VCAL / VOCM

Recently we had Dylan O'Keeffe, an ex-Beda boy (2016) who is now a professional racing car driver with Porsche motorsport team,  visit the VCAL/VOCM students and talked about his career in Motorsport and the pathway he took, beginning with go karts to get to where he is now.  

The students were all excited to talk to Dylan about his career in motorsport. Many students had questions for Dylan about his current working day, his career, the cars that he drives, the speeds he gets up to behind the wheel and motorsport in general.  This was an amazing opportunity to see an ex-Beda boy being so successful, and learn about motorsport as a career, either as a mechanic and or driver.

Noah Perpina

VCAL Yr 12

Grand Prix Excursion

The VCE-VM students attended this year’s Australian Formula One Grand Prix as part of the Driver Learning Education Program. There were exhibits from the Victoria Police, the Army, and several universities and TAFEs showcasing their STEM and Pathway Programs. 

When the students arrived, they were able to explore the public display of F1 cars, VR stations, food trucks, and various activities. During the day the students had the chance to sit in the stands and watch practice laps of the historical Formula 1 cars, as well as the F2 and F3 events. The highlight of the racing schedule was the Porsche Racing Challenge featuring Dylan O’Keeffe, an old boy of St Bede’s.  

The Grand Prix excursion provided the Vocational Major students with an opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world experiences. The Year 11 students’ focus was on literacy around the circuit while the Year 12's completed an Occupational Health and Safety audit. The students were able to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply those skills and knowledge to the workplace. By doing, experiencing, and relating their acquired skills to the real world, the students get a better understanding of themselves as learners. 

Rock Climbing

As part of the Vocational Major Senior Elective curriculum, the Year 11 and 12 students participated in a session of Indoor Rock Climbing. The Elective Program offers students the opportunity to develop their teamwork, problem-solving, collaboration, leadership, environmental awareness, social awareness, social interaction, community engagement & harm minimisation skills. The sessions were held at the Bayside Rock Indoor Climbing Centre in Carrum. The students were challenged to get out of their comfort zone and participate in an activity that requires them to collaborate, communicate and work as a team. 

It was pleasing to see the students have a go at all of the activities. They encouraged each other to reach the top of the walls and overcome their fears and build their self-confidence. 

Justin Shepherd

VCE Vocational Major Learning Leader

Mentone