Senior Secondary Certificate Reform

Victoria’s senior secondary education is changing. From 2023, the new VCE Vocational Major will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL. This means the VCE will recognise different students equally. The new Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) will replace Foundation VCAL. Students will have more education choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences – preparing them for further study, training at TAFE or work. 

From 2023, more students will study the VCE. That is because the VCE will include the Vocational Major, a 2-year program that sits within the VCE. There will also be the Victorian Pathways Certificate for those who need flexibility in their learning. A new information and awareness campaign, "Many Talents, One VCE" will roll out explaining the changes. 

The changes are a result of the Review into Vocational and Applied Learning Pathways in Senior Secondary Schooling (the Firth Review). The review found we needed to improve vocational learning in schools. For more information, go to https://www.vic.gov.au/many-talents-one-vce

At Ballarat High School we will be offering all three certificates. Details will be available at the beginning of Term 3. There will be online Pathway Night Information sessions for Year 9 & 10 students on Thursday 21st July.

Sharon Eppingstall 

Assistant Principal – Learning & Years 11-12