Students in Focus

VCAL Students in Focus

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) Student in Focus aims to highlight the endeavours of a student studying in the senior secondary applied learning pathway.  It brings to light an understanding of the ways in which the college and its community partners can support the learning and networks of students engaging positively in the VCAL pathway.  For many students in VCAL, access to Structured Workplace Learning, work experience, industry mentoring and knowledge building are the most sought supports as they begin the transition from school into employment.

Our 2021 VCAL Student in Focus was Cooper Bartlett who studied in the VCAL Senior Certificate in his Year 12 studies. 

Cooper demonstrated outstanding achievement in all areas of VCAL, being awarded with the Northern Bay College Peter Hoskin Award which is recognition for the highest level of VCAL achievement.  

Cooper displayed commitment, initiative and leadership through a range of community-based projects including a clothing swap to promote sustainability, volunteering at an aged-care centre, a fundraiser for Mabohba’s Promise and the VCAL Cafe.  

Even with the restrictions of community and industry lockdowns for COVID, Cooper achieved over 800 industry hours during his VCAL certificate.  The skills and commitment Cooper has displayed in his work placement at Jacaranda Industries has led to the successful transition into a fulltime apprenticeship in cabinet making.

In 2022, the VCAL Student in Focus is Indy Mayo.

Indyanna is a Year 11 student studying for her VCAL Intermediate Certificate in 2022.  She is an emerging young leader, who has excelled in the transition to an applied learning pathway, demonstrating a high level of effort, skill and exemplary behaviour.  

Indy is studying Building and Construction VET and hopes to pursue a career in carpentry.    

Indy has been identified as the 2022 VCAL Student in Focus as she has impressed us in her willingness to apply herself to all tasks and demonstrate leadership through the support of her peers.  We hope that Indy can be supported to gain opportunities that will enable her to follow her passions and aspire to lead the way as a female in the construction industry.

VCE Students in Focus

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Student in Focus aims to showcase the achievements of students who study across a diverse range of senior secondary subjects as they prepare for future tertiary study or employment. The focus on our selected students enlightens the College and its community partners about the ways in which VCE students may require support, access to resources or services, opportunities to engage with mentors, programs and learning, industry placements and tours, and information and guidance around applying for future scholarships and study.

Our 2021 VCE Student in Focus was Zainab Binti Mohd Ghazali who was a Year 11 student engaging in her first year of VCE studies.  We continue to focus on Zainab’s journey in 2022

In 2021, Zainab studied the subjects of English as an Additional Language (EAL) English, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Allied Health. 

Zainab has maintained an attendance of 98%  (after adjustment for travelling to her VET Course) and she consistently produced excellent results throughout the year.  Zainab achieves As and Bs for her coursework including for subjects in which she was initially uncertain about (Physics in particular).

Zainab demonstrated great grit and determination throughout the year. She is always willing to approach teachers for feedback on improvement, made strong connections with peers that assist both herself and others to be better learners, and developed a stronger sense of resilience and self-belief throughout the year. 

Zainab has continued in the Unit 3&4 units of her 2021 subjects (except Psychology) in 2022.  Zainab is aspiring to realise a medical pathway after Year 12 and is on track to achieve VCE results that would enable her to begin on this pathway graduating from Year 12 in 2022. During 2021, the NBC Challenge Committee was able to assist Zainab to gain access to a respected medical practitioner for knowledge sharing, mentorship and placement for Zainab’s VET Allied Health studies.

In 2022, we introduce Christina Sho as a VCE Student in Focus.

Christina has been identified through her delivery of high quality attributes across her learning.  These include a high level of attendance (96%) and a fantastic commitment throughout remote and flexible learning. 

Christina demonstrates strong leadership characteristics and is extremely well liked and respected by students and peers.

In 2021, during her Year 10 studies, Christina participated in the subjects of: Independent English, Humanities, General Maths, Science, Foods, Textiles, and Visual Art.  She achieved great results in these subjects, commonly As and Bs. 

In 2022, Christina’s first year of VCE studies, she has been engaging in the subjects of English, General Maths, Studio Arts, Chemistry, Biology, Health and Human Development.

Whilst applying for a number of scholarships in 2021 and just missing final selection, Christina has shown great resilience and strength of character finishing the year strongly and continuing to be a positive influence around the school.

Christina has identified her chosen Career Path as entering the medicine/health industry.