By Mikayla van Loon
Changes to the way students learn in the final years of their schooling have been widely accepted by the local school community.
The overhaul to how the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) offer subjects and hands-on learning will be the biggest reform to the senior secondary system since the VCE’s inception.
It will mean students will be able to undertake a broader range of apprenticeships, traineeships and further education while also completing VCE subjects should they wish under the Vocational Major program.
The Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace VCAL to help students transition either to the VCE, to entry level VET or employment.
While currently state schools are the only ones required to undertake the transition, the State government has encouraged non-government schools to take up the new learning program.
Mount Lilydale Mercy College’s principal Philip Morison said the school would always embrace the opportunity to offer more applied learning opportunities.
“I think the proposed changes are exciting and offer a great opportunity for all VCE students moving forward,” he said.
“Students will continue to be able to explore their talents in a diverse range of areas and develop skills for life that will help them develop skills for work and self interest.”
Deputy principal for learning and teaching Anita Kay-Taylor seconded the welcoming of the changes and said the VCE VM will allow more diverse pathways for students that come from various backgrounds, with various interests.
“Catholic Education has always been a strong advocate for student pathways. The recognition of applied learners through a VCE qualification is a much welcomed change,” she said.
“Our College has a very strong and flourishing VCAL program attracting students with a wide range of academic abilities.”
