Optimism Respect - Bendigo Senior Secondary College

VCALVictorian Certificateof Applied LearningPATHWAYSVCEThe Victorian Certificateof Education (VCE) is themost common programundertaken by students atBendigo Senior SecondaryCollege.VCE can provide pathways toemployment, traineeships and TAFE.It is the most appropriate pathwayto gain an ATAR score and to gainentry to university studies.Bendigo Senior Secondary Collegehas over 50 subjects offered aspart of the VCE. Students can findsubjects that meet their interestin pursuing learning that haspractical or “hands on” experiences,or learning that is more theoreticaland conceptual in content. All VCEsubjects have a strong degree ofacademic rigour, requiring skillssuch as analysis, application,evaluation, and interpretation.Many students will focus their choiceof subjects into a program specificallytargeting a pathway which maylead to their selected career.Victorian Certificateof EducationThis pathway may include furtherstudy, employment directlyafter school or undertaking atraineeship. Other students mayhave a much broader course withintheir selected program, providingthem with a greater number ofpathways or options.Students who are unclear of thedirection they wish to take usuallybuild a program around subjectsthey enjoy and which suit theirskills. VCE can cater for just aboutany student’s needs.A VCE pathway can be furtherbroadened by incorporating aVET certificate, a School BasedApprenticeship or Work Placement.Which is thebest pathwayfor you?Find out allyou need to know!The Victorian Certificate ofApplied Learning is a popularpathway for students at BendigoSenior Secondary College.This certificate is designedfor students who have a clearvocational interest.The emphasis of VCALis on applied learning.The certificate requires students tocomplete the equivalent hours tocurrent VCE Year 11 & 12 programs.However, the focus of each level of VCALis on the development of skills in a rangeof vocational areas, and each individualprogram aims to improve a student’semployability skills.VCAL has three levels - Foundation,Intermediate and Senior. Studentsnegotiate a progression over appropriatetime frames. It generally takes one yearto complete a particular level.The full VCAL program has a number ofcompulsory units:• Literacy and NumeracyWe have a full range of units that caterfor all levels of ability.• Industry Based CoursesNormally includes VET, but approvedVCE studies may be taken atfoundation certificate level.• Work Related SkillsSchool based apprenticeships, parttime work or work placement can givecredit towards the completion of workrelated skills units.• Personal Development SkillsProject based learning that teachesyoung people personal skills thathave been identified as desirablein the modern workplace. Theseinclude teamwork, time management,initiative, reliability, motivation,problem solving, use of technologyand adaptability.VCAL or VCE?VCAL is made up of VCE, VET, and VCALunits. Choosing VCAL for a year of studydoes not close the door to future VCEstudies. This is particularly importantfor students who change their mind,choose to undertake a more rigorousacademic challenge, or decide to pursuea specific goal.ImportantStudents should be aware that VCALdoes not qualify students for entranceto most universities. It will, however,enable students to undertake furtherstudies at TAFE. VCAL is a recognizedsenior certificate and may lead toapprenticeships, traineeships and fulltime employment. It is possible tocomplete both VCE and VCAL from theone learning program.Should I enrol in VCAL?VCAL could be an option for studentswho have a clear commitment ina vocational area and who are notplanning a university course.4 | The Next Step 2012 | Bendigo Senior Secondary College Bendigo Senior Secondary College | The Next Step 2012 | 5

SBATSBATSchool based Apprenticeships &Traineeships and Work Placement.A Vocational Educationand Training (VET) course canbe selected as part of a learningprogram in the same way as aVCE or VCAL subject.VET courses provide training in theskills and knowledge of a particularindustry area. Completion of a VET courseprovides a certificate qualification that isrecognised nationally. A range of coursesare offered at Bendigo Senior SecondaryCollege at Certificate II and III level.Why include a VET option?• Students gain recognised qualificationsfor the industry area linked to theircareer pathway.• There can be direct transfer from preapprenticeshiptraining to full, on thejob apprenticeship opportunities.• The industry based skills andknowledge can be highly useful in theworkplace.• The qualifications can satisfy entryrequirements for further education.• Students planning on a pathway todiploma level or degree level studiesSelectinga VET optioncan develop valuable contextualknowledge and skills, while gainingcredit for the ATAR.• There are related opportunitiesfor structured work placement inbusinesses and organisations related tospecific career pathways, which boostsresumes and interview portfolios.Contribution to VCE and VCALA VET program counts towardscompletion of the VCE or VCAL. Whenstudents become competent in VET unitsor modules totalling approximately 100hours, credit for one VCE or VCAL unitis given. In general, students gainingcompetence in all Year 11 modules gaintwo units of study within the VCE or twocredits within VCAL. Completion of allYear 12 modules gives a further two units/credits, which can include a Unit 3/4sequence.A VET selection is a compulsoryrequirement of a VCAL learning program.Study Scores and ATARStudents may complete assessment tasksand complete an end of year exam in theYear 12 units of most VET programs.Vocational Educationand Training.VETThis makes students eligible for astudy score which contributes to theATAR in the same way as VCE studies.Some VET subjects do not includescored assessment. Instead, successfulcompletion of the prescribed course givesa 10% increment to the average of thescaled scores of the top four VCE subjectsand contributes to the ATAR in this way.Program DeliveryMost students will undertake a VETsubject onsite at BSSC, timetabled inthe same way as other subjects. Somestudents need to undertake their VETsubject at BRIT, the Harness RacingCentre, or the Australian College of HairDesign and Beauty. These organisationshave specialised facilities or staff requiredfor the delivery of some VET subject areas.A number of VET subjects are deliveredin the specialised Trade Training Centrefacilities, either onsite, at Junortoun orat McCrae Street.SBATsSchool Based Apprenticeships andTraineeships allow for the completion ofon-the-job training, within a VCE or VCALlearning program. Students completea VET certificate course through theassessment of the included competenciesundertaken in the workplace. SBATsrequire an average of 15 hours of workeach week. A significant number ofthese hours can be completed duringthe school week. During non-work days,students attend school and undertake acombination of VCE and/or VCAL subjectsto complete a senior schooling certificate.SBATs are managed by apprenticeshipcentres such as CVGT, or VECCI. Inconjunction with the College and theemployer they work to ensure that thebalance between work training and schoolis manageable for students and leads tosuccess in both areas. SBATs are a greatpathway to some fields of employment.BSSC students undertake SBATs in areassuch as Building and Construction,Automotive, Engineering, CommunityServices (Aged Care), Hospitality,NETschoolNETschool is a campus ofBendigo Senior SecondaryCollege which offers a flexiblelearning option for studentsaged between 15 and 19 whofeel they are unable to continuewith, or return to, mainstreamschooling.Learning at NETschoolEngagement takes place through a mix ofonline learning, individual research (withstudents negotiating topics that havepersonal interest) and a diverse range ofpastoral care initiatives through the ‘MoveOn’ program.Information Technology, BusinessAdministration, Retail Sales (Operations), aswell as other fields. SBAT opportunities cancome through advertisements or directlyfrom employers. For more informationcontact the BSSC Vocational LearningManager, Jennifer Moloney.Work PlacementStructured Workplace Learning is acore component of many VET courses,Industry & Enterprise (a VCE subject),and the Victorian Certificate of AppliedLearning (VCAL). Placements can increaseemployability, improve self-esteem andmotivation, and provide an opportunityfor students to acquire technical skills andknowledge. Career choices are often madeclear as a result of workplace experiences.Students anticipating further study are alsoencouraged to take advantage of the workexperience program. Work experience isrecommended in order for students togain a greater knowledge of employmentopportunities or specialisations. Studentsafety is very important in the organisationof placements. Students are required toStudents have contact with a small group ofstaff and have a personal learning mentor.In working with the personal learningmentor students are engaged througha mix of learning environments and canmake significant change to their learningconfidence. This allows them to return toformal education, when they are ready.Centre based learners attend each dayand can access Bendigo Senior SecondaryCollege for classes or online subject tuition.The working environment at NETschoolprovides intensive support within a smallteam environment.If home-based learning is the mostsuitable option, then students can learnfrom home through online contact withcomplete Occupational Health & Safetyeducation programs prior to commencinga placement and employers are required tosatisfy requirements of occupational healthand safety legislation in their workplace toensure that the student’s experience is apositive one.Bendigo Senior Secondary College reliesheavily on the goodwill of employersand community organisations in theregion. Parents can also assist studentswith organising work placements byusing personal and professional networks.Students are encouraged to commencearrangements for placement early in theschool year. Further information can befound at: www.bssc.edu.au/public/students/careers/work_placement/index.shtmlFor assistance with placements or anyother enquiries please contact theBSSC Work Placement Coordinators,Kerry Weymouth or Rhonda Pithie.the assistance of a mentor based atNETschool. Where appropriate, learnerscan undertake a select range of VCEsubjects via online delivery.Student work can be accredited throughVCAL, VET and/or VCE. Eligibility isdiscussed at interview, and all studentsenrolling are placed on an initial trial periodto ensure suitability.NETschool is located at 26 WilliamsonStreet, Bendigo. Enquiries can be madeby contacting: Julie Connell,Team Facilitator Phone: 5441 8504or via www.netschoolbendigo.vic.edu.au6 | The Next Step 2012 | Bendigo Senior Secondary College Bendigo Senior Secondary College | The Next Step 2012 | 7

WHICHPATHWAY?Which Pathwayis for you?What BSSC offers:VCE• Academic focus, exams, scoredassessment tasks• Obtain an ATAR• Pathway directly to Tertiary studies(Uni or TAFE)• Pathway to fulltime workVCAL• Not a direct pathway to University• Must include VET or SBAT atIntermediate & Senior level• Competency rather than assessmentbased achievement.• Pathway to TAFE or workVET• Include as part of VCAL or VCE• Can be acheived through SBATs• Most VET programs provide scoredassessmentNETschool• Unable to continue in mainstreamschooling• Offers flexibility with learning• Desire to re-engage with learningSeek advice fromsomeone who knows you• Careers Counsellor• Pathway Advisor• MIPs Staff• Parents• Student Coordinator8 | The Next Step 2012 | Bendigo Senior Secondary College Bendigo Senior Secondary College | The Next Step 2012 | 9

LIFEBEYONDBSSCWork &TraineeshipsMoving from school directlyinto the workforce is a preferredoption for many students. Thisoption requires planning andusing a range of services andresources to assist students tosecure rewarding employment.Planning For WorkCareers, MIPS and visiting personnel canassist students to prepare themselveseffectively for movement directly intothe workforce by providing help andguidance in the preparation of resumes,interview techniques and effectivemethods for approaching potentialemployers.Volunteer work, work placement orwork experience is also an excellentway a student can develop workreadiness skills.Previous part-time/casual work is alwaysan advantage when pursuing full-timeemployment as it is an excellent wayto develop a range of basic work skillssuitable to the workforce.Having a part time job is a great start toany career.TraineeshipsMany employers are now takingadvantage of government fundedprograms to offer traineeships within arange of industries. These traineeshipsusually occur over a twelve month period,providing full time work that also involvesthe completion of training related to theindustry involved.Traineeships are overseen by NewApprenticeship Centres such as CVGT,VECCI or other places.ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships are a competitive areaof employment. Potential employers areincreasingly looking for individuals whohave successfully completed their Year12 studies before the commencementof their apprenticeship. Making use ofpersonal networks and undertakingwork experience in an area of interest areimportant steps in attempting to secureBendigo Senior Secondary Collegestaff work closely with many of the jobagencies within the Bendigo region andon occasions have been approacheddirectly by employers looking forsuitable students to fill vacancies withintheir businesses. The college has a verysuccessful online jobs board that isregularly updated with vacancies andwork information.The job board can be accessed viathe college website – www. bssc.edu.auStudents making use of the servicesoffered at BSSC provide themselveswith better opportunities to secureemployment.Traineeships are a great way to gainentry into selected industries such ashospitality, sport and recreation, businessadministration, engineering and manyother options.For further information relatingto traineeships see the Careersor MIPs office at BSSC.an apprenticeship. Pre-apprenticeshipprograms offered through TAFE are alsoan excellent stepping stone into this areaof employment.For further information,see the MIPS staff at BSSC.Assistance toFind a PathwaySome Young people canfind it difficult to establisha pathway from school,or may find that school isnot meeting their needs.Pathway Advisors, StudentCoordinators and Careersstaff, may assist students tofind an appropriate pathway.Students can gain invaluable,intensive case managementof their pathway planning byworking with the College’sMIPs and Careers teams.Managed IndividualPathways (MIPs)Lorelle Pearse (Coordinator), Helen Martin(Case Manager) and Marla Carlier (CaseManager) are dedicated to providingprofessional assistance to students whoare currently experiencing difficulties atschool, in the transition process of leavingschool and those who have recently leftthe college.Lorelle, Helen and Marla provide intensivecase management to students, with theprimary focus on young people who areat risk of not participating in continuingeducation, training or employment.Students are welcome to see the MIPSteam at any time. Parents may makecontact or arrange an appointment viathe College.Careers TeamThe Careers Team at BSSC is comprised ofMark Zulian (Careers Coordinator), GregSturges (Careers Advisor), Naomi Flint(Careers Advisor) and Sasha Peppinck(Careers Administration Support). TheTeam offers a comprehensive Careersand Pathways planning service andinformation from the team is includedin all Student News bulletins and ParentNewsletters.The Careers team also offers:• advice on subject and programselection;Glossary• information and planning for Careersafter VCE or VCAL – including CareersTesting, where required;• TAFE, ITC and Traineeships/Apprenticeship information;• all Tertiary study information andoptions- Victorian, Interstate andInternational- courses, accommodation andscholarship support;• a range of programs to assist in courseplanning - Course Scans and Onlineresources;• Events, guest speakers, industry visitsand expos for students and parents –including TIS, VTAC Information Nightsand Accommodation Expos;• a comprehensive website with a fullrange of resources to assist everystudent with their NEXT STEP!www.bssc.edu.au/public/students/careers/careers/index.shtmlJob AgenciesStudents about to complete theirschooling should register with job/employment agencies to assist withthe search for employment. The manyemployment service providers can befound in the Yellow Pages within theBendigo telephone directory.These service providers also advertiseregularly in the employment section ofevery Saturday’s Bendigo Advertiser andadvertise their positions on websites suchas Seek and the Australian JobSearch.• www.seek.com.au• www.jobsearch.gov.auMIPS (Managed Individual Pathways)Assists in providing career pathwaysfor students.VET (Vocational Educationand Training) Nationally recognisedvocational certificate. These certificatesmay be integrated into a VCE or VCALprogram.VCAL (Victorian Certificate ofApplied Learning) An accreditedsenior secondary school qualificationundertaken in Year 11 and Year 12.VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education)The VCE is the preferred pathway tofurther study at university and themajority of Technical and FurtherEducation (TAFE) courses.ATARThe overall ranking on a scale of 0 to 99.95that a student receives based on his/herstudy scores for each subject. The ATARis used by universities and some TAFEinstitutes to select students for courses.SBATs (School Based Apprenticeshipsand Traineeships)Structured training arrangements,usually involving on and off the jobtraining for a person employed underan apprenticeship/traineeship contract.These may include apprenticeships, parttime apprenticeships or traineeships.ITCIndependent Tertiary Colleges.14 | The Next Step 2012 | Bendigo Senior Secondary College Bendigo Senior Secondary College | The Next Step 2012 | 15

Ready forNextTheStep?Find out more inside!If undeliverable return to:Bendigo Senior Secondary CollegePO Box 545, Bendigo VIC 3552PRINTPOSTPP 326764/00070POSTAGEPAIDAUSTRALIA16 | The Next Step 2012 | Bendigo Senior Secondary College