Teaching and Learning

Your World. Your VCE

There’s a new way to get your Victorian Certificate of Education at Peter Lalor Secondary College.

The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) is a two-year applied learning program that’s part of the VCE. However, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), has made provision for VCE VM studies to be delivered flexibly to meet the needs of students who may learn at a different pace. In 2025, our Year 10 students will trial the delivery of a VCE VM Literacy and Numeracy unit across more than one semester (one year). 

You will get skills for work and life and hands-on experience in one or more industries, finishing school with an employability edge.

Your teachers will assess your progress through a range of activities. Your only exam is the General Achievement Test (GAT) (Part A only).

The four VCE VM study areas use a different form of assessment to other VCE studies. The assessment is completed by your teacher in class, who’ll support you to achieve the requirements.

VCE VM subjects don’t receive a study score, so they won’t count towards an ATAR.

The VCE VM is a great choice if you prefer to learn in a real-world environment and don’t need an ATAR.

Where the VCE VM can take you

The VCE VM will help you prepare for:

• an apprenticeship or traineeship
• further education and training
• university, through alternative entry programs
• going straight into the workforce.

Your VCE VM subject options

To complete the VCE VM, you need to successfully complete at least 16 units. This needs to include:

• 4 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3 and 4 sequence)
• 4 VCE VM Numeracy units
• 4 VCE VM Work Related Skills units
• 4 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units
• VET at a Certificate II level or above (180 nominal hours).

Your World. Your VCE

As part of our overall program, at Peter Lalor Secondary College you also spend time learning in a workplace as part of your VET. This is known as Structured Workplace Learning Recognition.

Our students core learning centres around the following:

Work Related Skills

This subject helps you succeed in the rapidly changing world of work and study. You will explore different career options, develop a career action plan, and build job-seeking skills.You will learn about healthy and safe workplaces, your rights at work, and how to support the people you work with. You will build communication and teamwork skills and learn how to negotiate important workplace relationships.You will also identify your personal strengths and learn how to promote these in applications and interviews. You will create a professional portfolio for further education and job applications.

Personal Development Skills

In this subject, you will learn how to play an active role in your community. You will also create a deeper understanding and sense of your identity and your place in the world. You will explore how communities work together on a local, national, and global scale. You will apply this by planning a project to help your own community, in a group with other students. This subject will also help you learn about and build your emotional intelligence, social awareness, and leadership qualities. These relationship skills will help you succeed in the workplace, in further learning like university or TAFE, and in your personal life.

Literacy

In this subject, you will improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in a broad variety of situations, so that you can collect and share information effectively. You will analyse and interpret print, visual, spoken, digital and multimedia information, improving your ability to understand and create effective communications. This subject will help you develop confidence in your written and spoken communication skills. This will prepare you to succeed in a variety of settings, including at work.

Numeracy

In this subject, you will develop logical thinking and reasoning, and the ability to solve everyday problems. You will explore math theories, covering numbers, measurement, shapes, and data. You will strengthen your numeracy skills and apply this to real-world scenarios. You will learn to apply this knowledge in daily tasks, work, and the community. Numeracy will prepare you for many important parts of life, such as personal budgeting, comparing purchase options, meeting tax requirements and planning.

Vocational education and training (VET)

Every VCE Vocational Major student also includes VET in their program. This gives you practical skills in an industry you’re interested in, and a head start on your career path.

Structured workplace learning 

Students undertaking the VCE Vocational Major, and who are enrolled with registered training organisations (VET) can participate in structured workplace learning.

Structured workplace learning (SWL) is undertaken by students aged 15 years and over. It provides students with the opportunity to integrate practical on-the-job experience and learnings with secondary study.

Students are placed with employers primarily to observe and learn, not to undertake activities which require extensive training or experience. 

What you’ll get

When you finish your studies, you’ll get:

• a Statement of Results from the VCAA
• a Statement of Attainment from your VET training provider (if you completed any VET units)
• your VET qualification (if you completed one)
• your Victorian Certificate of Education with the additional words ‘Vocational Major’.

Students who don’t complete the certificate will receive a Student Achievement Profile summary that is provided by your TAFE or other VET training organisations. The statement lists all units passed for courses recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). 

Our Vision

Our goal is to prepare students for the workforce, and/or further study. We link closely with TAFEs and industry and understand what they expect from students, and we aim to ensure our students are ready for the next step. Our goal is to set students up with a range of soft skills that are transferable to any job. We also focus on certificates that are beneficial for students to have on their resumes, such as First Aid, Barista Training, and cooking skills.

VCE Vocational Major – How it Works at PLSC.

All enquires and additional information please contact: 03 9464 0122 or see our webpage: www.peterlalor.vic.edu.au