VCE Vocational Major at Cheltenham Secondary College

Within the Senior School, there are two options, the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM). Both courses are administered in accordance with VCAA regulations and guidelines. To supplement both options we have a Vocational Education and Training program (VET) that is available to both VCE and VCE VM students. VET is a compulsory element of the VCE VM, but is optional for students in VCE.  On a yearly basis, the college runs its course counselling process and it is critical that all students transitioning into the senior years and their parents engage with the process. 

What is VCE VM?

The VCE Vocational Major will replace the existing VCAL at the Intermediate and Senior levels. The VCE Vocational Major is a two-year vocational and applied learning program that will enable transitions into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training and university (via non-ATAR pathways). 

Assessment in VCE VM

Students are not required to do exams or tests, but there are many other ways of demonstrating that they have satisfied the Learning Outcomes to the required standard. These are called evidence. All evidence is retained for assessment purposes.  Different kinds of evidence for VCE VM units may include: 

• A journal that records thinking and decisions 

• Photos 

• A video 

• Completed worksheets/booklets

• Documents used e.g. letters to employers, surveys 

• Teacher observation 

• Participation in discussions and debates 

• Roleplays 

• Checklists 

• Logbook 

• Oral presentations 

• Group presentation 

• PowerPoint presentations

• Certificates and awards 

Meeting the Work Related Skills Requirements 

The satisfactory completion of the Work Related Skills Units at any level relies heavily on the student completing sufficient hours (180) in a workplace developing employability skills. Consequently, students who decide to enrol in a VCE VM program should organise a work placement and complete a Structured Workplace Learning Form before the commencement of the school year. Students are encouraged to pursue part time employment as well. A student’s VCE VM program is organised on an individual basis, according to their interests and possible career path. 

Meeting the Industry Specific Skills Requirements 

For the Industry Specific Strand, students choose a VET course available at TAFE or enrol in an Australian School Based Apprenticeship. There are lots of VET courses to choose from and students must be enrolled in a VET if they wish to enrol in the VCE VM course. 

Attendance Requirements

The College’s VCE VM program will require students to attend College on MONDAY, TUESDAY,  THURSDAY and FRIDAY to complete the Learning Outcomes for Literacy, Numeracy, Personal Development and Work Related Skills. This will allow students to attend TAFE or VET courses on Wednesday to address the Industry Specific Strand of their program. To complete the required hours for Structured Workplace Learning, three week block placements will be held at the end of Term 2 and the middle of Term 4 for Year 11s and the end of Term 2 and start of Term 4 for Year 12 students. If a VCE VM student has a part-time job, work hours outside normal school times may contribute to the required 180 hours. As with all senior students at the College, VCE VM students must meet the 90% attendance requirement to successfully achieve their VCE VM.

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) 

Some students may choose to start their apprenticeship as part of VCE VM. In order to participate, students need to find an employer. The College will assist the student and employer in making arrangements with a registered training organisation (RTO). The benefit of a school-based apprenticeship is that it allows students to get a head start with their careers by undertaking vocational training and earning a wage, whilst completing their secondary school certificate. Within the VCE VM program, students would work one day a week with their employer. TAFE will usually be completed in blocks during the school term, during the school holidays, as part of on-the-job training, or a combination of both.