Keysborough College Newsletter

Senior School Report

Term 2 is a busy term for the Senior School.  Year 10 and 11 students have just completed their mid-year exams and Year 12 students are busy with VCE and VCAL assessments.  We also had a number our Year 11 and 12 VCAL students on Structured Workplace Learning placements experiencing the world of work.  These students had been completing work in class time that is researching jobs and how to apply for jobs within their VET course’s focus.  They then sought a work placement in their chosen industry.  

Year 11 and 12 VCE students attended the VCE and Careers Expo this term that encouraged them to think about pathways beyond school.  Year 10 and VCAL students will attend the South East Careers Try a Trade excursion in early term 3.  

Term 3 will see the Senior School focus very heavily on pathway planning and students will begin selecting subjects and courses for next year.  I encourage all parents and guardians of Year 10 of year 10 students to attend the Senior School Information evenings to be held in Weeks 3 and 4 next term.  More information will be sent out to students at the beginning of Term 3.

 

Jonathon Boyd and Robyn Hughes

Assistant Principals - Senior School

 

The VCAA have announced changes to applied learning certificates for Year 11 and 12 students from 2023 onwards.  Beginning in 2023 will be the Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major, otherwise known as the VCE-VM.  This is a replacement certificate for the Intermediate and Senior Victorian Certificates of Applied Learning (VCAL).  There will also be the Vocational Pathways Certificate (VPC) which is a replacement for Foundation VCAL. 

 

This is a FAQ about the VCE, VCE-VM and VPC.

 

  1. What is the difference between the three certificates.
  2. The VCE has not changed.  This is still a pathway option for students interested in University or TAFE pathway options beyond school.  

The VCE-VM is an applied learning pathway where students learn about themselves and the wider world through project based, applied learning activities.  

The VPC is for students who otherwise would not be able to complete a VCE or VCE-VM.  This certificate is for students who may require significantly modified learning programs or who have had significant interruptions to their schooling.  

 

  1. I am a current VCAL student in Year 11 in 2022 what will happen to my certificate in 2023?  
  2. Students who began their VCAL in 2022 will continue to complete the Senior or Intermediate VCAL curriculum in 2023.  Only students beginning their applied leaning pathway in 2023 will begin the VCE-VM curriculum.  

 

Q.   How is the VCE-VM different to VCAL?

A.    Much like the VCAL, students will need to complete units of Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills and Personal Development plus undertake a VET course there is also the option to complete core VCE subjects as additional complementary subjects.  The major change is the VCE-VM is one certificate completed over two years where a VCAL certificate was 2 separate certificate completed in single year increments.  Most students completed Intermediate VCAL in Year 11 and Senior VCAL in Year 12.  The VCE-VM will be one certificate completed over Years 11 and 12.  

 

Q.   What pathways can I pursue with a VCE-VM?

A.    The VCE-VM is the certificate of applied learning.  It is for people who are keen to follow a pathway to TAFE, an apprenticeship or directly to work.  There are possible university pathways with a VCE-VM but you should speak to the Careers Counsellors about this.  

 

Q.   How will I choose between VCE, the VCE-VM or the VPC?

A.    During course counselling and at the Senior School Information Evening there will be the opportunity to ask questions about which pathway is best for students.  All parents, guardians and students making decisions about the VCE, VCE-VM and the VPC are highly encouraged to attend the Senior School Information Evenings in Term 3.  For any questions please feel free to contact the Pathway and Community Improvement Team leader Jonathon Boyd at boyd.jonathon@keysboroughsc.vic.edu.au or more information is also available through the VCAA web page. 

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/Pages/Index.aspx