PODCAST EXCURSION

Introduced in 2023, the VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM) is a two-year applied learning program that is part of the VCE. It equips students with real-world skills for work and life through providing hands-on experience in one or more industries. By the time they finish school, students have gained a significant employability edge, making them well-prepared for their future careers.

We at Brighton Secondary College are proud to be the lead school in a Department of Education initiative in a partnership with Glen Eira College, Elwood College, and Mentone Girls' Secondary College to further develop and strengthen the VCE-VM program in each respective school. This collaboration allows for staff to collaborate when developing and refining programs. Students across these schools will continue to access a broader range of opportunities, ensuring that the VCE-VM program continues to evolve and meet the needs of all learners.

At Brighton Secondary College, our VCE-VM program is in expert hands with our dedicated teachers, Lauren Parkinson and Peter Pantazis, who are currently leading Personal Development Skills and Work-Related Skills. Together with the BSC ‘Learning and Teaching’ team, they are working tirelessly to consolidate and expand the program, ensuring that our students have the best possible educational experience and the chance to develop new skills in a variety of fields.

One incredible opportunity for our Year 12 VCE-VM students came from the Department of Education, which enabled three students—Cooper Gibney, Clay Cull, and Jai Gibson—to collaborate with SYN (Student Youth Network) FM. In this exciting project, they have learned about the process of podcasting and will develop a podcast that focuses on their personal interests and VCE-VM journey.

During their first session, the students learned about the theory behind podcasting, the components that make up an effective podcast recipe, and the importance of understanding media law. By the end of the afternoon, Cooper, Clay, and Jai had successfully created a segment. They explored the ‘pressures of VCE and choosing your future pathway’ which included an interview with Micheal Trytell (Leading Teacher – Senior Learning and Teaching’ regarding career pathway and progression, demonstrating not only their creativity but also their ability to apply the skills learned. 

Clay mentioned, ‘I really enjoy the the actual behind the scenes on how the podcast is made through the sequencing and the transitions. I found it really interesting’. 

We can’t wait to return to the studio and record the three-part series “Finding Your Spark – Exploring VCE-VM.” Be sure to keep an eye out for the series, as we’ll share when it will be live on radio and available to download. This is just one of the many exciting ways Brighton Secondary College is supporting students through the VCE-VM and giving them the chance to develop skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.