Vocational Major Courses at St Mary's College

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Literacy
Numeracy
Work Related Skills
Personal Development Skills

Literacy

Course Description

Vocational Major Literacy focuses on the development of the knowledge and skills required to be literate in Australia today. The key knowledge and key skills encompass a student’s ability to interpret and create texts that have purpose, and are accurate and effective, with confidence and fluency.

Texts should be drawn from a wide range of contexts and be focused on participating in the workplace and community. Further to this, texts should be drawn from a range of sources including traditional books, film, media texts, multimodal texts, texts used in daily interactions, and workplace texts from increasingly complex and unfamiliar settings.

As students develop these skills, they engage with texts that encompass the everyday language of personal experience to the more abstract, specialised and technical language of different workplaces, including the language of further study.

The applied learning approach of this study is intended to meet the needs of students with a wide range of abilities and aspirations.

Course structure

Unit 1

Area of Study 1 – Literacy for Personal Use

In this area of study students will develop their reading and viewing skills and expand their responses beyond the Victorian Curriculum F–10: English, Victorian Pathways Certificate: Literacy and EAL Pathway C (Level 3).

This area of study focuses on the structures and features of a range of texts – print, visual and film – and the personal reasons readers may have for engaging with these texts. Students will read or watch a variety of texts for a personal purpose, such as finding information. Texts should be chosen from a range of local and global perspectives, including First Nations peoples’ and multicultural perspectives, and should include film, TV, online videos, song, poetry, biographies and digital content, and other texts of interest to the cohort. Through discussions and class activities students will develop their understanding of the structures and features of these text types, and examine how they are influenced by purpose, context, audience and culture.

Students will read texts that serve a variety of purposes, from everyday content written to convey information, to texts written for specific workplaces or educational settings. Students will employ a variety of strategies to develop their understanding of the purpose and key ideas within the written and spoken language. They will extend their knowledge of the layout and format of a range of text types and use indexes, headings, subheadings, chapter titles and blurbs to locate and extract information.

In their study of visual and film texts, students will examine how purpose, language and structure influence the audience of a text.

Area of Study 2 – Understanding and creating digital texts

In this area of study students build on and work to consolidate their digital literacy skills. Students will develop their capacity to critically assess digital texts, including webpages for vocational and workplace settings, podcasts and social media. They will continue to develop the analytic skills they used in Area of Study 1 to identify and discuss aspects of digital texts. As a part of their studies, students will discuss the reliability and effectiveness of websites in connecting with audiences and delivering factual messages and information.

Students will read, view and interact with different digital texts and participate in learning activities to develop their capacity to explore and discuss their impact. They will identify the ways a visitor encounters and experiences digital texts, considering their purpose and the social, cultural, vocational and workplace values associated with it. They will explore text through the prism of their own experience, knowledge, values and interests, and also those of others.

As a part of this exploration of the digital world, students participate and engage in learning practices that will equip them to deal safely and respectfully with others in the digital and virtual world.

Unit 2

Area of Study 1 – Understanding issues and voices

In this area of study, students will engage in issues that are characterised by disagreement or discussion, developing and expanding upon students’ learning from Unit 1. Students will consider the values and beliefs that underpin different perspectives and how these values create different biases and opinions, including thinking about how these issues might arise in particular vocational or workplace settings. Students will read, view and listen to a range of texts and content that demonstrate diverse opinions on a range of local and global issues, and which may impact on their community or be of particular concern to a vocational or workplace group. Students should consider the language and purpose of different text types and consider how this language is used to influence an audience.

Students will engage with a range of content from print, visual, aural and multimodal sources. Selection of text types should take into consideration the interests and abilities of the student cohort and the text types that students typically read, including social media. Students will discuss and explain how personal and vested interests, including those of particular vocations or workplaces, affect their own responses to an issue.

Students will practice note-taking and responding to short-answer questions as well as formulating their own oral and written opinions.

Area of Study 2 – Responding to opinions

In this area of study students practice their use of persuasive language and participate in discussion of issues, either in print, orally or via a digital platform. Students consider their own perspectives on issues and develop reasoned and logical responses to these discussions in a respectful and thoughtful manner.

Students consider the arguments presented and critically analyse the language, evidence and logic of the arguments of others so that they can create their own response. In constructing their own responses, students select evidence that supports their viewpoint. Students learn to accurately reference and acknowledge the evidence they select.

In developing their responses, students draft, revise, check and edit their writing to improve the clarity and meaning of their work.

Unit 3

Area of Study 1 – Accessing and understanding instructional, organisational and procedural texts

In this area of study students will become familiar with and develop confidence in understanding and accessing texts of an informational, organisational or procedural nature. These texts should reflect real-life situations encountered by students and be representative of the sorts of texts students will encounter in a vocational setting or workplace, or for their health and participation in the community.

Students will learn to recognise, analyse and evaluate the structures and semantic elements of informational, organisational and procedural texts as well as discuss and analyse their purpose and audience. Students will develop their confidence to deal with a range of technical content that they will encounter throughout adulthood, such as safety reports, public health initiatives, tax forms and advice, contracts, promotional videos and vocational and workplace texts.

As a part of this exploration of texts and content, students will participate and engage in activities that equip them to access, understand and discuss these text types.

Area of Study 2 – Creating and responding to organisational, informational or procedural texts

This area of study focuses on texts about an individual’s rights and responsibilities within organisations, workplaces and vocational groups. Students read and respond to a variety of technical content from a vocational, workplace or organisational setting of their choice, demonstrating understanding of how these texts inform and shape the organisations they interact with.

Unit 4

Area of Study 1 – Understanding and engaging with literacy for advocacy

In this area of study students will investigate, analyse and create content for the advocacy of self, a product or a community group of the student’s choice, in a vocational or recreational setting. Students will research the differences between texts used for more formal or traditional types of advocacy, influence or promotion, as well as some of the forms that are increasingly being used in the digital domain for publicity and exposure.

Students will consider which elements are important for creating a ‘brand’ (including personal branding) and how different texts, images, products and multimedia platforms work together to produce one, central message to influence an audience. Students will compare and contrast the ways in which same message can be presented through different platforms and participate in discussions that consider the effectiveness of these messages, considering their purpose and the social and workplace values associated with them.

Students will read, discuss, analyse and create texts that influence or advocate for self, a product or a community group of the student’s choice.

Area of Study 2 – Speaking to advise or advocate

In this area of study students will use their knowledge and understanding of language, context and audience to complete an oral presentation that showcases their learning. The presentation needs to be developed in consultation with the teacher and should focus on an area of student interest with a clearly stated vocational or personal focus. Students are encouraged to connect this area of study to their learning in Unit 4 of either Work Related Skills or Personal Development Skills. If students are not undertaking either of these studies, they may select an option from either of the two outlined below: Literacy for civic participation or Literacy for everyday contexts.

Entry and Recommendations

Students undertaking the Vocational Major pathway to VCE are required to complete 4 units of Literacy or VCE English. Therefore, students would be expected to enrol and complete all 4 Literacy units if choosing the VM pathway or will need an alternative VCE English sequence of 4 units.

Assessment

Satisfactory Completion

Demonstration of achievement of outcomes and satisfactory completion of a unit are determined by evidence gained through the assessment of a range of learning activities and tasks. Students must document work evidence in a folio and must meet the required standards of the unit demonstrating reading writing and oracy skills at the required level.

Level of Achievement

All Literacy Units

Coursework
- School based assessments
- Set reading tasks
- Compiled submission of evidence
- Project based tasks and outcomes
- Classroom based testing
- Classroom oral presentations

Numeracy

Course Description

Vocational Major Numeracy focuses on enabling students to develop and enhance their numeracy skills to make sense of their personal, public and vocational lives. Students develop mathematical skills with consideration of their local, national and global environments and contexts, and an awareness and use of appropriate technologies.

This study allows students to explore the underpinning mathematical knowledge of number and quantity, measurement, shape, dimensions and directions, data and chance, the understanding and use of systems and processes, and mathematical relationships and thinking. This mathematical knowledge is then applied to tasks which are part of the students’ daily routines and practices, but also extends to applications outside the immediate personal environment, such as the workplace and community.

The contexts are the starting point and the focus, and are framed in terms of personal, financial, civic, health, recreational and vocational classifications. These numeracies are developed using a problem-solving cycle with four components: formulating; acting on and using mathematics; evaluating and reflecting; and communicating and reporting.

Course structure

Unit 1

Area of Study 1 – Number

In this area of study students will develop number sense through meaningful application of numeracy practices to a range of contexts where whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages are used. Students will select the appropriate method or approach required and communicate their ideas. They should be at ease with performing straightforward calculations both mentally, manually and using software tools and devices.

Area of Study 2 – Shape

In this area of study students will learn to recognise, describe and name common two- and three-dimensional shapes. They will classify, manipulate, represent and construct common and familiar shapes in diagrammatical and concrete forms. They will also become familiar with common characteristics and properties used in classifying shapes.

Area of Study 3 – Quantities and measures

In this area of study students will develop an understanding of routine and familiar metric quantities and their units of measurement applied to single- and multi-step measurement tasks. They will conduct estimations of measurements, undertake routine measurements, perform measurement calculations, and convert units within the metric system with the embedded use of different technologies.

Area of Study 4 – Relationships

In this area of study students will recognise, understand and represent simple patterns of relationship and change in mathematical terms where it exists in common and familiar contexts and applications. They should be able to recognise when change is occurring, be able to identify common and simple mathematical relationships and variables, and apply the most appropriate process or processes to determine the results of change.

Unit 2

Area of Study 5 – Dimension and direction

In this area of study students will develop an understanding of space, direction and location in relation to common landmarks and key compass directions. They will give and follow directions to locations based on digital and printed maps and diagrams. The study of dimension also includes common and routine angles with degrees and an awareness of the one-, two- and three-dimensions of space.

Area of Study 6 – Data

Data can be found in everyday life, workplaces and society. In this area of study, students will collect, represent and undertake common analyses of data to look for patterns in data and derive meaning from data sets located within familiar and routine contexts. Data should be examined for comparison and analysis. Students should draw conclusions from the data and be confident in describing general patterns and trends.

Area of Study 7 – Uncertainty

In this area of study students will explore the basic concepts and everyday language of chance. They will make mathematical predictions about the likelihood of common and familiar events occurring or not occurring. They will also consider conclusions from familiar known events or data and make very simple inferences.

Area of Study 8 – Systematics

In this area of study students will understand the inputs and outputs of technology that can be used in everyday lives for the purposes of planning, collecting, sorting or categorising common and familiar quantitative or mathematical data and information. Students will choose a number of inputs of familiar data, compare the outputs and results, and understand the representations and any summary information derived from the technology.

Unit 3

Area of Study 1 – Number

In this area of study students undertake single- and multi-step operations and tasks applied to a range of numbers, including positive and negative numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages and numbers expressed using familiar power notations. Students should be confident in selecting the appropriate method or approach required and communicating their ideas. They should be at ease with performing calculations both manually and using software tools and devices.

Area of Study 2 – Shape

In this area of study students learn to recognise and name a range of two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects. They classify, manipulate, represent and construct a range of simple and compound shapes in diagrammatical and concrete forms. Students also become familiar with the different characteristics and properties used in classifying shapes.

Area of Study 3 – Quantity and measures

In this area of study students develop an understanding of metric measurements and their units of measurement applied to multi-step measurement tasks including working with commonly used non-metric measurements and their units of measure. Students will conduct estimations of measurements, perform a range of measurement calculations, and undertake conversions with the embedded use of different technologies.

Area of Study 4 – Relationships

In this area of study students recognise, understand and represent relationship and change in more formal mathematical terms, where it exists in relevant real-life contexts and applications. Students should understand when change is occurring and be able to identify and use formal mathematical relationships, variables, and mathematical processes to determine the results of change.

Unit 4

Area of Study 5 – Dimension and direction

In this area of study students develop an understanding of the use of space, direction and location in relation to landmarks and compass directions. Students should be able to accurately give and follow complex directions to multiple locations based on digital and printed maps and diagrams. The study of dimension also includes angles with degrees and spatial awareness.

Area of Study 6 – Data

Data can be found in everyday life, workplaces and society. In this area of study, students collect, represent and undertake different analyses of data to discover patterns in data, undertake summary statistics, and derive meaning from data located within relevant but possibly unfamiliar or non-routine contexts. Data should be examined for comparison and analysis. Students should draw conclusions from the data and their analysis and be confident to represent, describe and reflect on any patterns, outcomes and trends.

Area of Study 7 – Uncertainty

In this area of study students use concepts of randomness, chance and probability. Students should be able to make mathematical predictions about the likelihood of events occurring or not occurring. They should be able to consider and make conclusions about likelihood based on the data and make straightforward inferences. Students should be familiar with the concept of risk and apply the idea of uncertainty to risk.

Area of Study 8 – Systematics

In this area of study students develop an understanding of inputs and outputs of technology, including emerging technologies, that can be used for the purposes of planning, collecting, sorting or categorising a range of quantitative or mathematical data and information. Students should be confident in choosing multiple inputs of data, compare the outputs and results, and analyse, review and make decisions and conclusions based on the representations and any summary information derived from the technology.

Entry and Recommendations

There are no prerequisites for entry to Numeracy Units. Students undertaking the Vocational Major pathway to VCE are required to complete a minimum of 2 Numeracy units and have a minimum requirement for units at 3 and 4 level. Therefore, students would be expected to enrol and complete all 4 units if choosing this pathway or an alternative VCE Mathematics sequence of 2 units.

Assessment

Satisfactory Completion

Demonstration of achievement of outcomes and satisfactory completion of a unit are determined by evidence gained through the assessment of a range of learning activities and tasks. Students must document work evidence in a folio or book and must meet the required standards of the unit.

Level of Achievement

All Numeracy Units

Coursework
- School based assessments
- Mathematics class set tasks
- Compiled submission of evidence
- Project based tasks and outcomes
- Classroom based testing

Work Related Skills

Course Description

Vocational Major Work Related Skills (WRS) examines a range of skills, knowledge and capabilities relevant to achieving individual career and educational goals. Students will develop a broad understanding of workplace environments and the future of work and education, in order to engage in theoretical and practical planning and decision-making for a successful transition to their desired pathway.

The study considers four key areas: the future of work; workplace skills and capabilities; industrial relations and the workplace environment and practice; and the development of a personal portfolio.

Students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this study in the classroom environment and through Structured Workplace Learning (SWL).

Course structure

Unit 1 Careers and learning for the future

Area of Study 1 – Future careers

In this area of study students will evaluate information relating to employment. They will consider the reliability and credibility of information sources and the scope of labour market information available, including skills shortages and industry growth areas, emerging industries and current and future trends. Students will apply strategies to improve planning and decision-making related to gaining employment. They will develop research skills and collate evidence and artefacts relating to their future employment prospects.

Area of Study 2 – Presentation of career and education

In this area of study students will consolidate their knowledge and understanding of future careers and their personal aspirations, skills and capabilities. Students will develop strategies for conducting research and presenting their research findings, seek feedback and refine their goals through self-reflection.

Unit 2 Workplace skills and capabilities

Area of Study 1 – Skills and capabilities for employment and further education

In this area of study students will consider the changing nature of work and the impact this has on future career pathways. They will distinguish between transferable skills that are valued across industries and specialist and technical work skills required for specific industries. They will be able to recognise how personal capabilities contribute to future success, and demonstrate their own skills and capabilities through artefacts and evidence.

Area of Study 2 – Transferable skills and capabilities

In this area of study students will recognise the relationship between transferable and employability skills and capabilities. They will investigate the role of ongoing education, training and development for essential and specialist skills, and how these skills can be applied across different jobs and industries. Students will apply strategies to promote their unique skills and capabilities through writing job applications and participating in mock interviews.

Unit 3 Industrial relations, workplace environment and practice

Area of Study 1 – Workplace wellbeing and personal accountability

In this area of study students will be introduced to the features and characteristics of a healthy, collaborative and harmonious workplace. They will examine the concept of culture and consider the characteristics of work–life balance. Students will analyse the interconnection between employee and employer expectations and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They will apply their understanding of workplace wellbeing to simulated workplace scenarios and real-life case studies.

Area of Study 2 – Workplace responsibilities and rights

In this area of study students will explore workplace relations, including the National Employment Standards and methods of determining pay and conditions. They will consider the characteristics and legal consequences of workplace bullying, workplace discrimination and workplace harassment, and gain an overview of the common legal issues experienced in the workplace. Students will examine processes to address and resolve workplace disputes.

Area of Study 3 – Communication and collaboration

In this area of study students will apply effective and efficient workplace communication strategies. They will consider their role and the role of teams in the workplace. Students will also investigate techniques for developing and fostering professional, formal and informal networks and the role of digital and electronic collaboration and communication.

Unit 4 Portfolio development

Area of Study 1 – Portfolio development

In this area of study students will explore the purpose of a portfolio and consider the intended audiences and uses of portfolios in different contexts. They will discuss and compare the features and uses of physical and digital portfolios and examine the characteristics of a high-quality portfolio. Students will understand how to prepare a portfolio proposal and how to plan the development of a portfolio.

Area of Study 2 – Portfolio presentation

In this area of study, students will apply their knowledge of portfolios by engaging in the process of developing and formally presenting their completed portfolio in a panel style interview. Students will use a range of verbal, written and practical strategies to communicate their skills and knowledge, including visual appeal, and varied and appropriate content. Students will evaluate their portfolio using a range of mechanisms including self-assessment, feedback and comparison with criteria.

Entry and Recommendations

There are no prerequisites for entry to WRS Units, Students undertaking the Vocational Major pathway to VCE are required to complete a minimum of 2 WRS units and have a minimum requirement for units at 3 and 4 level. Therefore, students would be expected to enrol and complete all 4 units if choosing this pathway.

Assessment

Satisfactory Completion

Demonstration of achievement of outcomes and satisfactory completion of a unit are determined by evidence gained through the assessment of a range of learning activities and tasks. Students must document work evidence in a folio and must meet the required standards of the unit.

Level of Achievement

All PDS Units

Coursework
- School based assessments
- Portfolio submission of evidence
- Project based tasks and outcomes
- Engagement and learning through Enrichment Program
- Engagement with a workplace or experience with work.

Personal Development Skills

Course Description

Vocational Major Personal Development Skills (PDS) takes an active approach to personal development, self-realisation and citizenship by exploring interrelationships between individuals and communities. PDS focuses on health, wellbeing, community engagement and social sciences, and provides a framework through which students seek to understand and optimise their potential as individuals and as members of their community.

This study provides opportunities for students to explore influences on identity, set and achieve personal goals, interact positively with diverse communities, and identify and respond to challenges. Students will develop skills in self-knowledge and care, accessing reliable information, teamwork, and identifying their goals and future pathways.

PDS explores concepts of effective leadership, self-management, project planning and teamwork to support students to engage in their work, community and personal environments.

Course structure

Unit 1 Healthy Individuals

Area of Study 1 – Personal identity and emotional intelligence

In this area of study, students will be introduced to the concepts of personal identity and emotional intelligences in differing contexts. Students will explore the elements of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills), and develop and apply strategies relating to personal identity and emotional intelligence.

Area of Study 2 – Community health and wellbeing

In this area of study, students will explore concepts of health and wellbeing for individuals and groups, the factors that affect wellbeing and the characteristics of inclusive and cohesive communities. They will investigate activities and support services that aim to improve individual and group wellbeing within the community. Students will explore the requirements for undertaking activities or voluntary work within the community. They will understand and apply the key elements involved in designing, implementing and evaluating a purposeful activity that aims to achieve a clear objective.

Area of Study 3 – Promoting a healthy life

In this area of study, students will investigate key advancements in technology and the impact of technology on individuals and society. They will explore how technology is used to facilitate health promotion programs and understand the importance of using strategies to assess the reliability, validity and accuracy of health and wellbeing-related information.

Unit 2 Connecting with Community

Area of Study 1 – What is community?

In this area of study, students will explore the concept of community at a local, national and global level. They will understand the characteristics that influence how communities are formed, different groups within community, factors that influence groups, and also consider the role of citizenship. Students investigate community participation and recognise that there are a range of ways to participate in community life.

Area of Study 2 – Community cohesion

In this area of study, students will examine issues affecting local, national and global communities, both in the current context and in anticipation of future challenges, to understand differing perspectives and the impact on community cohesion. Students will explore the enablers and barriers to problem solving and strategies to foster community cohesion.

Area of Study 3 – Engaging and supporting community

In this area of study, students will consider the concept of community engagement and recognise the benefits and challenges of community engagement to address a range of issues. They will investigate the key features of effective community engagement to address issues and implement initiatives.

Unit 3 Leadership and Teamwork

Area of Study 1 – Social awareness and interpersonal skills

In this area of study, students will examine the characteristics of social awareness and a range of interpersonal skills to facilitate respectful interactions with others. They will investigate the contexts and settings in which people demonstrate social awareness and apply interpersonal skills (both in everyday life and when using digital technologies), and the processes people use to research a range of issues. Students will focus on qualities of leadership and how these qualities can be applied to achieving goals within personal and community contexts. Students will examine the characteristics of effective leaders and reflect on how leadership qualities and styles can be applied in a range of contexts. Implicit to this unit is that leadership begins with the, develops to leadership of others and then to communities.

Area of Study 2 – Effective leadership

In this area of study, students will investigate the concept of leadership and the qualities of effective, ethical leaders. They will look at contexts in which people become leaders, a range of leadership styles, and the ethics and expectations of leaders in a democratic society. Students will consider how effective leaders foster innovation and creativity to solve problems and achieve goals.

Area of Study 3 – Effective teamwork

In this area of study, students will examine leadership and collaboration within teams. They will demonstrate the characteristics and attributes of effective team leaders and team members, and reflect on personal contribution and leadership potential as they participate in a team or group activity. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of teamwork and explore the steps involved when putting a solution into action.

Unit 4 Community project

Area of Study 1 – Planning a community project

In this area of study, students will complete an extended community project that addresses an environmental, cultural, economic or social issue. They will conduct research to identify a range of relevant issues in the community and justify the selection of a focus for the project. Students will seek to understand the issue’s significance to the community, develop a project focus, and investigate previous or current responses to the area of concern. They will explore opportunities to build awareness of the chosen issue in the community.

Area of Study 2 – Implementing a community project

In this area of study, students will implement a detailed plan for the selected community project and consider the key elements and key considerations when implementing a plan of action through to completion. Students will consider the possible health, safety and ethical risks of a project, document evidence and make decisions on how findings will be organised, analysed and presented.

Area of Study 3 – Evaluating a community project

In this area of study, students will evaluate the outcomes of the completed community project. They will become familiar with strategies to effectively communicate reflections and findings, and engage with audiences. Students will determine a suitable audience to present findings, identify and practice appropriate presentation skills, and make decisions about how a community project will be evaluated.

Entry and Recommendations

There are no prerequisites for entry to PDS Units, Students undertaking the Vocational Major pathway to VCE are required to complete a minimum of 2 PDS units and have a minimum requirement for units at 3 and 4 level. Therefore students would be expected to enrol and complete all 4 units if choosing this pathway.

Assessment

Satisfactory Completion

Demonstration of achievement of outcomes and satisfactory completion of a unit are determined by evidence gained through the assessment of a range of learning activities and tasks. Students must document work evidence in a folio and must meet the required standards of the unit.

Level of Achievement

All PDS Units

Coursework
School based assessments
Folio submission of evidence
Project based tasks and outcomes
Engagement and learning through Enrichment Program

12. VCE Courses

VCE Courses at St Mary's College