Out of the Box

New Senior Secondary Pathways

Theresa Iacopino

The Victorian Senior Secondary certificates are changing!

From 2023 there will be more senior secondary certificate options for students at Box Hill High School so that all students have access to the pathways that will set them up for a successful post-school transition.  

 

Students will be able to choose between the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the new VCE Vocational Major.

 

What is the VCE Vocational Major?

  • The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) is a new program within the VCE.
  • The VCE VM will prepare students to transition successfully into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (through non- ATAR pathways) or directly into employment.
  • The VCE VM will ensure more Victorian students have access to high-quality vocational and applied learning pathways.
  • The VCE VM sets students up to thrive in a modern economy by providing a holistic education that develops technical, employability and social skills, including a Vocational Education & Training (VET) course.

 

Year 11 & 12 Pathways 2023

VCE

  • no change to current VCE subjects or assessment
  • Australian Qualifications Framework Level 2-3
  • Standards based assessment, and external examinations, leading to an ATAR

VCE VM

  • a new program with in the VCE
  • Australian Qualifications Framework Level 2-3
  • Standards based assessment, no external examinations, no ATAR

 

What is Vocational and Applied Learning? 

The practice of vocational and applied learning (VAL) is deeply embedded within the new VCE VM. VAL connects students to life outside the classroom, giving them more independence and motivating them to become responsible for their own learning.  Students apply skills and knowledge in practical settings.  

 

VAL will support the further development of key attributes and skills including:

  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Creative thinking
  • Self-motivation and time management
  • Problem solving

What is Vocational Education and Training (VET)?

VET courses are nationally accredited qualifications which aim to provide students with the skills and knowledge for particular careers. 

 

School students can do a VET qualification as part of their senior secondary certificate, including as part of the VCE where they can also contribute towards a student’s ATAR. 

All students enrolled in the VCE VM will do a VET course as part of their program. 

 

As well as doing VET as part of the VCE or VCE VM, school students may also gain a VET qualification through a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT), or as an apprentice or trainee through the Head Start program.  This way, young people can kick start the careers they want before they even finish school!

 

There are lots of benefits to undertake a VET course at school such as: 

  • Learn real work skills
  • Apply theory to practice
  • Gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst at school
  • Get a step up into a career pathway straight from school
  • Get a job in the field you’re interested in while undertaking further study

Where can I find out more?