from a practical and purposeful perspective. The study emphasises integration of basic engineering and physics theory with practical tasks. Systems Engineering provides an opportunity for students to develop capabilities in, and knowledge about, the design, operation, construction, assembly, maintenance, diagnosis, repair and evaluation of technological systems, applicable to a diverse range of fields such as engineering, manufacturing, automation, control technologies, mechatronics, electrotechnology, robotics, and energy management. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Theatre Studies
    This subject delivers engaging units focusing on the application of acting, direction and design in relation to theatre styles and conventions from the pre-modern and modern era. Students develop knowledge and skills about theatre production processes including dramaturgy, planning, development and performance to an audience. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html
  • Visual Communication Design
    This subject looks at the design process, drawing for communication, the use of type and imagery, and the context in which design happens. Students are involved in job briefs that may cover visual, environmental, or industrial design. For further information see the Subject outline document on the VCE page, and for the full Study Design go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/index.html

Integrated VCAL

For Year 11 and 12 students who have developed a definite passion for a future career, the College delivers highly specialised Integrated VCAL programs across Trades and Technologies, the Visual Arts, Music, and Sport & Recreation. Curriculum design for core subjects such as Literacy and Numeracy are refined to suit the employment needs of the student’s specialisation. Students select and integrate a VET certificate within a personalised curriculum for an enhanced practical learning experience. Invaluable industry experience through Structured Work Placements and local community projects complements this unique approach to learning.

Arts

Themed VCAL programs



Please note:
  • Music and Dance are in an integrated Performance VCAL with specialisations in each area
  • Visual Art is integrated with the Certificate II and III in Visual Art

Trades & Technologies

Integrated VCAL programs / Pre-Apprenticeships & Trades

The College’s Pre-Apprenticeships & Trades Program is integrated within an Intermediate or Senior VCAL qualification, which embeds the literacy and numeracy skills required for a student’s chosen industry specialisation. Structured Work Placements with industry are secured for one day per week, giving NCAT graduates a real edge in the workforce. Students also gain an OH&S White Card and a Level 1 First Aid Certificate on graduation.
 
The program provides year 11 and 12 students with proven pathways into a broad range of trades, through hands-on experience and a unique package of qualifications that employers will appreciate. Students elect one of four streams;
  • Plumbing & Engineering,
  • Electrical & Engineering,
  • Auto & Engineering,
  • Building Construction & Furnishing.

Students gain two Certificate II qualifications based on their chosen specialisation. 
This provides students with exposure to a broad range of skills to enable an informed decision regarding their preferred industry specialisation.

Sport Leadership

Students may choose an integrated VCAL program in Sport Leadership
Students gain a Certificate III qualification, and an Intermediate or Senior VCAL qualification.
For further details please contact the College.