David Gallagher - Why has VCAL been so successful?

Victorian Certificateof Applied LearningFour PassionsVETnetwork ConferenceDavid GallagherVCAL Project ManagerVictorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

Why VCAL?• Research highlights wider range of curriculum choicesfor young people is necessary• Opens up new and expanded pathways to work orfurther study• Works towards achieving the Government’s goals andtargets• Improves Year 12 participation rates

VCAL qualification3 VCAL award levels:• Foundation (30% of the cohort)• Intermediate (50% of the cohort)• Senior (20% of the cohort)

VCAL enrolmentsTotal number of VCAL enrolments15000100005000512781251069212000+05462002 2003 2004 2005 2006

VCAL ProvidersTotal number of VCAL providers5004003002001000380 387322239222002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Why has VCAL been successful?Curriculum Strands• Literacy & Numeracy Skills (LNS)Literacy curriculum encourages the development of knowledge/skills, in thecontexts of family, employment, further learning and communityNumeracy curriculum develops skills to use mathematical skills within societyrelated to design, measuring, time, travel etc• Industry Specific Skills (ISS)The development of knowledge/skills related to one or more vocational area inpreparation to work or further training

VCAL Curriculum Strands• Work Related Skills (WRS)School based projects focusing on enterprise, teamwork,communication, resume writing, job applications,researching industry areas, OH&S etc. The unit mayinclude structured work placements.• Personal Development Skills (PDS)Development of knowledge/skills that leads to socialresponsible, building community, civic responsibility andimproving self confidence

VCAL Course ComponentsA VCAL learning program may contain curriculumcomponents drawn from:• VCAL units (LNS, ISS, WRS and PDS) or• VCE units (including VET in the VCE programs) or• Other VET curriculum or Training Packages or• Further Education accredited curriculum

Themed VCAL programsSkill Shortages• For students seeking a range of experiencewithin a particular industry sector to informchoices for future pathways and to developemployability skills• All curriculum strands linked to the industry area

Themed VCALExamples of Themed VCAL programs 2005• Hospitality• Automotive• Service and Retail• Engineering• Building and Construction- plumbing,bricklaying• Media and Communications• Sport and Recreation• Spa and Beauty• Agriculture

Australian School Based Apprenticeships• ASBA meets 2 of the 4 VCAL curriculumstrand requirements• Industry Specific Skills (ISS) and WorkRelated Skills (WRS)• Training component satisfies ISS• On the job training component may satisfyWRS learning outcomes

Principles of Applied Learning• Applied learning- curriculum focuses on practical“hands-on” opportunities for learning• Student centred learning – curriculum built onstudent’s interests and abilities - (Year 9/10 119days absent in VCAL 7 days)• Engages with the community – partnershipsdeveloped outside the school• Pathway qualification – leads to further education,training or work• Recognises both formal and informal learning• Meeting a need in senior secondary students

VCAL On Track 2006 Results• The On Track 2006 school leavers survey collectedresponses from VCAL students who completed a VCALIntermediate or Senior certificate in 2005.• 1456 VCAL students participated in the On Track 2006survey.• 87.9% of these students had started further education,training or employment since completing VCAL.

VCAL Destinations 2006Unemployed12%University1% VET Entry-level12%Working part-time15%VET Cert IV+9%Working full-time13%Trainee7%Apprentice31%

VCAL Destinations 2005 and 20064540353025Percentage20151050University TAFE/VET Apprentice/Trainee Employed Unemployed DeferredDestinations2005 2006

Was VCAL an important reason for staying at school?50454035Percentage302520151050Strongly AgreeAgreeDisagreeStronglyDisagree

VCAL Providers500300Total number of VCAL providers380 387323222100-100222002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Lonely days lonely nightsWhere would I be without my women