Mazenod College Newsletter

Faculty News — 

VET & VCE Voc. Major

Applied learning

VCE Vocational Major is our new applied learning program (replacing the old VCAL) that is now embedded within the VCE. From 2023 Units 1 and 2 have been taught to Year 11 and in 2024 the Year 12s will move to Units 3 and 4. All secondary schools in Victoria are expected to deliver VCE VM, some for the first time this year! Rest assured, our VM teachers have been very busy over the last two years attending Professional Learning seminars, preparing and writing new school resources. VM is continuously audited by the VCAA to ensure best practice and consistent student outcomes. Students study Units 1-4 across two years to achieve their VCE Certificate with recognition to Vocational Major (VM) at the end of Year 12. 

 

The VM is modelled on our old VCAL course in structure and allows students to access one day of Work Placement and one day of an external TAFE course. Applied learning enhances student outcomes which gives them a head-start when applying for apprenticeships, traineeships or further study. 

 

For example, Year 12 VM students can study a Technical Mathematics Stream designed to equip students with a solid level of maths skills to cope with ever increasing demands of technology and the associated mathematic requirements in their respective technical trade areas.

What we offer

Mazenod’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) offerings have grown to include a total of 8 programs:

  • Careers Investigation
  • Christian Ministry & Theology
  • Creative Digital Media
  • Engineering
  • Furnishing
  • VET IT
  • Sport & Recreation
  • Small Business Innovations & Operations

307 students have selected VET to complement their studies here at the College and 66 students are attending TAFE externally as part their VM course. Students can select six of the Mazenod VET programs and continue through to Year 12 as a scored subject contributing to their ATAR with external VCAA exams. VET certificates of completion lead onto further study, are legitimate pre-apprenticeship courses and help with employment. 

 

 

 

 

Leigh Harris

VET & VCE Vocational Major Coordinator