Embedded Files
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2025 Term 2 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2025 Term 2 v1.0
Central Highlands Passion Project - December 2024
Central Highlands was lucky enough to score the only regionally-based Passion Project last December, funded by the Department of Education's Schools Portfolio Communication Team. We had over 200 Year 9 students come along to Federation TAFE to interact in a range of VET tasters, build aspirations and gain exposure to a variety of VET opportunities. For those who may be interested, here's a link to a short video of our Passion Project!
Welcome to our Term 2 newsletter!
Welcome to our Term 2 newsletter!
I hope this newsletter finds you keeping warm in this chilly weather.
I'm excited to announce that Veneita Sewell has joined Central Highlands as our new Senior Jobs, Skills & Pathways Officer (SJSPO) from the 30th June!
Veneita brings a wealth of schools-based experience in applied learning. Some of you might know Veneita from her time as the Leader for the VCAA's Central Highlands VCE VM & VPC Community of Practice in 2023-24. She has also worked as a Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), Flexible and VCAL Classroom Teacher. We will be reaching out to all Central Highlands secondary schools next term to introduce Veneita, and to discuss what support she can offer.
Term 2 has been an action-packed term in the Jobs, Skills & Pathways space, with DE's Trade & Tech Fit Expo, excursion to RMIT, commencement of the new DE-funded Vocational Explorer and VET Taster Pilot at Federation TAFE, realisation of several CCAF-funded projects in our schools after months of hard work by those schools, ongoing Morrisby testing and profiling, the start of the Victorian Early Leavers Connection Initiative (VELCI), the launch of the Work-Based Learning (WBL) App, the Deadly Aspirations Day, along with many other taster activities, exciting initiatives and progress towards embedding the new senior secondary reforms.
Please take the time to read the updates below, and as always reach out if I can assist with anything.
Sue-Anne Garcian & Veneita Sewell
Jobs, Skills and Pathways Team, Central Highlands
P.S. If you have new staff who would benefit from accessing this newsletter - or former staff you would like removed from this mailing list - please email sue-anne.garcian@education.vic.gov.au
VASS key dates
VASS key dates
Updated On Track 2024 reports are now available!
Please ensure you are running VASS eligibility reports regularly, especially for students who may be changing programs, and checking the full list of important dates on VASS
Student Achievement Profile - available in VASS
27/06/2025 Last day to lodge requests for GAT exemptions with the VCAA
21/07/2025 XI03 CTT SEA Advice Slips and Summary Report available
23/07/2025 Last day for Indicative Grades - Critical Thinking Test
25/07/2025 Last day for HES withdrawals
25/07/2025 Last day for VET Assessment Plans
28/07/2025 Last day for U3 SAT Scores
28/07/2025 Last day for VCE, VCE VM U4 or 3-4 VCE VET scored withdrawal
VCAA Updates
VCAA Updates
The VCAA VET Unit and the Department of Education has just launched the ‘Shape your VCE’ campaign. The website contains lots of information for students, parents and carers.
The webpage provides students with opportunities to explore industry subjects, School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATS) and Structure Workplace Learning.
VCE VM and VPC Curriculum and Assessment Audit
Information can be found on this page
Key dates
Wednesday 28 May: VCE VM and VPC studies for audit published on VASS. Online audit questionnaires open.
Monday 2 June: Receipt of audit selection due in VASS.
Thursday 5 June: VCE VM and VPC Curriculum and Assessment Audit webinar.
Friday 27 June: Audit submissions due.
Tuesday 26 August: Audit outcomes published on VASS. Further evidence submissions open.
Monday 8 September: Further evidence submissions due from providers.
Tuesday 14 October: Further evidence outcomes published on VASS.
Students who have completed the VPC requirements by Monday 16 June may receive their VPC certificate and Statement of Results in July.
More information
Please direct enquiries to the Student Records and Results team.
Phone: +61 3 9059 5246
email: student.records@education.vic.gov.au
Where to Now 2026: Now Available
The ‘Where to Now 2026: Guide to senior secondary school pathways' is now available on the VCAA website.
Printed copies of the Guide will be distributed to schools in the week of Monday 19 May 2025.
The Guide helps career counsellors and teachers to provide important information to students about the career pathways available in Victoria.
Teachers can provide feedback on this student resource to assist the VCAA to improve future products.
More information
Email: vcaa@education.vic.gov.au for more information.
Joining a CoP
You may have colleagues who are new to VCE VM or VPC and would like to join. They can sign up at this link
Work-Based Learning (WBL) App - now live!
Work-Based Learning (WBL) App - now live!
The Work-Based Learning Application (WBL App) is a free digital tool from the Department of Education that streamlines the coordination of work experience (WE) and structured workplace learning (SWL) placements in Victorian government secondary schools.
It replaces manual paper-based processes with digital forms, automated workflows and a dashboard to provide real time data insights for school staff. Co-designed and tested by career practitioners, the WBL App saves time and reduces the administrative workload involved in managing placements.
To learn more about the app, contact the Work-based learning team by email: work.based.learning@education.vic.gov.au
VTAC - 2025-2026
VTAC - 2025-2026
VTAC applications open on 28th July and timely applications close 29th September. There is a new application process:
Create your profile, including education history
Complete your equity schemes and scholarships application, and provide evidence
Further information, including CourseSearch, fact sheets and guides: www.vtac.edu.au or phone 03 9926 1020.
Dedicated schools page: www.vtac.edu.au/careers
Upcoming VTAC events and webinars: www.vtac.edu.au/events
Collaboration and Curriculum Access Fund (CCAF) - 2025-26
Collaboration and Curriculum Access Fund (CCAF) - 2025-26
the 2025-26 round of the Collaboration and Curriculum Access Fund (CCAF) has just opened to all government secondary and specialist schools that will deliver the VCE VM and/or VPC in 2026.
The 2025-26 round of the CCAF will provide targeted funding to support government schools to build strong collaborative practice across schools, and with TAFE non-school providers, to support high-quality delivery of VCE VM and VPC programs, and support schools to introduce the VPC from 2026. This is a competitive grant round and not all applicant schools or partnerships will be successful.
Funding awarded through the 2025-26 round of the CCAF will support the following objectives:
Objective 1: Building collaboration amongst schools, and between schools and TAFE non-school providers (partnerships can apply for funding of up to $10,000 per partner school)
Objective 2: Supporting student access to VPC programs (individual schools can apply for funding of up to $30,000).
For more information, including the guidelines and application form, please see the website here: https://www.vic.gov.au/collaboration-and-curriculum-access-fund.
Updates from Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE)
Updates from Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE)
Morrisby Profiles - catch ups available
ACCE are pleased to advise that the Department of Education has arranged for Morrisby Profiles to be available to students in Years 10-12 who have not registered for a profile when in Year 9 as a one-off catch-up during 2025.
Importantly, it ensures that all students in Victorian government senior secondary schools can equally participate in school career activities by referring to their Morrisby profile beyond Year 9 and using the Year 10+ MCI Resources. Students who transition from school with a profile will be able to access their profile for life.
For more information, contact Career Project Manager, Craig Eastwood – craig.eastwood@ceav.vic.edu.au
Career Development in Practice Workshop
The Career Development in Practice (CDIP) workshop is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to develop and deliver effective career services within a variety of educational settings.
DE is funding a series of 2-day CDIP workshops aimed at supporting:
new or recently recruited career practitioners in government schools who have limited experience in delivering career education (2 years or less experience as a career practitioner)
other government school staff who are currently supporting career education activities in their school
The next training is on 24-25 July (in Melbourne), specifically for new career practitioners, and an expression of interest can be submitted at this link.
Victorian Skills Authority - Navigating disability services for TAFE and training students
Victorian Skills Authority - Navigating disability services for TAFE and training students
Creating an inclusive learning environment starts with the right support for students with disabilities.
Our new Disability Support Services for Students webpage provides a starting point for those looking to begin their TAFE and training journey. It helps connect students with the right services and contacts, making it easier to access the people and programs that can support them effectively.
Given the dynamic nature of educational resources, it’s vital for teachers to have quick access to up-to-date information. Bookmark or save this page so you can refer to it whenever you need guidance, or share it with colleagues who might benefit from it.
If you have feedback, please email the VSA’s Digital Engagement team at victorian.skills.gateway@ecodev.vic.gov.au
Highlands LLEN: Health Exploration Day - Fed Uni
Highlands LLEN: Health Exploration Day - Fed Uni
FREE Year 9 Health Exploration Day - Fed Uni, Mount Helen
At the Federation University Mount Helen Campus, students will be placed in groups and assigned to a station where they will experience hands-on activities with an industry professional in the following Health professions:
Occupational Therapy
Speech Pathology
Social Worker
Physiotherapy
Individual Support
CPR/ First Aid
Nursing
Psychology
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Midwifery
Paramedicine
When: 9:30am - 2:30pm, Tuesday 22 July 2025
Where: Federation University, Mount Helen Campus
Registration required: events@highlandsllen.org
Ballarat Jobs & Training Expo
Ballarat Jobs & Training Expo
The Ballarat Jobs & Training Expo is a careers, training and skills event held yearly in Ballarat.
Industries represented at the Expo include training and employment pathway opportunities within the Ballarat and surrounding areas as well as many local businesses.
The Expo is a great chance for attendees to talk to professionals in areas of interest, attend interactive workshops & seminars.
Tickets are FREE! Visit the website for further information and to register.
When: Friday 25th July 2025
Where: The Goods Shed Ballarat
Time: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Ballarat Careers + Futures Festival 2025
Ballarat Careers + Futures Festival 2025
Exhibitors will include Universities, TAFEs, Registered Training Organisations, Residential Colleges, GAP Year Coordinators, and other Educational and Pathway Organisations. This community-focused event also features a series of short, interactive, and informative seminars on career and pathway topics relevant to senior school students and parents.
This year’s event showcases many exciting and varied Careers In Agriculture, with institutions and organisations attending that provide training and opportunities in the industry.
Proceeds of gold coin donations would be appreciated by Rotary for their community events. Further information available here..
When: Monday 28th July 2025
Where: Rintel, Ballarat Grammar – Enter via Gate D
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2025 Term 1 v2.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2025 Term 1 v2.0
End of Term 1 is here!
End of Term 1 is here!
And with what feels like the blink of an eye, Term 1 is nearly over...
Please take the time to read the updates below, and as always reach out if I can assist with anything.
Sue-Anne Garcian
Jobs, Skills and Pathways Manager, Central Highlands
P.S. If you have new staff who would benefit from accessing this newsletter - or former staff you would like removed from this mailing list - please email me @ sue-anne.garcian@education.vic.gov.au
VASS key dates
VASS key dates
Special Examination Arrangements application closing date extended to 4 April 2025
2025 VCE VET program summary (Open)
2025 VCE VET program transition advice available (Open)
Student Achievement Profile - available in VASS
Initial Enrolment Data 2025 - available in VASS
02/05/2025 Last day for HES enrolments
02/05/2025 Last day for Unit 3 and VCE 3/4 small-group partnerships
02/05/2025 Last day for VCE & VCE VM 3/4 & VET scored 3/4 enrolments
12/05/2025 GAT SEA Advice Slips and Summary Report available
12/05/2025 GAT centre arrangement & Student Assessment Timetable
16/06/2025 Last day for mid-year VPC reporting
17/06/2025 General Achievement Test
27/06/2025 Last day to lodge requests for GAT exemptions with the VCAA
VCAA Updates
VCAA Updates
Central Highlands VCAA VCE VM / VPC CoP
The first VCE VM and VPC Communities of Practice meetings took place in Term 1, and will continue in Term 2 with both a face-to-face and an online meeting.
These CoP meetings provide a forum for teachers to collaboratively reflect, revise and regenerate their teaching and learning practices. Members attend in-person or online meetings during each term to deepen their knowledge and expertise in applied learning, and create strong networks to share practice, expertise and resources. Look out for the next VCAA update later this week!
*** If you are teaching VCE VM / VPC and haven't signed up to this CoP already, please do so via this link. Please share with any of your VCE VM / VPC colleagues that you think might also benefit from receiving the VCAA VCE VM & VPC updates. ***
Hope to see many of you there in Term 2!
Term 2 meetings
Term 2 face-to-face meeting: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, Thursday 12 June
Location: Ballarat High School
Term 2 online meeting: 3.40pm – 4.30pm, Thursday 22 May
VCE Administration Handbook 2025
The VCE Administrative Handbook 2025 is now available for download on the VCAA website, along with a summary of changes to the Handbook.
Join us next week for the live VCE Briefing webinars, designed to provide additional support and information for school leaders. Webinars will cover information, skills and resources for leading and implementing the VCE and VPC in 2025.
View the VCE Administrative Handbook
A new pathway for students wanting to work in renewable energy
To ensure we are responding to Victoria’s skills needs, two proposed new VET accredited courses - a Certificate II and Certificate III have been developed by the VCAA to provide a pathway into renewable energy. VET has a long history of providing learners with job-ready skills to hit the ground running.
In 2023, a $7.5 million Victorian Government commitment to have these courses available as part of the integrated VET offering in senior secondary schools will deliver world-class training and career pathways for Victorians.
Extensive consultation with TAFEs, RTOs, industry bodies, private companies, relevant government departments and many of their agencies, guided the VCAA in determining the desirable scope, outcomes and shape of potential new qualifications.
These courses have been endorsed by an Accreditation Steering Committee, a necessary step in the accreditation process through the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).
These certificates are planned for delivery in all states and territories of Australia from 2026, following an accreditation process.
Top Designs 2025
2025 marks 25 years of Top Designs at Melbourne Museum.
Opening on Saturday 29 March, this year’s exhibition features 77 innovative design and technology works created by Victorian senior secondary students. Melbourne Museum is also hosting education sessions to complement school visits to the exhibition, featuring industry speakers and curriculum experts.
Top Designs 2025 continues at Melbourne Museum until Sunday 20 July.
Nominate VET students, staff and partners for the Victorian Training Awards
Celebrate your Vocational Education and Training (VET) students, trainers, teachers, or providers by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Training Awards.
Nominations close on Monday 28 April, with the awards gala to be held on Friday 19 September.
Award winners receive $5,000 in prize money and go on to represent Victoria in the Australian Training Awards, being recognised as the best in the nation.
Free writing assistance from the Victorian Skills Authority is available to help refine your draft and develop a compelling nomination.
Work-Based Learning (WBL) App - Term 2
Work-Based Learning (WBL) App - Term 2
The Work-Based Learning Application (WBL App) is a free digital tool from the Department of Education that streamlines the coordination of work experience (WE) and structured workplace learning (SWL) placements in Victorian government secondary schools.
It replaces manual paper-based processes with digital forms, automated workflows and a dashboard to provide real time data insights for school staff. Co-designed and tested by career practitioners, the WBL App saves time and reduces the administrative workload involved in managing placements.
The WBL App will be available to Victorian government secondary schools in Term 2 2025, however there is an opportunity to pre-register. This will ensure your school is already set up with staff access at statewide launch.
To learn more about the app and pre-registration, contact the Work-based learning team by email: work.based.learning@education.vic.gov.au
Update from Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE)
Update from Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE)
ACCE are pleased to advise that the Department of Education has arranged for Morrisby Profiles to be available to students in Years 10-12 who have not registered for a profile when in Year 9 as a one-off catch-up during 2025.
Importantly, it ensures that all students in Victorian government senior secondary schools can equally participate in school career activities by referring to their Morrisby profile beyond Year 9 and using the Year 10+ MCI Resources. Students who transition from school with a profile will be able to access their profile for life.
For more information, contact Career Project Manager, Craig Eastwood – craig.eastwood@ceav.vic.edu.au
Upskilling Careers Practitioners - EOI for mid-year intake
Upskilling Careers Practitioners - EOI for mid-year intake
The Department of Education is supporting school staff in Victorian government schools to become qualified career practitioners by completing a one-year Graduate Certificate in Career Education/Career Development endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA).
This qualification will equip career practitioners with the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge and skills to lead the delivery of high-quality career education in their school. On successful completion of an endorsed course, career practitioners will be eligible for registration with the CICA and with CICA member organisations such as the DE funded professional membership through the Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE).
EOI applications open 7 April 2025, and close on 5 May 2025.
For an EOI application form and more information contact career.education@education.vic.gov.au
The TAE Grant Fund is open for 2025
The Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE) Fund is available to Victorian government schools in 2025 to support eligible school staff to become qualified to teach VET. A School Update was published 11 February 2025 to inform schools that expressions of interest are now open.
Schools wishing to claim from the fund must submit an intention to claim form by 30 May 2025. Schools can claim reimbursement for costs incurred between 1 January 2024 and 30 May 2025.
Victorian Skills Authority: New fact sheets about the Victorian Skills Plan now available
The annual Victorian Skills Plan (VSP) sets out Victoria’s skills needs based on the latest data and stakeholder insights, and identifies key areas for action to achieve a world-class post-secondary education and training system.
To reach more people they have summarised information from the VSP into practical downloadable fact sheets.
There are two different fact sheets you can download, print and use:
VSP general fact sheet – overview of the VSP including focus areas and actions
VSP student fact sheet – designed to be easily understood by young people, parents and carers.
The e-fact sheets cover:
government priority areas
industries with high demand for workers
career pathways for in demand jobs
numbers of new workers expected across Victoria
an example career journey through a VET pathway (student fact sheet).
If you have feedback or require further information, please email the VSA’s Digital Engagement team at victorian.skills.gateway@ecodev.vic.gov.au
Students Day Out
Students Day Out
Following the success of previous years, Commerce Ballarat are proud to offer Students Day Out again in 2025. Last year, they welcomed over 400 students to hear from Nik and Harry Robinson, the innovative minds behind Good Citizens Eyewear.
Ballarat Commerce promise 2025 will not disappoint, details to follow soon!
Please Save the Date:
Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Time: 10:00am (return to school by 12.30pm)
Location: Her Majesty Theatre
We understand the constraints of school budgets so once again the City of Ballarat will support this initiative by covering transportation costs for Ballarat schools.
For further information or questions, please contact Commerce Ballarat on 5333 3233 or
Department of Education's Trade & Tech Fit (TFF) Expo
Department of Education's Trade & Tech Fit (TFF) Expo
Trade & Tech Fit career expo is back in 2025!
Hosted by the Department of Education, the expo showcases study and employment opportunities for female and gender diverse young people in years 7 to 12 in industries that are traditionally pitched to males.
Trade & Tech Fit is Victoria’s largest hands-on career expo, allowing students to design video games, lay bricks, weld, use a flight simulator, program a robot, safety test equipment, use power tools, learn to paint and more. It provides a safe and equitable space where students engage with female tradies, apprentices and industry professionals, providing insight into the breadth of career pathways where female and gender diverse people are underrepresented.
Date: Tuesday 3 June and Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: Admission and buses for regional government schools are free
Registration: Trade & Tech Fit. Registrations close 5 pm on Friday 30 May 2025
Last call: Combine your trip to Trade & Tech Fit Expo with a visit to RMIT City Campus - Register now:
For the first time in 2025, we are offering Central Highlands government schools who would like to combine their trip to the Trade & Tech Fit expo with a visit to the RMIT City Campus!
Buses will depart from and return to a central location in Ballarat (TBC), and students will still require staff supervision from their school for the entirety of the excursion. More details will be provided once we have a better idea of numbers.
Benefits:
No extra cost for schools or students
Great opportunity for students to go to a dual sector university in Melbourne and explore the campus whilst already in Melbourne
Hear about government assistance for regional students studying in Melbourne
Pathways information
Link what they see/try at the expo to the sorts of 'next steps' involved in realising their careers, including vocational and higher educational options
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:15pm (TBC)
Location: The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre / RMIT City Campus
Cost: Admission and buses for regional schools are free
Registration/enquiries: Contact Sue-Anne Garcian, Jobs, Skills and Pathways Manager, at sue-anne.garcian@education.vic.gov.au
Do not register at the above Trade & Tech Fit link.
This excursion is being organised separately by the Central Highlands office, in conjunction with the Highlands LLEN.
Highlands LLEN: Health Exploration Day - Fed Uni
Highlands LLEN: Health Exploration Day - Fed Uni
FREE Year 9 Health Exploration Day - Fed Uni, Mount Helen
At the Federation University Mount Helen Campus, students will be placed in groups and assigned to a station where they will experience hands-on activities with an industry professional in the following Health professions:
Occupational Therapy
Speech Pathology
Social Worker
Physiotherapy
Individual Support
CPR/ First Aid
Nursing
Psychology
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Midwifery
Paramedicine
When: 9:30am - 2:30pm, Tuesday 22 July 2025
Where: Federation University, Mount Helen Campus
Registration required: events@highlandsllen.org
Head Start: Brodie from Bacchus Marsh College
Head Start: Brodie from Bacchus Marsh College
Brodie, a Year 12 student at Bacchus Marsh College, is taking a hands-on approach to building his future career. While his ultimate goal is to join the police force when he is in his 20’s, he wants to gain a qualification before taking that step. That’s why he recently began an SBAT through Head Start, with Ballan Local Butcher, where he has been working for the past six months.
Brodie is developing valuable skills in discipline, teamwork, and customer service —qualities that will serve him well in both the butchery trade and his future in the police force.
His story is a great example of how students can use vocational education as a stepping stone to their dream careers.
Well done, Brodie!
Ballarat Tech School
Ballarat Tech School
The Ballarat Tech School is a centre of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) excellence that connects schools and industry in innovative learning programs that challenge students to solve problems in a real-world context.
Ballarat Tech School offer a wide range of learning programs based on the STEM principles:
Guided by an integrated design process
Immersion in hands-on inquiry and exploration
Involvement in productive teamwork
Opportunity for multiple outcomes, answers and application
Exposure to industry pathways, mentors and narratives
For further information visit: Learning Programs | Ballarat Tech School
Yagilaith - University of Melbourne
Yagilaith - University of Melbourne
Hosted by Murrup Barak, Yagilaith (meaning ‘learning’ in WoiWurrung) is an opportunity for Year 11 and Year 12students on an ATAR/IB pathway in any state/territory to experience what studying at the University of Melbourne is like.
Attend the A Day at Melbourne event. During the event you will get to sit in a lecture, tour the campus, and find out about different study options at the University
Hear from current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Participate in workshops and activities led by Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander peoples
Meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff from various faculties
Stay on-campus at a Residential College
Visit Murrup Barak
Explore Melbourne city
Meet other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
There is no cost to participate. All expenses are covered including accommodation, food, and flights.
Program takes place Monday 7 - Friday 11 July 2025.
Applications are now open and close April 2025.
New Commonwealth Prac Payment for VET (CPP VET)
New Commonwealth Prac Payment for VET (CPP VET)
The Commonwealth Prac Payment – Vocational Education and Training (CPP VET) offers Diploma of Nursing students support while they undertake mandatory placements.
The Australian Government will establish the CPP VET for students to help them manage the costs associated with undertaking a mandatory placement (also known as a practicum) as part of their Diploma of Nursing course.
From 1 July 2025, eligible students will be able to access a payment while they undertake a placement, subject to an income test to target students who need it most.
For VET students, the Government will administer the CPP through a purpose-built IT system.
CPP VET Program Guidelines will be developed in collaboration with stakeholders, including students, peak bodies and training providers.
Higher education students undertaking a mandatory placement in nursing, midwifery, teaching or social work through an eligible higher education provider may also be eligible for the CPP.
For further information visit the Department of Education website.
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2025 Term 1 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2025 Term 1 v1.0
Welcome to 2025!
Welcome to the first edition of 2025!
I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break over the summer holidays. It's hard to believe we're more than halfway through February already!
Although the school year is still in the early weeks, there is a lot happening. Please take some time to read through these updates, and reach out if I can assist with anything.
Sue-Anne Garcian
Jobs, Skills and Pathways Manager, Central Highlands
P.S. If you have new staff who would benefit from accessing this newsletter - or former staff you would like removed from this mailing list - please email me @ sue-anne.garcian@education.vic.gov.au
VASS key dates
VASS key dates
VET Certificates are now available on VASS!
2025 VCE VET program summary (Open)
2025 VCE VET program transition advice available (Open)
Register - Analysing Your School's VCE Results (Open)
Student Achievement Profile - (available in VASS)
21/02/2025 Last day for online requests to apply prev. approved SEAs
24/02/2025 Initial enrolments due
07/03/2025 Last day to submit SEA applications for known conditions
02/05/2025 Last day for HES enrolments
02/05/2025 Last day for Unit 3 and VCE 3/4 small-group partnerships
02/05/2025 Last day for VCE & VCE VM 3/4 & VET scored 3/4 enrolments
VCAA Updates
VCAA Updates
Central Highlands has a new VCAA CoP Leader!
Congratulations to Shona Smith! Shona is well positioned as the new VCAA VCE VM and VPC Central Highlands CoP Leader, bringing a wealth of experience in this space.
The VCE VM and VPC Communities of Practice provide a forum for teachers to collaboratively reflect, revise and regenerate their teaching and learning practices. Members attend in-person or online meetings during each term to deepen their knowledge and expertise in applied learning, and create strong networks to share practice, expertise and resources.
*** If you are teaching VCE VM / VPC and haven't signed up to this CoP already, please do so via this new link. Please share with any of your VCE VM / VPC colleagues that you think might also benefit from receiving the VCAA VCE VM & VPC updates: Registration Link . ***
Hope to see many of you there in 2025!
Term 1 meetings
Term 1 face-to-face meeting: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, Thursday 13th March
Professional Learning:
Collaborative Approach to CoP meetings
Curriculum Design Support Resources
Where to Get Help
CoP Continuous Improvement:
Goal setting
Relationship building:
Welcoming new staff to the VCE VM and VPC space
News across the Central highlands Area – celebrations and connections
Term 1 online meeting: 3.40pm – 4.30pm, Tuesday 25th March
CoP Continuous Improvement:
Evaluate and Diagnose – Reflection and Needs Assessment
VCE Administration Handbook 2025
The VCE Administrative Handbook 2025 is now available for download on the VCAA website, along with a summary of changes to the Handbook.
Join us next week for the live VCE Briefing webinars, designed to provide additional support and information for school leaders. Webinars will cover information, skills and resources for leading and implementing the VCE and VPC in 2025.
View the VCE Administrative Handbook
Delivery of VCE VM and VPC
The VCAA is delivering a professional learning workshop for teachers who are new to delivering the VCE VM and VPC in 2025 on Friday 28 February 2025
The session provides teachers with insight into developing plans for 2025 and builds their understanding of and capacity in the VCE VM and VPC curriculum and applied learning pedagogy.
Learning about VCE VET scored assessment
Understand VCE VET scored assessment with our program specific webinars held in March 2025.
The webinar series will provide an overview on scored assessment, suitable for those new to Vocational Education and Training Delivered to School Students (VDSS).
Email VCAA Communications to be notified when registrations open.
All VCE VET scored assessment professional learnings can be found on the VCAA website.
Analysing Your School's VCE Results
Starting from Tuesday 25 February, a series of professional learning sessions will be available for school staff responsible for delivering the VCE, and are looking to use data from the VCE Data Service and VCE External Assessment Results Service.
Training for new VASS users
New VASS administrators are invited to attend our VASS professional development training series in February and March.
There are multiple training sessions which will include an introduction, exercises related to the most common VASS activities, and a Q&A session to address any queries.
TAE Grant Fund 2024-25
TAE Grant Fund 2024-25
Applications are now open for eligible Victorian government schools to submit an intention to claim for the TAE Grant Fund 2024-25
What is the TAE Grant Fund?
The TAE Grant Fund 2024–25 provides funding to Victorian government schools to support eligible school staff with vocational competency in a VCE VET program certificate to become qualified to teach VET.
Schools can claim reimbursement for costs incurred between 1 January 2024 and 30 May 2025.
Applications close on Friday 30 May 2025.
Please inform VDSS teachers/trainers in your school of this opportunity. For more information visit the TAE Grant Fund 2024-25 section at: Professional learning programs: Vocational and applied learning, or reach out to the Vocational Workforce Team: Vocational.Workforce@education.vic.gov.au
VDSS IGNITE Professional Learning Day - 20th February 2025
VDSS IGNITE Professional Learning Day - 20th February 2025
As part of the VDSS Workforce Gateway pilot program, Chisholm Institute are hosting an online professional learning event on 20 February 2025. This free event is open to all VDSS teachers/trainers in schools, TAFEs and private RTOs.
VDSS IGNITE offers a series of engaging online workshops designed to inspire, inform, and equip participants with practical tools for the year ahead. Sessions will be led by expert facilitators and will explore innovative approaches to student engagement and provide strategies to foster positive learning environments.
Register for one or all sessions using this online form. Registrations close COB Tuesday 18 February 2025.
Please inform VDSS teachers/trainers in your school of this opportunity, and if you have any questions, please reach out to the Vocational Workforce Team: Vocational.Workforce@education.vic.gov.au
2025 Industry & Education Partnership Bus Tour - Register now!!
2025 Industry & Education Partnership Bus Tour - Register now!!
A reminder for you to register for our annual Industry & Education Partnership Bus Tour, which is being held on 26th March 2025. This event serves as a vital platform for forging connections between local schools and diverse industries, offering invaluable insights and interactions with industry specialists.
Exclusive site visits to Ballarat Turf Club (McEvoy’s Mitchell Racing & Henry Dwyer Racing), second tour TBC plus insights from panel of industry leaders over lunch.
It's an excellent opportunity for educators to acquire tools and inspiration for guiding students toward diverse career paths within our region. Schedule is being finalised currently.
Students Day Out
Students Day Out
Following the success of previous years, Commerce Ballarat are proud to offer Students Day Out again in 2025. Last year, they welcomed over 400 students to hear from Nik and Harry Robinson, the innovative minds behind Good Citizens Eyewear.
Ballarat Commerce promise 2025 will not disappoint, details to follow soon!
Please Save the Date:
Date: Wednesday, 21st May 2025
Time: 10:00am (return to school by 12.30pm)
Location: Her Majesty Theatre
We understand the constraints of school budgets so once again the City of Ballarat will support this initiative by covering transportation costs for Ballarat schools.
For further information or questions, please contact Commerce Ballarat on 5333 3233 or
Department of Education's Trade & Tech Fit (TFF) Expo
Department of Education's Trade & Tech Fit (TFF) Expo
Trade & Tech Fit career expo is back in 2025!
Hosted by the Department of Education, the expo showcases study and employment opportunities for female and gender diverse young people in years 7 to 12 in industries that are traditionally pitched to males.
Trade & Tech Fit is Victoria’s largest hands-on career expo, allowing students to design video games, lay bricks, weld, use a flight simulator, program a robot, safety test equipment, use power tools, learn to paint and more. It provides a safe and equitable space where students engage with female tradies, apprentices and industry professionals, providing insight into the breadth of career pathways where female and gender diverse people are underrepresented.
Date: Tuesday 3 June and Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: Admission and buses from regional schools are free
Registration: Trade & Tech Fit. Registrations close 5 pm on Friday 30 May 2025
Combine your trip to Trade & Tech Fit Expo with a visit to RMIT City Campus - Register your attendance now:
For the first time in 2025, we are offering Central Highlands schools who would like to combine their trip to the Trade & Tech Fit expo with a visit to the RMIT City Campus!
Buses will depart from and return to a central location in Ballarat (TBC), and students will still require staff supervision from their school for the entirety of the excursion. More details will be provided once we have a better idea of numbers.
Benefits:
No extra cost for schools or students
Great opportunity for students to go to a dual sector university in Melbourne and explore the campus whilst already in Melbourne
Hear about government assistance for regional students studying in Melbourne
Pathways information
Link what they see/try at the expo to the sorts of 'next steps' involved in realising their careers, including vocational and higher educational options
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time: 9:00am – 4:15pm (TBC)
Location: The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre / RMIT City Campus
Cost: Admission and buses for regional schools are free
Registration/enquiries: Contact Sue-Anne Garcian, Jobs, Skills and Pathways Manager, at sue-anne.garcian@education.vic.gov.au
Do not register at the above Trade & Tech Fit link.
This excursion is being organised separately by the Central Highlands office, in conjunction with the Highlands LLEN.
Head Start: Shanae Lang, Phoenix P-12 Community College
Head Start: Shanae Lang, Phoenix P-12 Community College
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care
Shanae is the third and youngest sibling to complete a Head Start School-Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship (SBAT).
Shanae commences her SBAT as a year 10 student in September 2022, working for Journey Early Learning in Delacombe.
Combining her secondary schooling with her TAFE studies, employment and support through Head Start, Shanae was able to complete her training to become a credited Child Care worker by April 2024. This led Shanae to ongoing employment once completing her secondary schooling.
Shanae has been a very motivated and willing student who always strived to do her best in anything she set her mind on. Shanae was a delight to have as a Head Start SBAT.
Further information about Head Start can be found here, or contact our local Head Start team at headstart.wimmch@education.vic.gov.au
Highlands LLEN: Health Exploration Day - ACU
Highlands LLEN: Health Exploration Day - ACU
FREE Year 9 Health Exploration Day - ACU
At the ACU Ballarat Campus, students will be placed in groups and assigned to a station where they will experience hands-on activities with an ACU industry Ambassador in the following Health professions:
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Speech Pathology
Physiotherapy
Paramedicine
When: 9:30am - 2:30pm, Tuesday 21st March 2025
Where: ACU Ballarat Campus
Registration required: events@highlandsllen.org
Highlands LLEN: Health Exploration Day - Fed Uni
Highlands LLEN: Health Exploration Day - Fed Uni
FREE Year 9 Health Exploration Day - Fed Uni, Mount Helen
At the Federation University Mount Helen Campus, students will be placed in groups and assigned to a station where they will experience hands-on activities with an industry professional in the following Health professions:
Occupational Therapy
Speech Pathology
Social Worker
Physiotherapy
Individual Support
CPR/ First Aid
Nursing
Psychology
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Midwifery
Paramedicine
When: 9:30am - 2:30pm, Tuesday 22nd July 2025
Where: Federation University, Mount Helen Campus
Registration required: events@highlandsllen.org
Other online student opportunities (as promoted by HLLEN)
Other online student opportunities (as promoted by HLLEN)
FREE Online (Zoom) career taster webinars for Years 9-12 - links provided 2 days prior to events
FREE Online (Zoom) career taster webinars for Years 9-12 - links provided 2 days prior to events
o NATURALLY GOAT Webinar – Agriculture: 10:00am - 11:00am, Thursday, 6th March 2025 (via Zoom)
Naturally Goat in partnership with BNLLEN are hosting a webinar. Naturally Goat is an ethical and sustainable business operating out of St Andrews that produces organic goat skincare and many other items. Students will experience an online taster tour to gain insight into the everyday world of agriculture, manufacturing health and beauty products and operating a business.
RSVP: courtney@bnllen.org.au by Tuesday 20th February 2025.
Please note: This webinar will not be recorded.
o Greenhills Media Group Webinar – ANIMATION: 10:00am-11:00am, Tuesday 18th March (via Zoom)
Greenhills Media Group in partnership with BNLLEN are hosting a webinar. For over 30 years, Greenhills Media Group helps bring creative ideas to life in animation and media production. As the official partner for Toon Boom Animation in Australia and New Zealand, students will learn about industry training, resources, and industry connections to help them succeed in the exciting world of animation and entertainment.
RSVP: courtney@bnllen.org.au by Tuesday 11th March 2025.
Please note: This webinar will not be recorded.
PD/Networking opportunity – SEDA 2025 Career Influencer Open Days: Registration required
Hosted by the Collingwood Football Club and Melbourne United, you’ll join our Sport & Business Program students in the inner sanctum for a first-hand view of what makes these programs. Our Sport & Business Programs are industry-based dual diploma qualifications (SIS50321 Diploma of Sport and BSB50120 Diploma of Business) connected to elite sporting organisations across Australia. In Victoria we are proud to partner with Cricket Australia, Collingwood Football Club, Melbourne United and Melbourne Victory offering students the opportunity to learn from industry experts, build their networks and gain valuable experience through work-integrated learning.
Each day will be strictly limited to 15 attendees and comprise:
· Breakfast and networking
· Presentation and Q&A with SEDA Group staff
· Viewing of a regular program session
· Opportunity to speak to current students
Collingwood Magpies Sport & Business Program - 8:00am - 10:00am, Thursday 20th March, AIA Vitality Centre, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne
Melbourne United Sport & Business Program - 8:00am - 10:00am, Tuesday 25th March, Hoop City, 77-79 Tulip Street, Cheltenham
Year 9-12 - Careers with STEM BiG Day In, Melbourne
Learn where a STEM career can take you. Hear from organisations such as Wisetech Global, Adobe, Australian Signals Directorate & more to come.
Teachers FREE, students $10 each
9:00am-2:30pm, Thursday 22nd May 2025
Yagilaith - University of Melbourne
Yagilaith - University of Melbourne
Hosted by Murrup Barak, Yagilaith (meaning ‘learning’ in WoiWurrung) is an opportunity for Year 11 and Year 12students on an ATAR/IB pathway in any state/territory to experience what studying at the University of Melbourne is like.
Attend the A Day at Melbourne event. During the event you will get to sit in a lecture, tour the campus, and find out about different study options at the University
Hear from current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Participate in workshops and activities led by Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander peoples
Meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff from various faculties
Stay on-campus at a Residential College
Visit Murrup Barak
Explore Melbourne city
Meet other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
There is no cost to participate. All expenses are covered including accommodation, food, and flights.
Program takes place Monday 7th - Friday 11th July 2025.
Applications are now open and close April 2025.
EOI - BADAC Camps
EOI - BADAC Camps
Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative are seeing expressions of interest from families whose children would love to attend BADAC camps.
The camps are suitable for ages 5 - 15 years
To register interest: Use the QR code on this flyer or click this link to complete the form.
For further information: Contact Nikki Bell, Youth Engagement Project Officer, at nbell@badac.net.au
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 4 v2.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 4 v2.0
Final Edition of 2024
Welcome to the final edition of 2024!
As we all hurtle toward the end of the year, we hope you can reflect back on a great year, with an eye toward the upcoming summer break!
All the best for the holiday season and continued success in 2025!
Sue-Anne Garcian and Barb Robillard
Your Central Highlands Jobs Skills and Pathways Team
P.S. If you have new staff who would benefit from accessing this newsletter, please email me @ sue-anne.garcian@education.vic.gov.au
VASS
VASS
Last key date for 2024:
12/12/2024 Results available to students
VCAA Updates
VCAA Updates
VDSS Workforce Gateway Pilot
VDSS Workforce Gateway Pilot
Applications are open for eligible Vocational Education and Training (VET) teachers and trainers to take part in the VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) Workforce Gateway pilot during Term 1, 2025. The pilot will run from 29 January until 4 April 2025.
Gateway is a digital platform designed to support VET educators with accessing and recording professional learning and industry currency activities. Those taking part will get access to a range of professional learning opportunities and resources.
Applicants must be:
delivering VET to school students in Victoria
employed by a government or non-government school (as a registered secondary school teacher or with Permission to Teach VET) or RTO
delivering any VET certificate/s from the VCE VET program chart
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 20 January 2025.
For more info, click on the following link: Professional learning programs: Vocational and applied learning | schools.vic.gov.au
Resources and Professional Learning
The VCAA is leading hybrid professional learning workshops to support teachers in delivering and preparing the VCE VM and VPC for 2025.
These sessions will provide opportunities for teachers to reflect on success and challenges of the last year, develop plans for 2025 and improve their applied learning approaches. They will also provide great networking opportunities with teachers from other schools.
The hybrid workshops will be held in November and December across Victoria.
Register for the workshops here:
Pages - Face-to-face professional learning
VCE VM and VPC professional learning modules: Applied Learning in Practice Workshops
Have you seen our VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Professional Learning Platform? The Senior Secondary Reform team have created 7 online modules to help prepare schools implementing the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate. The Applied Learning in Practice Workshop is an on-demand version of the face-to-face workshop. The activities-based module contains an overview of all study and curriculum designs and implementation advice.
The learning modules can be accessed here:
VCE VM & VPC Implementation Supports for Schools
VCE VM & VPC Implementation Supports for Schools
Is your School Leadership Team looking for guidance on how to build teacher support or community awareness or on how to resource small cohorts in the new pathways?
Are your Teachers looking for on-demand professional learning related to applied learning pedagogy, or how to become a Community of Practice member or for guidance on the delivery and implementation of VCE VM and VPC?
The below link will take you to a document that summarises the supports available to school leaders and teachers to support the delivery of the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC):
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/vce-vocational-major-vpc-provision/resources
Career Education Planning and Improvement (CEPI) Tool
Career Education Planning and Improvement (CEPI) Tool
The Department's Career Education Unit have created the Career Education Planning and Improvement (CEPI) Tool as a resource to help schools improve their career education program.
The tool was created in partnership with principals and career education staff at more than 50 pilot secondary schools. These schools have used the tool to self-evaluate, identify and act on opportunities to enhance delivery of career education and lift students’ confidence about their future.
CEPI is now available for career education staff, school leaders and senior education improvement leaders to identify if your school is emerging, evolving, embedding or excelling in 10 career education benchmarks. These benchmarks include strategic planning, curriculum, career guidance and inclusive education.
To learn more and access CEPI, click the following link:
Career education in secondary schools
We invite career education staff to an online briefing on using the CEPI Tool. Participants will hear from schools that were part of the pilot.
Briefing details:
Briefing details:
Date: Tuesday 18 February 2025
Time: 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
For more information and to register, refer to Using the Career Education Planning and Improvement Tool.
2025 Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants - Applications Now Open!
2025 Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants - Applications Now Open!
The Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants provide an important financial stimulus to VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) providers to develop learning initiatives for their students that support lifelong learning and increased community participation.
The grants acknowledge the outstanding contribution to education and training in Victoria made by Lynne Kosky, the former Victorian Education Minister, who passed away in December 2014.
Each year the VCAA provides up to 8 grants to registered Victorian senior secondary and foundation secondary providers that deliver the VCE VM and/or the VPC. Each grant is valued at $6,250.
Grant applications must be submitted online by no later than:
5pm, Friday 13 December, 2024.
Further information, including how to apply, can be found here: Pages - Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants
Important dates
Important dates
COB Monday 2 December 2024:
Expression of Interest applications close
COB Friday 6 December 2024
Successful study grant recipients notified
Monday 9 December 2024
Webinar information session with course providers
EOI for 2025 Intake Details
EOI for 2025 Intake Details
The Department is supporting school staff in Victorian government schools to become qualified career practitioners by completing a one-year Graduate Certificate in Career Education/Career Development endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA). it is expected that there will be 100 places available for applicants in 2025!
The Department will contribute a study grant that covers the course fees of all four units.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to apply for a study grant, applicants must meet all of the following:
1. Applicant is currently employed in a Victorian government secondary school, primary/secondary school, specialist school or English Language setting.
2. Applicant can demonstrate that they are either directly delivering career education in their school or will be in the near future (verified by their Principal).
3. Applicant has ongoing employment or fixed-term employment in the school beyond completion of the qualification (verified by their Principal).
Grants supporting secondary students to reach their full potential
Grants supporting secondary students to reach their full potential
Future Ready 2025–2026 offers two-year funding for government secondary schools and not-for-profit community organisations for a range of activities for secondary school students, including but not limited to:
mentoring, supporting students to understand and reach their potential
recognised training, work-placement or volunteering
leadership opportunities
hands on learning and development opportunities.
Applications must be in by 3:00pm, 29 November 2024 via the DFFH Grants Gateway.
Funding: $24,000 - $56,000
For more information: Future Ready 2025-26 program | vic.gov.au
Head Start secures scholarship for Daylesford Secondary College Student
Head Start secures scholarship for Daylesford Secondary College Student
All the pieces came together - Neallah, a motivated student from Daylesford College, eager to start a childcare traineeship, an employer happy to offer her an SBAT and the employer's choice of training provider BGT was lined up. Unfortunately, the cost of the course would put significant financial strain on the student and her family, creating a barrier.
In partnership with the school, employer and Bendigo Bank, Head Start was able to successfully secure a scholarship for Neallah, which will cover 80% of the training costs. This scholarship ensures that Neallah can pursue her dreams of a career in childcare, without the financial burden holding her back. Go Neallah!
Reminder – HLLEN Events & Activities Menu 2025 is due to be returned by 30 November 2024
To access the calendar, click on the following link:
https://www.highlandsllen.org/school-activities/
Select the 2025 menu from the top of the orange links;
Print and complete
Email completed menu to events@highlandsllen.org.
For more information about each activity, click the relevant links beneath the Menu to access the detailed flyers.
Army STEM Engagement Program
Army STEM Engagement Program
Around the Ballarat Area 17-21 February 2025 (within 1 hour travel)
NO COST INVOLVED
What’s involved?
A structured lesson on the theory of flight and what makes a helicopter fly with the relevant STEM pathways. These are conducted with the latest Virtual Reality Goggles containing 360 degrees video footage. Concurrent to the theory of flight lesson, this lesson provides a hands-on experience for students on one of the four Virtual Reality (VR) Helicopter Simulators for a realistic experience of controlling an aircraft in flight.
Who’s it for?
Year 8 to 11 students - usually 4 groups of 16-20 students each day over the 2 days.
Set-up requirements:
One double sized room (school hall) is preferred for the program, however, 2 classrooms next to each other is workable.
Contact us:
If you have any questions or require more information, please feel free to contact Program OIC Major David McEvoy:
Email: david.mcevoy@defence.gov.au and armyaviation.motiviation@defence.gov.au
Mobile: 0409 090 890
Endeavour Scholarship to Space Camp USA applications now open!!
Applications for the 2025 Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship – an extraordinary opportunity for Australian secondary students (aged 16-18) and STEM teachers to participate in a fully funded, week-long experience at the renowned U.S. Space & Rocket Centre’s Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, USA.
Eligible applicants should submit a three-minute video application:
Students (16-18 Years): Describe what the Endeavour Scholarship would mean to them, their school, and the greater community.
STEM Teachers: Outline how they would leverage this experience for personal growth and to benefit their school.
Applications close: Friday, 13 December 2024, at 5:00 PM ADST
Further details and application instructions are available at https://airshow.com.au/industry/initiatives/endeavour-scholarship/
For further information on applications please contact Sheridan at endeavour@amda.com.au
The Pyrenees Shire Youth Census
The Pyrenees Shire Youth Census
For Year 7-10 students who reside in Pyrenees Shire
The Pyrenees Shire Youth Census is an opportunity for everyone aged from 10 to 24 to have their say and help inform what comes next for all young people in our region.
The Pyrenees Shire Council and Youth Gurus are working together with young people to conduct the Youth Census between November 17th 2024 - January 31st 2025.
For more information, please go to the following link: www.engage.pyrenees.vic.gov.au/youthcensus
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 4 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 4 v1.0
Welcome to Term 4!
I'd like to start by welcoming Barb Robillard as our new Senior Jobs, Skills and Pathways Officer for the Central Highlands! Barb has joined us from Federation University, and brings a wealth of experience in TAFE, Skills and Jobs, and the post-secondary education environment. We will organise some school visits over the coming weeks, and I look forward to introducing you all. In the meantime, you can reach out to Barb at Barbara.Robillard@education.vic.gov.au.
If you have any staffing changes in your Careers, VET or senior leaders teams, please let us know so that we can update our contact lists and ensure they receive these JSP updates.
All the best as we begin the home run for 2024!
~ The Central Highlands JSP team.
VASS
VASS
30/10/2024 Last day for Unit 4 SAT and SAC
11/11/2024 Last day for Amending Student Personal Details and Consents
18/11/2024 Last day for VCE VET Coursework Task Scores
18/11/2024 Last day for VCE, VCE VM, VPC U1&2 / VET Enrol/withdrawal
18/11/2024 Last day for all Unit results and VET UOCs and task scores
12/12/2024 Results available to students
VCAA Community of Practice
VCAA Community of Practice
Calling all VCE VM/VPC teachers!!
If you haven't already, please sign up and make an effort to attend our next VCAA CoP. Meetings are generally held twice per term - once online and once in-person.
They are a fantastic opportunity to hear from our VCAA rep, and network with other VCE VM/VPC teachers from across our area. These meetings are also attended by your JSP team and HeadStart.
The next VCAA CoP will focus on moderation and linking units/lessons to the applied learning pillars. This session is open to all strands of VCE VM/VPC, so please bring along any units of work or lessons you would like to have reviewed.
Location: Ballarat Grammar
201 Forest St, Wendouree VIC 3355
Date:
6th November 2024
Time:
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Agenda:
Lunch: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM (provided)
Updates and Moderation: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
VCAA updates and relevant news
Focus on moderation for all strands/units. Please bring a unit of work to share.
Tour of Ballarat Grammar: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM (optional)
All members of the VPC/VCEVM teams are encouraged to attend.
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience with any dietary requirements to Veneita Sewell - veneita.sewell@education.vic.gov.au
VCAA Updates
VCAA Updates
VCE VM and VPC Community of Practice Leader
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is seeking expressions of interest from VIT registered teachers and qualified VET trainers to lead VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificates (VPC) Communities of Practice made up of groups of applied learning teachers to support the implementation of the VCE VM and VPC.
The VCE VM and VPC Communities of Practice provide a forum for teachers to collaboratively reflect, review and regenerate their teaching and learning practices. Members attend in-person or online meetings during each term to deepen their knowledge and expertise in applied learning, and create strong networks to share practice, expertise and resources.
Expressions of Interest can only be lodged through the VCAA Sessional Staff Maintenance System (SSMS) via https://www.ssms.vic.edu.au.
Position name: Applied Learning Community of Practice Leader.
The SSMS website accepts and processes applications for all sessional and casual work with the VCAA. For technical support or access enquiries please telephone 1800 718 320 (Monday to Friday; business hours apply or email vcaa.hr@education.vic.gov.au)
VCE VM and VPC Communities of Practice Networking Day - 12 December
VCE VM and VPC Communities of Practice Networking Day - 12 December
VCAA are facilitating a state-wide Community of Practice networking day led by VCAA representatives and our Community of Practice Leaders.
Registrations are open for all teachers regardless of whether you are a Community of Practice member.
VCAA’s Communities of Practice are local area networks led by applied learning experts, that support the collaborative work of teachers across schools to develop high-quality teaching and learning programs.
The day will include:
Professional Learning from VCAA and CoP Leaders
Presentations from applied learning practitioners
Opportunities for moderation of assessment
Preparation for 2025
Sharing with other practitioners within and outside your local area
The day will be run as a hybrid event where attendees can join from the most convenient Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership location: Contact and locations | Academy
You will be asked to select a location to attend when completing your registration.
Delivery of 2024 final results packages
The 2024 final results packages will be delivered by courier to schools’ site address on Thursday 12 December for all metropolitan and regional locations.
Schools are required to complete the following actions by Thursday 31 October:
Check the school’s site address is correctly recorded in VASS and notify the VCAA if a change is required.
Have a staff member present at school between 9:00am to 4:30pm on the day of delivery to collect the results.
Ensure the school does not have a re-direction or any other impediment that would stop delivery of the package.
Notify the VCAA if alternative delivery arrangements are required.
Notify the VCAA if the courier might need additional instructions to deliver the results package to the correct place.
Schools will receive a notification email from the courier regarding their results package closer to the delivery date. The email notification will be sent to the school and VCE coordinator’s email addresses.
All packages will be delivered to site addresses only. PO Box and Private Box will not be considered.
As all packages need to be signed on delivery, it is imperative that a staff member is present for the entire window, or that alternative delivery arrangements are made promptly.
Critical dates
Thursday 31 October – the last day to notify VCAA of changes to delivery arrangements
More information
For changes in delivery arrangements or any other queries, please contact the VCAA Student Records and Results Unit
tel: +61 3 9059 5246
email: student.records@education.vic.gov.au
VCE Season of Excellence 2025: Panel members required for Top Class
Expressions of Interest are sought for 2025 VCE Season of Excellence selection panel members for Top Class. These include:
VCE Dance and VCE VET Dance – one general representative for Top Class Dance
VCE VET Music (Performance) – one general representative for Top Class Music
VCE Music Composition – one general representative for Top Class Music and Sound
Applicants must be teaching Units 3 and 4 of the relevant study.
Sitting on a panel does not preclude your students from applying to Top Class.
To apply, log in to SSMS and navigate to ‘select job’. If you do not have an SSMS log-in, you can register for an account.
Critical dates
Friday 1 November – Expressions of Interest close for Top Class
More information
For more information, please email the VCE Season of Excellence
email: seasonofexcellence@education.vic.gov.au
VCE VM and VPC: New Teacher Induction
VCE VM and VPC: New Teacher Induction
Date: Friday 6 December 2024, 9:45 am - 3:30 pm
Date: Friday 6 December 2024, 9:45 am - 3:30 pm
This hybrid workshop will introduce teachers to the VCE VM and VPC, applied learning pedagogy, and support new teachers of the VCE VM and VPC to prepare for 2025.
This PL may suit your learning needs if
you are new to teaching applied learning
you are teaching one or more of the VCE VM or VPC studies for the first time
you want to refresh your applied learning practice.
The day will be run as a hybrid event where attendees can join from the most convenient Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership location: Contact and locations | Academy
You will be asked to select a location to attend when completing your registration.
Registrations are now open
VET Statewide webinar
Date: Tuesday 26 November 2024, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
You are invited to the VET Statewide webinar!
Agenda:
VCE VET program updates, enrolments and trends
VET recognition in the VCE (including VCE VM and VPC)
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
Access to high-level VET qualifications
Renewable energy project
VCE Season of Excellence
SWL recognition for VET study design
Quality VET delivery
Changes to RTO standards
TAE update
Clusters and LLENs update
Funding update
Slide packs and resources will be emailed out following the conclusion of the webinar.
Registrations are now open
Upskilling Careers Practitioners in government schools 2025-2027
Upskilling Careers Practitioners in government schools 2025-2027
Graduate Certificate in Careers Development Practice:
Study grants available for up to 100 Careers Practitioners who would like to undertake the Graduate Certificate in Career Development.
Expression of Interest process to open early November and close mid-late November 2024
Government secondary school principals to nominate Career Practitioner (or delivering Career Education) to undertake the Graduate Certificate course
Successful study grant recipients notified by end November 2024 (note: they must complete course within 18 months)
Approved Panel Suppliers briefing early December 2024. Briefing purpose to inform successful study grant recipients about course options, including:
key features and support provided throughout the duration of the course including preparatory learning or other supports for students without an undergraduate degree seeking Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
their course fee
any other applicable fees or associated costs (e.g. course handbook)
enrolment processes and deadlines.
Study grant recipients to select their preferred course Supplier and enrol directly in preferred course (by Sem 1, 2025 census date)
Supplier to notify DE of enrolled study grant recipients and invoice DE for course fee
Australian Centre for Careers Education (ACCE) funded memberships:
The Victorian Department of Education is providing funds for 12 months of ACCE membership for up to 2 career practitioners in each Victorian government secondary school. School staff with an existing ACCE membership were still eligible to apply.
About the Membership Categories:
Standard Membership
For individuals with no careers qualifications but would like to keep up to date with what is happening in the careers space. A Standard member is not recognised as a career practitioner by the ACCE.
Associate Membership
Career practitioners who work in a career development field and who meet the CICA entry-level qualification for Associate status. Associate Membership applies to individuals who have completed a minimum in the Certificate IV in Career Development with a CICA endorsed course provider.
Professional Membership
Professional career practitioners involved in career development and education that meet the minimum CICA qualification under the Professional Standards. Professional Membership applies to individuals who have completed a minimum in the Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice or equivalent with a CICA endorsed course provider.
Celebrate VCE student success
Celebrate VCE student success
Nominate an outstanding VCE Vocational Major student by 18 November 2024 and encourage exceptional students to apply for Top Designs, Top Screen, Top Scribe, Top Class Sound and Top Arts, and plan your celebrations
VCE Vocational Major awards
VCE Vocational Major awards
Nominations are open for the second annual Outstanding VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) Student Awards.
Presented at the Premier’s VCE Awards, they recognise students who completed the VCE VM in 2024 and:
demonstrated excellence in their VCE VM program
showed growth in their demonstration of employability skills
meaningfully explored and pursued their pathway options
made a positive impact in their community.
Please work with your teaching staff to identify and nominate at least one exceptional VCE VM student. Nominations close at 11:59 pm on Monday 18 November 2024.
For more information on the awards and to submit your nomination, refer to the Premier’s VCE Awards webpage. To read about our inaugural VCE VM award recipients, refer to Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Students 2023.
VCE Season of Excellence
VCE Season of Excellence
Applications are open for VCE students, including VCE VM and VCE Vocational Education and Training (VET) students, to showcase their work as part of the VCE Season of Excellence, across Top Designs, Top Screen, Top Scribe, Top Class Sound and Top Arts.
Current eligible VCE students can now apply for 2025 season events. Please encourage your coordinators and teachers of relevant studies to work with students to submit their applications.
Applications close for VCE VET students on Monday 11 November 2024. For more information, refer to the VCE Season of Excellence webpage.
2025 Industry & Education Partnership Bus Tour: Save the date - 26th March 2025!!!
2025 Industry & Education Partnership Bus Tour: Save the date - 26th March 2025!!!
A reminder for you to mark your calendars for our annual Industry & Education Partnership Bus Tour. This event serves as a vital platform for forging connections between local schools and diverse industries, offering invaluable insights and interactions with industry specialists.
It's an excellent opportunity for educators to acquire tools and inspiration for guiding students toward diverse career paths within our region. Schedule is being finalised currently.
More information to come
Students Day Out
Students Day Out
Following the success of previous years, Commerce Ballarat are proud to offer Students Day Out again in 2025. Last year, they welcomed over 400 students to hear from Nik and Harry Robinson, the innovative minds behind Good Citizens Eyewear.
Ballarat Commerce promise 2025 will not disappoint, details to follow soon!
Please Save the Date:
Date: Wednesday, 4th May 2025
Time: 10:00am (return to school by 12.30pm)
Location: Her Majesty Theatre
We understand the constraints of school budgets so once again the City of Ballarat will support this initiative by covering transportation costs for Ballarat schools.
For further information or questions, please contact Commerce Ballarat on 5333 3233 or
Head Start - Women in Trade 2024
Head Start - Women in Trade 2024
Head Start in collaboration with Federation Uni will once again hold 2 Women in Trade days in Ballarat on 8th & 15th November.
Head Start's Women in Trade 2024 provides an opportunity for 100 female students from our Central Highlands schools to try their hand at industries like Automotive, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Cabinet Making, Welding, Plumbing, Landscaping, Horticulture, Cooking and Baking.
BBQ lunch supplied by Head Start!
For more information please contact Alli Hamann @ alison.hamann@education.vic.gov.au
Ballarat Tech School - Program Guide 2025: Bookings open now!!
Ballarat Tech School - Program Guide 2025: Bookings open now!!
Did you know...?
All Tech School programs are FREE!
For local partner schools, bus transportation to and from the Tech School is also provided FREE.
Released with the 2025 Program Guide is an Expression of Interest form for 2025.
Some programs can be delivered by Ballarat Tech School Staff at your school (see Tech School at your School section) and regional and rural non-partner schools can inquire about program options.
For further information please contact the Ballarat Tech School at 5327 8080 or ballarattechschool@federation.edu.au, or go to Booking Programs | Ballarat Tech School
Girls in STEM - Term 4 Showcase
Girls in STEM - Term 4 Showcase
The Girls in STEM program is centred around “you can't be what you can't see” and provides young women with access to mentors, experiences and skill development in a focused and supported environment for two days per term across the year.
All Girls in STEM families, teachers, friends and industry partners are invited to a special celebration to showcase all the learning from the 2024 Girls in STEM Program.
When: Thursday 31st October, 2024, 5:00-7:00 pm
Where: Ballarat Tech School, 136 Albert Street, Ballarat Central, 3350
Queries: ballarattechschool@federation.edu.au
Date: Tuesday 3rd June & Wednesday 4th June 2025
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Mode: in person, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: admission is free.
Register at Trade & Tech Fit school registration. Registrations close at 5 pm on Saturday 31 May 2025.
Regional and rural schools may be eligible for transport funding to attend the expo. To apply, please complete and submit the bus funding request form.
Trade & Tech Fit career expo
Trade & Tech Fit career expo
Trade & Tech Fit, Victoria's largest hands-on career expo, will be back in 2025.
We host the event for female and gender diverse young people in years 7 to 12 to spotlight study, training and employment opportunities in industries that are traditionally male dominated.
The free expo allows students to imagine new career possibilities as they design video games, lay bricks, weld, fly planes, program a robot, safety test equipment, use power tools, learn to paint and more.
The expo provides a safe and equitable space where students engage with tradies, apprentices and industry professionals, providing insight into the breadth of career pathways where female and gender diverse people are underrepresented.
Last year, more than 3300 students from 127 schools attended the expo. After attending, 88% of teachers who brought students said they were more inclined to recommend trades and technology study pathways to their female and gender diverse students.
Please share event details with teachers and career education staff and consider making attendance part of your school’s planned program of career education activities.
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 3 v2.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 3 v2.0
Welcome to Spring and the end of a very busy Term 3!
As we see out another action-packed term, please take some time to read through the following information.
If you have any staffing changes in your Careers, VET or senior leaders teams, please let us know so that we can update our contact lists and ensure they receive these JSP updates.
Wishing you all the best for an enjoyable, well-deserved break over the school holidays.
VASS
VASS
A few key dates for Term 4:
16/10/2024 Commencement of end of year satisfactory completion updates
18/10/2024 Last day to lodge requests for alternate format names
30/10/2024 Last day for Unit 4 SAT and SAC
11/11/2024 Last day for Amending Student Personal Details and Consents
18/11/2024 Last day for VCE VET Coursework Task Scores
18/11/2024 Last day for VCE, VCE VM, VPC U1&2 / VET Enrol/withdrawal
18/11/2024 Last day for all Unit results and VET UOCs and task scores
12/12/2024 Results available to students
VCAA Updates:
VCAA Updates:
Do you know a talented and passionate VCE student?
Do you know a talented and passionate VCE student?
The VCAA is encouraging coordinators and teachers of relevant VCE and VCE VET studies to promote 2025 VCE Season of Excellence applications and the Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarships to eligible students.
Current VCE students, including those in VCE VM and VCE VET, can now apply for Top Designs, Top Screen, Top Scribe, Top Arts, and Top Class Sound.
Margaret Schofield Memorial Scholarships applications are now open to students who have completed any VCE Music or VCE VET Music studies at a government secondary school. These scholarships provide recipients assistance to pursue further studies in music performance and composition.
Applications close around late October and early November. For specific closing dates and times, please view the relevant program webpages.
Nominate an outstanding VCE VM student
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding VCE Vocational Major (VM) Student Awards category within the Premier’s VCE Awards.
The VCE VM Student Award is part of 4 award categories that recognises top performing students each year.
Top All-Round VCE High Achievers
Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Student Awards
Top Three International Students
Study Awards.
Six outstanding VCE VM Student Awards will be presented at the 2024 Premier’s VCE Awards based on a selection criteria used for the 2023 Awards.
Nominations close at midnight on Monday 18 November.
Past 2023 Premier’s VCE Awards recipients.
Contact for enquiries
VCE Leadership Awards: Recognising VCE leaders
VCE Leadership Awards: Recognising VCE leaders
The VCE Leadership Awards ceremony was held last week at Treasury Theatre, recognising 8 VCE and VCE Vocational Major Leaders for the innovative and important work in their schools and communities, as well as their exemplary leadership qualities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll, presented the awards to the VCE Leaders, and VCAA CEO Kylie White emceed the ceremony.
2025 VCE examination panel applications now open
2025 VCE examination panel applications now open
An opportunity for experienced teachers, trainers and academics to make a positive contribution to writing and reviewing VCE examinations is now available by joining the 2025 examination panel.
The successful candidates will gain valuable professional learning about curriculum and assessment, enhanced skills in teaching and assessment and build valuable state-wide experience in assessment beyond their own school.
Increased skills include:
further develop understanding of assessment techniques
enhance skills in developing examinations
contribute towards professional development
ensure VCE students have access to high-quality, accurate and valid examinations.
Applications close Sunday 6 October 2024
Student Achievement Profile summary
As part of the senior secondary certificate reforms, the VCAA is sharing details of a new record of achievement for eligible VCE, VCE VM and VPC students leaving school without a qualification in 2023 and 2024.
The Student Achievement Profile summary presents a holistic record of a student’s achievements during their senior secondary education and complements the existing Statement of Results that all students receive when they leave school.
This ensures that students who may have previously exited senior secondary at the end of Year 11 and may have received an Intermediate VCAL Certificate are now eligible to receive a summary that recognises their achievements during the transition period from VCAL to VCE VM and VPC during 2023-2024.
Learn more
Join VET reference groups
The VCAA VET unit is seeking expressions of interest to join the reference groups for certificates currently under review.
22499VIC Certificate II in Electrotechnology (pre-vocational)
AHC21020 Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Members of the reference group may include educational, vocational or industry stakeholders, such as teachers, trainers and assessors, or representatives from RTOs, TAFEs, industry peak bodies and Jobs and Skills Councils. Each group will review a proposed course structure and be required to attend 1-2 virtual meetings. Places are limited.
To apply, contact the VCAA VET team, with the program name (Electrical Industry or Agriculture) in the title.
VCAA resources and professional learning:
VCE VM and VPC professional learning modules: Certificate Overviews
Have you seen the VCAA VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Professional Learning Platform?
The Senior Secondary Reform Team have created 8 online modules to help prepare schools implementing the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate. The Certificate Overviews Learning module outlines the certificate requirements of the VCE VM and the VPC.
Face to Face professional learning term 4
The VCAA is delivering face-to-face professional learning workshops to support teachers delivering the VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) to prepare for 2025.
This workshop will provide opportunities for teachers to:
reflect on 2024 and use this reflection to develop plans for 2025
build capacity in applied learning approaches
develop student-centred and engaging applied learning programs
network with teachers from other schools.
Please bring units of work, activities or assessments you would like to develop or improve for 2025.
Supporting VCE Vocational Major and VPC Delivery (DE)
Funding to support professional learning and certificate delivery
Schools can be reimbursed for up to the equivalent of 1.5 days of casual relief teacher per eligible teacher to support staff to attend professional learning and to deliver the certificates.
We encourage you to use this flexible funding to support your implementation needs.
This allocation of funding must be used, and invoices received, by Friday 20 June 2025.
The VCAA have sent an email to your school email account outlining how to seek reimbursement through the Schools Targeted Funding Portal. If your school has not received this email, please contact the Provision team in the Senior Secondary Pathways Reform taskforce at: sspr.provision@education.vic.gov.au
2024 validation of student postal addresses
Principals/Directors, VCE and VCE VM coordinators and VASS administrators
From Monday 7 October, the VCAA will undertake validation of student addresses for the following students:
students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence
students enrolled in one or more VCE VM Unit 3-4 sequence
students enrolled in International Baccalaureate, in their final year of studies.
This process aims to maximise the successful delivery of hard copy results to student postal addresses.
It is important that correct student address details are entered in full on VASS, including identifying the apartment, flat, unit, house and property number where relevant.
Before the validation process begins, principals should ensure student addresses are valid, current and correct.
2024 collection of student email addresses
Principals/Directors, VCE, VCE VM, VPC and VET coordinators, and VASS administrators
The VCAA will undertake validation of student email addresses in Term 4 for the following:
students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence.
students enrolled in one or more VCE VM Unit 3-4 sequence.
Student email addresses are collected and used for 2024 results delivery and associated post-results services, including applications for Statement of Marks, Statement of Study Score and Inspection of Examination Response Materials.
The VCAA recommends schools collect student email addresses and enter them on VASS as soon as possible. Before the validation process starts, schools should make sure that existing student email addresses are current and correct for all students listed above.
Student email addresses must be nominated by the student. Some schools prefer the school-issued email address to be used. If this is the case, schools will need to make sure that the school-issued email address remains active up to the end of June in the year following graduation.
Principals will receive an email detailing information regarding student email registration for end-of-year VCE results delivery.
Naming convention for the VCE Vocational Major
When referring to the VCE Vocational Major, please ensure the correct naming conventions are used. This can be the full certificate name ‘VCE Vocational Major’ or where appropriate, shortened to ‘VCE VM’. There is no hyphen. This is the official accreditation of the certificate stated by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).
The VCE VM is part of the VCE and acknowledges the achievements of applied learning students. It’s important to always include the reference to VCE in the name when referencing the VCE VM.
Using the correct naming convention ensures we can build a strong reputation for this certificate and the benefits of the students engaged in it.
Highlands LLEN
Highlands LLEN
Last call - UGL Young Women & Gender Diverse Manufacturing Workshop pathway into School-Based Apprenticeship.
For female and gender diverse students in Year 10-12, wanting to explore a career in manufacturing.
Go on a site tour, meet female tradies and partake in activities on the tools!
Includes lunch!
Deadline for registration: 20th September
Registration here (download your own copy of spreadsheet and send completed form to events@highlandsllen.org)
Event details:
Date: 9th October
Time: 9:15am - 2:30pm
Venue: UGL Ballarat Site
Contact: events@highlandsllen.org
Early Childhood Careers
Early Childhood Careers
There are lots of jobs in early childhood education with the roll-out of Three-Year-Old kindergarten, and introduction of Free Kinder and Pre-Prep across Victoria.
The Department of Education (the Department) offers scholarships to people pursuing a rewarding career in early childhood education in Victoria.
Our approach, designed in collaboration with the early childhood and tertiary education sectors, includes:
opportunities for people to become teachers and educators through the Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships program
scholarships of up to $34,000 (before tax), including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
financial support of up to $7,000 (before tax) for educators to upskill from a certificate to a diploma.
Once you've finished studying, you will also be supported with employment incentives and relocation support.
For questions or further information, please contact the Early Childhood Improvement Branch - Central Highlands earlychildhood.Improvement.CH@education.vic.gov.au
Real XPerience virtual streaming event
Real XPerience virtual streaming event
The free Real XPerience virtual incursion streaming on Wednesday 23 October 2024 will show years 9 and 10 students how to turn their passion for gaming into a career pathway through the VCE Vocational Major and Vocational Education and Training (VET).
Please share details about this opportunity with your school’s careers, digital media and technologies teaching staff, and students you think may be interested. You can help identify interested students through their career action plans or Morrisby profiles.
About the event:
The department and games and culture experience company Fortress Melbourne will deliver the 45-minute interactive online event. It will showcase relevant careers available to students, from games developer to digital artist.
Students will learn how to link their schooling to growth industries such as:
digital media and technology
creative industries
content production.
The event will be co-hosted by video games commentator Gemma Driscoll, from ABC television’s Good Game: Spawn Point, and a guest from Melbourne International Games Week. Guest speakers will include VCE Vocational Major students.
Event details:
Date: Wednesday 23 October 2024
Time: 1 pm to 1:45 pm
Mode: online streaming from Fortress Melbourne
Access: student’s own device or shared device in a classroom
Register through Arc.
Find out more:
For further enquiries about Real XPerience, contact Sarah Dalli-Jaques, campaign manager schools, Communications Division, by email: sarah.dalli-jaques@education.vic.gov.au
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 3 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 3 v1.0
Welcome to the last month of Winter (officially)!
Term 3 is always a busy one. We have lots to read this time around, so please take the time to read through the following information.
There have been a few staffing changes across our schools this year. If you have any relevant staffing changes in your Careers, VET or senior leaders teams, please let us know so we can ensure they receive these JSP updates.
All the best for the rest of Term 3, and reach out if you have any questions or feedback.
VASS
VASS
Key dates:
16th August - Last day for Unit 4 VCE small-group partnerships
2nd September - Last day for Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework
2nd September - VCE examination SEA Advice Slips & Summary Report available
2nd September - VCE examination centre & Student Assessment Timetables avail
6th September - XI03 Externally-assessed Task Written Reports Due to VCAA
VCAA Updates
VCAA Updates
Student Achievement Profile
Student Achievement Profile
In 2023-24, the Student Achievement Profile became available to VCE (including VCE Vocational Major) and Victorian Pathways Certificate students who are exiting senior secondary schooling without a qualification. This ensures that students who may have previously exited senior secondary at the end of Year 11 and who would have received an VCAL Certificate will have a statement that recognises their achievements during the transition period from VCAL to VCE VM during 2023-2024.
There are eligibility requirements to ensure students receiving the Student Achievement Profile are genuinely exiting senior secondary education:
· VCE students must have satisfactorily completed at least eight units, but not have completed their VCE
· VPC students must have satisfactorily completed at least one unit, but not have completed their VPC.
Schools are able to request a Student Achievement Profile for exiting eligible students via VASS.
Schools are now able to request a Student Achievement Profile summary for students who meet the eligibility criteria, via VASS.
· Planning for 2025: VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate 20 August 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
· Planning to assess in 2025: VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate 27 August 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
· VASS: reading and interpreting information 29 August 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
· Management and administration of the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate 5 September 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
· New teachers: applied learning essentials for the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate 12 September 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Recognising top performing students at the Premier’s VCE Awards
Recognising top performing students at the Premier’s VCE Awards
The Premier’s VCE Awards recipients were recently celebrated at the 2024 ceremony in July, presented by Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan. The awards reflect the exceptional dedication and hard work of 310 students during the 2023 VCE season with over 1,000 recipients, parents, teachers, and school principals in attendance.
This is the first year that the award ceremony featured the Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Student Award category, recognising students of all skills and achievements.
Coming soon - VET course in renewable energy
Coming soon - VET course in renewable energy
Aimed at all Senior Secondary students, the VCAA is developing VET certificates in renewable energy.
With a number of models being considered, this area of study focuses on the interconnections between climate change, the clean and green economy, and renewable energy technologies.
Renewables will be significant for nearly all industries and will expand and diversify a wide variety of future occupations, including agriculture and ecosystem management, engineering and digital infrastructure, electrotechnology, building and advanced manufacturing, and even law and accounting.
Currently in development, this new course will inspire students to investigate the latest technologies, such as bladeless wind turbines, solar windows to power your house, lithium glass batteries and rechargeable tyers which harness energy generated by the friction between the tyre and the road and then stored in a battery integrated into the vehicle’s tyre.
These new certificates are planned to be implemented in schools by 2026.
Get your VET resources
Get your VET resources
Visit Get VET and explore the wide range of videos, student success stories, posters and flowcharts that can support you in informing students and school communities about the opportunities available through VET in the VCE, VCE VM and VPC.
New Workplace Learning Records (WLRs) are now available for VCE VET programs (VE1 –VCE VET) and school-based apprenticeships or traineeships (VE2 – SBATs).
For more information on VCE Structured Workplace Learning Recognition for VET please refer to the study design.
The following VCE VET programs have had minor updates to their assessment plans:
Business
Community Services
Cookery
Furnishing
Health
Music Performance
VCE VM and VPC delivery support funding (formerly certificate preparation funding)
VCE VM and VPC delivery support funding (formerly certificate preparation funding)
An email has been sent to all government schools on 8th August 2024 with information and links about the 2024-25 VCE VM and VPC delivery support funding.
This funding can be accessed through the 2024-25 VCE VM and VPC delivery supports initiative agreement on the Schools Targeted Funding Portal and aims to support your school’s delivery of the VCE VM and VPC in 2025.
The department recommends schools use this funding flexibly to support your individual implementation and delivery needs. This may include releasing VCE VM and VPC teachers to undertake professional learning.
Schools may also use this funding for:
Salaries (including higher duties payments) to reflect additional responsibilities
Professional services to access external support
Education support staff to relieve other pressures impacting preparation
Travel and accommodation costs for staff attending professional learning.
Funding must be used and invoices received by Friday 20 June 2025.
VDSS VCE VET Offering - Industry Area Naming Survey
VDSS VCE VET Offering - Industry Area Naming Survey
Calling all VET Coordinators and/or VET teachers who would like to provide feedback relating to naming options for the integrated VCE VET Program and VDSS Core Offering.
The Senior Secondary Pathways Reform Taskforce (SSPRT) and the VCAA have been working collaboratively to integrate the VCE VET Program and the VDSS Core Offerings into one VDSS VCE VET Offering. This will ensure a more streamlined approach and consistent messaging regarding VDSS opportunities for senior secondary students.
The VDSS VCE VET Offering will consist of 55 certificates grouped into 14 Industry Areas. The Industry Areas will either relate to high industry growth areas or high student, community, and local demand. The presentation attached provides some background information and shows the 14 Industry Areas and the relevant VET certificates.
For eight of these areas, there are multiple naming options. We are seeking your feedback on the optimal name for each Industry Area that best describes the group of certificates and the associated occupational opportunities, and that will best resonate with students.
To provide your input, please complete the VDSS VCE VET Offering – Industry Area Naming Survey by 1 pm Monday 12 August.
Head Start
Head Start
Luke's journey and future plans
Luke's journey and future plans
Luke
Year 12
Ballarat Specialist School
VET: Cert II Horticulture – Botanical Gardens
Luke was referred to Head Start in November 2022. After completing work experience at Bunnings Warehouse in 2023, Luke expressed an interest in landscaping. Luke completed work experience with Beare Gardens and Avalon Nursery, before Head Start arranged for Luke to attend an interview with Natalie at Westvic for an upcoming apprenticeship at Midlands Golf Club. Luke did very well, and was put forward to the Golf Club. Work experience is now organised for the September school holidays, and if this goes well there is an opportunity for an apprenticeship in Parks and Gardens, which Westvic and Head Start will negotiate after Luke's trial.
Head Start aim to have Luke in a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship (SBAT) for the remainder of the year, and plan to transfer Luke to a full-time position at the end of 2024/start of 2025.
Luke's willingness to explore different career options and his ability to make informed decisions about his preferences are commendable. His journey reflects a proactive approach to finding the right career path. With the support of his family, School & Head Start we hope to achieve a successful outcome for Luke.
Highlands LLEN
Highlands LLEN
Do you have students who might like to combine their cooking and creativity skills to design a brand new delicious product? The Highlands LLEN are looking for 24 students per day to partake in the Ballarat Tech School Confectionary Design Challenge!
Date: 15th August or 16th August 2024
Time: 9am - 3pm
Place: Ballarat Tech School
Cost: Free
Students will:
• Experience the creative process of food design
• Innovate with flavour, texture and visual appeal
• Present your final product for judging on the day
• Experience training facilities accessible through VET courses
Please share this opportunity onto your Science, Tech, Engineering, Maths, Hospitality and Cookery Teachers to share amongst the students.
Please register HERE
Marrung education scholarships open for applications (DE)
Marrung education scholarships open for applications (DE)
Marrung education scholarships support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to complete a senior secondary education program or pathway.
There are 30 scholarships of $5,000 each ($2,500 per year over 2 years). The scholarships recognise students who demonstrate a high potential to succeed in their chosen pathway.
Who can apply
Marrung education scholarships are for students who are:
· Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
· completing year 10 at a Victorian government school
· planning on completing a senior secondary program or pathway at a Victorian government school.
Application dates
Applications for the Marrung education scholarships are open Monday 15 July 2024 and close Friday 13 September 2024.
How to apply
To apply for a Marrung education scholarship, eligible students need to:
1. download and complete the Marrung Education Scholarship Guidelines and Application Form (DOCX, 6,126 KB)
2. submit the completed application form to the Koorie Outcomes Division, DE by Friday 13 September 2024. Applications open Monday 15 July 2024
3. email applications to marrung@education.vic.gov.au with the email subject: Marrung Scholarships [insert full name of applicant and school].
Marrung education scholarships support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to complete a senior secondary education program or pathway.
There are 30 scholarships of $5,000 each ($2,500 per year over 2 years). The scholarships recognise students who demonstrate a high potential to succeed in their chosen pathway.
Who can apply
Marrung education scholarships are for students who are:
· Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
· completing year 10 at a Victorian government school
· planning on completing a senior secondary program or pathway at a Victorian government school.
Application dates
Applications for the Marrung education scholarships are open Monday 15 July 2024 and close Friday 13 September 2024.
How to apply
To apply for a Marrung education scholarship, eligible students need to:
1. download and complete the Marrung Education Scholarship Guidelines and Application Form (DOCX, 6,126 KB)
2. submit the completed application form to the Koorie Outcomes Division, DE by Friday 13 September 2024. Applications open Monday 15 July 2024
3. email applications to marrung@education.vic.gov.au with the email subject: Marrung Scholarships [insert full name of applicant and school].
Metro Koorie Big Day Out - upcoming event
Metro Koorie Big Day Out - upcoming event
The Koorie Big Day Out is an aspirational event to promote university pathways to young mob in years 10-12.
The Toorong Marnong Higher Education Accord is a partnership between the Victorian Vice Chancellor Committee (VVCC) and the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI). Toorong Marnong is a dedicated program to assist Koorie learners in their transition from high school to university and has been established to promote collaboration between universities to supporting Koorie learners.
Date: 23rd August 2024
Time: 10:30am - 2:30pm
Place: Aboriginal Advancement League, 2 Watt Street, Thornbury, 3071
Toorong Marnong are organising buses to support regional locations with bus pick up locations in Ballarat, Geelong, Morwell and Bendigo.
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) - Higher Education Studies
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) - Higher Education Studies
(Year 12s) and select VCE subjects (Years 11 & 12)
(Year 12s) and select VCE subjects (Years 11 & 12)
Applications are now open for government school students to enrol in a Higher Education Study and/or a select VCE subject through CHES in 2025. Students can enrol through the CHES website here.
Enrolment is not first-in-first-served; students can apply right up until the closing date of 30th August. The application process includes a simplified School Endorsement & Approval section.
*Video introduction* to Higher Education Studies through CHES, with reflections from current CHES students:
CHES specialises in VCE English Language (Units 1 to 4), VCE Algorithmics (Units 3&4), VCE Extended Investigation (Units 3&4) and VCE Specialist Maths (Units 1 to 4) for students in Years 11 and 12.
*Video introductions* to CHES VCE subjects, including student reflections:
To extend high-achieving government school students, CHES offers early-access to university subjects to students across Victoria through online (and on-site) learning options. These HES subjects enable students to earn an ATAR contribution and potential university credits. Students can incorporate one Higher Education Study into their overall VCE program at your school and there is no cost to the students (or your school).
Further information on CHES:
Website: https://ches.vic.edu.au
Social media posts for updates: CHES Instagram and CHES Facebook
CHES phone: 9063 1170
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 2 v2.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 2 v2.0
The end of Semester has arrived, and so has Winter! Stay warm as you take the time to read all the things happening in the VCE VM, VPC, Careers and VET space.
VCAA Notice to school - VCE VM and VPC relevant
VCAA Notice to school - VCE VM and VPC relevant
Updated continuum of practice for VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate
Updated continuum of practice for VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate
The updated continuum of practice, specifically for the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and the Victorian pathways Certificate (VPC), are now available - VCE VM Continuum of Practice and VPC Continuum of Practice
VCE VM and VPC 2024 Curriculum and Assessment Audit notifications
VCE VM and VPC 2024 Curriculum and Assessment Audit notifications
Reminder, Friday 21st June is the last day to complete audit submissions. Schools will be notified of the audit outcomes via email Friday 13th September.
Preparation for the General Achievement Test (GAT)
Preparation for the General Achievement Test (GAT)
In preparation for the administration of this year’s GAT, deliveries of GAT papers and stationery have commenced to schools. This year’s GAT supervisor announcements will be delivered to schools with the GAT materials. For information regarding test arrangements, we ask that you refer to the 2024 VCE Examination Manual, available now as a VASS download. Schools will receive a printed copy of the 2024 manual with the October VCE examination stationery delivery.
Information including the GAT Section A and Section B front covers and answer books, 2024 GAT Brochure and past GAT papers are available on our GAT webpage. Printed copies of the brochure have been distributed to schools; please provide these to your students.
Have your say about senior secondary awards in Victoria
Have your say about senior secondary awards in Victoria
The VCAA is seeking feedback on senior secondary awards in Victoria to ensure they continue to reflect and promote excellence in student achievement.
Your input will help us understand how these awards are perceived and how they can be improved.
As part of our review of senior secondary student awards, we are conducting a short survey to gather insights and ideas on celebrating the achievements of our students, including those in the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM), and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).
We appreciate your time and contributions to this survey. Your responses will directly influence how we celebrate the achievements of our students.
Survey is open and closes Friday 28th June.
VASS
VASS
As we reach the end of the semester, can I please encourage you to be checking your VASS Eligibility reports.
We know that students may be facing some N results or may be considering changing pathways. Understanding the students credit position can inform how you support and guide students to still achieve success completion of a Certificate, whether it be VCE, VCE-VM or VPC.
Reminders of key dates:
28th June - Last day to lodge requests for GAT exemptions with the VCAA
22nd July - Last day for VCE, VCE VM Unit 4 or 3/4 VCE VET Scored withdrawal
26th July - Last day for VET Assessment Plans
Careers
Careers
Australian Centre for Career Education Membership
Australian Centre for Career Education Membership
In 2024, up to 2 career practitioners per Victorian government secondary school can access 12 months’ membership with the Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE), funded by the department.
Membership with ACCE gives career practitioners access to subject-specific professional development, networking and practice-sharing opportunities, resources and up-to-date information about career education research.
The pilot of funded ACCE membership is available to career practitioners with or without an existing membership. Funding for membership will be provided directly to ACCE by the department.
To apply for funded membership, complete the form on the ACCE website by 30 June 2024.
Upskilling Career Practitioners
Upskilling Career Practitioners
These study grants have been offered to support government secondary teachers to complete a Graduate Certificate in Career Education/Career Development. More than 400 teachers have participated in training through these grants since 2019.
An expression of interest process is run each year. More information about how to apply will be available when applications reopen in Term 3, 2024.
VET
VET
Professional Learning for Early Career VET Trainers (to supplement the TAE)
Professional Learning for Early Career VET Trainers (to supplement the TAE)
VET Trainers can register their interest via this Microsoft Form.
Registrations will close when all 40 places are taken or by 5 July 2024 (whichever comes first).
If you would like further information, please contact the Workforce Unit: vocational.workforce@education.vic.gov.au
Funding
Funding
Certificate preparation supports
Certificate preparation supports
Has your school got unused funds still available? Please note that claims must be received via the Schools Targeted Funding Portal by EOFY and therefore it is requested schools submit their claims by COB 21st June.
A reminder email was sent to the schools' email account on Monday June 3rd.
Not sure what the funds can be used for?
Not sure what the funds can be used for?
The department recommends schools use this funding flexibly to support your individual preparation and delivery needs. This may include releasing VCE Vocational Major and VPC teachers to undertake professional learning.
Schools may also use this funding for:
salaries (including higher duties payments) to reflect additional responsibilities
professional development and services to access external support
education support staff to relieve other pressures impacting preparation
travel and accommodation costs for staff attending professional learning.
Celebrating Success
Celebrating Success
HeadStart has been working with a student in Year 11 from Ararat College who we have recently managed to convert from her VDSS Cert II in Electrotechnology to an SBAT with The Stawell Gold Mine.
By working with the student, employer and school, HeadStart was able to negotiate the same Tafe day as Scarlett’s already had timetabled for here VDSS class and an additional day on the job, this has reduced any impact on Scarlett’s VCE-VM studies.
Scarlett is thrilled to be out working one day a week whilst continuing her training with the same trainer at Fed Tafe in Horsham.”
HeadStart
HeadStart
Update on the HeadStart space
Update on the HeadStart space
HeadStart is currently working with lots of different industries securing opportunities for our students and supporting schools in getting our students better prepared for this pathway. We wanted to look at student readiness, so we decided to speak to our employers about what they are looking for in our students. Throughout Term 2 we conducted surveys on these employers to understand this better and from these results, the HeadStart team have been looking at different ways we can better prepare the students for their future pathways.
Feedback from the employers surveyed identified:
The key personal characteristics they look for were 'willingness to learn', 'amiable' and 'positive attitude'.
Key skills that were desired were having as many certificates achieved as possible such as a VET Certificate, White Card, OHS along with solid reading, writing and arithmetic.
Key behaviours that were desired in young people were 'hard working', 'good time management and organisational skills' and who was able to demonstrate 'initiative'.
We have also commenced with our Student Voice sessions again in Term 2. In 2023, the Student Voice sessions provided valuable information on ways we could improve the student experience of undertaking a HeadStart SBAT. Starting again this term with new students we will monitor the changes we implemented in Term 1 and look to continue the improvement cycle so that we can offer the best support for our students.
In Term 3 we will be speaking to the schools about their experience with HeadStart on what has been working well and areas of improvement. These surveys provide us with important information on ways we can help the students and positively impact their lives.
Currently we are preparing to attend all school subject selection evenings in Terms 2 and 3. We find these sessions so valuable as we get to speak to the parents and student together about what an SBAT pathway practically looks like.
If you have any questions, or a student considering an SBAT, please contact Bart, Danielle or David as our HeadStart team!
Victorian Skills Authority
Victorian Skills Authority
A great resource to inform your VCE VM, VPC or Careers Education curriculum, not to mention to understand the economic world we are living in!
The Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) has launched a new, free online resource for job seekers, career changers, students, teachers and career advisers.
The website pages provide insights into training and skills for high-demand industries across Victoria, future skills needs, career success stories and connections to support services.
The pages also include interactive maps showing the locations of training providers and Skills and Jobs Centres in each region of Victoria, along with localised job market data and case studies.
Written in plain language and designed to be accessible, the profiles make it easy for users to navigate through the wealth of information available.
Data from the VSA’s employment forecast dashboard and links to the Victorian Skills Gateway make the industry and regional profiles a one-stop location to access localised training information, career opportunities and future industry demands.
Explore the industry and regional profiles:
Industry profiles
Featuring detailed information on 15 high-demand industries in Victoria, highlighting key occupations and providing a glimpse into the vocational landscape.Melbourne profiles and Regional Victoria profiles
Includes dedicated sections for 13 regions across Melbourne and regional Victoria, offering localised information to help users make informed decisions based on their area.Training and career stories
Showcasing the inspiring stories of 25 Victorians who have taken a vocational education and training pathway to build or advance their careers.Job market insights
Offering valuable information on immediate employment opportunities, future job trends, and the vocational training pathways to pursue them.Ballarat and surrounds regional profile
Information and resources on training, careers, job market insights, case studies, and more in the Ballarat region.
Visit Training and careers in Victoria’s growing industries on the VSA website for more details.
If you have feedback on the industry and regional profiles, please email the VSA’s Digital Engagement team at victorian.skills.gateway@ecodev.vic.gov.au
School Industry Roundtable
School Industry Roundtable
On Thursday 23rd May, the Department hosted the Central Highlands Area, School Industry Roundtable event. The day was held at the Ballarat Golf Club and welcomed over 60 stakeholders who were keen to have input about how Work Experience occurs within the area. Schools, students and over 20 industry bodies sat together having robust discussions related to themes such as ‘The work experience model’, ‘Preparing students for work’ as well as how to develop ‘Onboarding and support for industry’.
The day was captured by the talented Debbie Wood as the days Digital Recorder and attendees were kept deeply engaged by wit and presence of our MC, Glenn Manton. Glenn was able to lead stakeholders along the journey of day, beginning with the presentation from the Regional Taskforce, data feedback from local areas, and then exemplar models of work experience from the Ballarat Tech School, Grampians Health and Federation University before breaking to morning tea.
Upon return, we had a Q & A session with panellists from the LLEN, Phoenix P – 12 Community College, Grampians Health, Federation University and Ballarat High School. Students in the crowd took to the mic to ask the hard questions about how work experience can benefit both students and industries. After hearing “attitude and relationships” being the key for success, we moved into the final session of the day – workshopping ideas drawn from the wealth of knowledge and experience in the room.
The morning ended with a tale of Alec ‘the Burra’ Epis, where the attributes of having the right attitude, persistence, high expectations and compassion were key to the success of not only growing a better person, but also a long-standing working relationship – which isn’t that what work experience is all about?
A wonderfully successful day with some key initiatives evolving. Unpacking of these are already underway and I look forward to sharing more over the coming months. Thank you again to all who contributed their thoughts, opinions and ideas on the day!
Changing hands
Changing hands
Dear Colleagues, as I wrap up for this year to step into a new opportunity, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks. Over the past 18 months it has been such a privilege to work with you and support the critical work that schools do.
I hope to continue working with many of you back as a teacher and Applied Learning Program Coordinator from Term 3.
As of Term 3, the newsletter will continue under the management of Sue-Anne Garcian JSPM and the new SJSPO once appointed. If you have any feedback or suggestions of what you would like to see in the newsletter, please contact Sue-Anne Garcian.
Wishing you all a wonderful break, Shona Smith
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 2 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 2 v1.0
Welcome back to everyone as we wrap up week 4 of Term 2. There are a heap of events and things happening this term so please make sure you are up to date with the information.
Of course, as always, if you have any questions or would like support, please reach out to the JSP team!
WE NEED STUDENTS!!!
WE NEED STUDENTS!!!
Student voice is a critical factor in this process, so please help us in encouraging 2-3 students across Year 10 and Year 11 from each of your schools to come listen and use their voice. They can be students who are yet to have had a work experience placement or who have been on placement and can provide insight from their experiences.
School Industry Roundtable - Theme: Work Experience
School Industry Roundtable - Theme: Work Experience
This is an event not to be missed! It will be an interactive half-day, full of discussion and learning, with some key priorities:
How can we best prepare our young people for work experience opportunities?
What does industry want?
What does a best practice Work Experience model look like?
Along with much more to discuss, we need your presence to ensure the work is purposeful and that it helps create long term success.
Date: Thursday 23rd May 2024
Time: Registration from 8.45am, commencing 9.00am, concluding 12.30pm followed by lunch.
Location: Ballarat Golf Club, 1800 Sturt St, Ballarat
Registration is essential.
Please contact Shona Smith if you have any questions.
Deadly Aspirations Day
Deadly Aspirations Day
Central Highlands Are secondary schools are invited to bring all Year 9 - 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to the 2024 Deadly As Day (Deadly Aspirations Day).
Students will engage in the Federation University environment, exploring and embracing:
Connections to each other as learners and Community.
Connection to culture and Deadly role models.
Celebrations of student success.
EXPO with opportunities for students to learn about school and career education pathways they can engage in.
In partnership, Department of Education, Ballarat LAECG, Federation and many other stakeholders seek to empower, celebrate pride and self-determination, and promote the human rights, needs and aspirations of future generations.
Registration can be done via a spreadsheet sent out by Deb Clark. Any questions please contact Deb.clark@education.vic.gov.au
VCAA Notice to schools - VCE VM and VPC relevant
VCAA Notice to schools - VCE VM and VPC relevant
General advice on 2024 VPC and VCE VM Curriculum and Assessment Audit arrangements
General advice on 2024 VPC and VCE VM Curriculum and Assessment Audit arrangements
General advice about the 2024 VCE VM and VPC Curriculum and Assessment Audit, including key dates, is now available on the VCAA website https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/schooladministration/Pages/VCEVMandVPCAudit.aspx
VCE Vocational Major (VM) flexible delivery program for 2024
VCE Vocational Major (VM) flexible delivery program for 2024
Applications are now open for the VCE VM flexible delivery program 2024.
VCE VM studies can be delivered flexibly to meet the needs of students who may learn at a different pace or transition into the VCE VM during the academic year.
Reminder - Applications close Friday 10th May
2024 mid-year VPC reporting
2024 mid-year VPC reporting
Students who have completed the VPC requirements by Friday 14th June may receive their VPC certificate and Statement of Results in mid-July.
Please follow the VASS procedures in mid-year VPC reporting to identify eligible students.
Note that students who complete the VPC mid-year are unable to complete the VCE in the same academic year.
Note - we are expecting to receive updated guidance on unscored VCE this term. Current guidance is available in the VCE Administrative Handbook on page 13 - Completing VCE Without the Calculation of a Study Score, VCE Administrative Handbook 2024
Vocational Education and Training
Vocational Education and Training
Check out how VET can complement and enhance Senior years of study, in whichever pathway students choose: How vocational education and training fits into Year 11 and 12 | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
Choosing Year 11 and 12 subject
Choosing Year 11 and 12 subject
Check out advice and suggestions to help navigate which subjects are right for individual student pathways and needs: Choosing Year 11 and 12 subjects | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
Your VCE. Your World.
Your VCE. Your World.
Check out the exiting new campaign which highlights that learning is a personal journey for our young people and there are many ways for them to achieve success. Below is some guidance that can support young people when considering which pathway may be best for them:
Your world. Your VCE. replaces Many talents. One VCE as the refreshed public awareness campaign.
Many talents. One VCE. highlighted that VCAL would be replaced by the VCE Vocational Major and VPC.
Your world. Your VCE. is the next campaign evolution. The TV commercial can be seen here
It motivates students to discover and choose a VCE that suits their world, so they can pursue their talents and passions.
The campaign will:
build awareness of the VCE Vocational Major
elevate knowledge and perceptions of vocational and applied learning options
spur students to consider a career in Australia’s in-demand industries, such as clean energy, engineering, building and construction, digital media and health.
Schools have access to the following materials to share the campaign in their communities:
Information evening presentation slides
Social media post images and text
Newsletter sample text
Photography
Video
Celebration image templates
Posters
Information booklet
Translated information card
VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision: Resources | education.vic.gov.au
VASS
VASS
Key dates coming up:
Key dates coming up:
General Achievement Test 18th June 2024
Last day to lodge requests for GAT exemptions with the VCAA 28th June 2024
Templates can be found here: Arc | Learning | Resource | Career action plan templates for Years 7-12 (educationapps.vic.gov.au)
Careers Education
Careers Education
Career education is a shared responsibility, often led by a career practitioner, but every teacher plays a role. Principals play a critical role in championing and enabling career practitioners in their school.
To support career education delivery, the Department has created a:
career education hub that includes information on the 4 key activities, as well as on how career education links to broader school outcomes
a central location on Arc Learning for resources to support teachers and career practitioners.
Career Education Funding
Career Education Funding
Career education is a core responsibility of secondary schools that supports students’ life-long learning and wellbeing.
All Victorian government secondary schools must deliver a program of career education for students in years 7 to 12.
The Career Education Funding policy has been updated to focus on delivery of 4 key activities:
annual career action plans
My Career Insights
work-based learning
career counselling.
The updates emphasise the existing requirements and importance of prioritising these 4 activities for all secondary school students. They are now easier to understand and action.
Reporting requirements for 2024 are yet to be determined. They will be communicated to schools as soon as available.
Career Education Funding: Policy | education.vic.gov.au
VET
VET
Changes to VET Training and Assessment Requirements for Trainers
Changes to VET Training and Assessment Requirements for Trainers
School students’ participation in VET is increasing in Victoria, and VET trainers and teachers are an important part of Victoria’s teaching workforce. Pathways to VET training and assessing have been recently simplified to allow teachers to upskill and teach VET sooner.
Fully registered teachers no longer need to complete a full Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE) to deliver VET. Instead, registered teachers are now only required to complete one of 2 skill sets:
Assessor Skill Set
VET Delivered to School Students Teacher Enhancement Skill Set
Registered teachers must still meet other requirements for trainers and assessors under the standards, including holding vocational competencies and current industry skills relevant to the certificate they intend to teach.
This change aims to increase the quality and availability of vocational pathways for school-aged students by improving workforce flexibility, allowing teachers to use their existing industry expertise to deliver VET to school students. Teachers who are about to begin or are currently undertaking the TAE should consult with their provider to determine next steps according to their individual circumstance.
Orima Portal Update
Orima Portal Update
The Department is currently developing a VDSS Online Marketplace. This will begin to be rolled out in 2025 for enrolments in 2026. The Department will not operate a central provision planning process using the Orima portal in 2024.
This will help us to transition faster to the Online VDSS Marketplace and alleviate the burden placed on schools and TAFEs. Schools should continue to enrol students using their existing enrolment processes until this time.
Educator Upskilled Term 2 v1.0
Educator Upskilled Term 2 v1.0
Australian Centre for Career Education
Australian Centre for Career Education
There is a great range of webinars and events occurring over the coming weeks and months.
Therefore, don't forget 2 staff from your school can access FREE membership this year!
Practitioners of course are welcomed, but school leaders are also highly encouraged, if they do not have more than 1 practitioner at the school.
See what's available here: Australian Centre for Career Education - Are you work ready? (ceav.vic.edu.au)
VALA
VALA
Upcoming Events:
Focus on Vocational in Secondary Education
Panel members:
John Firth (policy - Firth Review 2020).
Adam Cooper (pathways - DE School Industry Engagement and Pathway unit).
Narelle Bean (practice - AP Werribee Secondary College).
When: 14th June
Time: 9.00am - 3.15pm
Location: Jasper Hotel Melbourne
Thinking AdVocationally - 2024 VALA Annual Conference
When: 26th July
Time: 9.00am - 3.15pm
Location: Jasper Hotel Melbourne
Check out the website here: Careers for Youth Ballarat Area (cyba.com.au)
Youth Job Connect Term 2 v1.0
Youth Job Connect Term 2 v1.0
Have you seen the new Careers for Youth Ballarat Area website brought to you by the LLEN?
This site helps connect job seekers with regional employers - keeping them local and sharing the wealth of opportunities that are available to them.
Wishing you all a Happy Easter
Wishing you all a Happy Easter
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 1 v2.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 1 v2.0
What an incredibly busy and short term this one has been. As we wrap up the term and wait for the Easter Bunny to arrive, please take the time to read through this edition.
If you have new colleagues who should be receiving this newsletter, please email me to add them to the list.
In exciting news, I look forward to introducing you to our new Jobs Skills and Pathways Manager who will join us at the beginning of Term 2. Sue-Anne Garcian will be joining the team, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge.
Sue-Anne will be coming from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions as the Manager of the TAFE and Training Line - Victorian Skills Authority. She has previously worked at the Department of Justice and Community Safety as a Trainer, Learning and Development, as a Pathways Coordinator at Ballarat High school, within Federation Universities Schools Outreach program, and as a Prospective Students Liaison Officer at La Trobe university, Melbourne.
With Sue-Annes arrival, I will be back to the SJSPO role, and I am super keen to get on the ground and support you all in schools next term!
VCAA Notice to schools
VCAA Notice to schools
Access to school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATS)
Access to school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATS)
To access these on VASS, please send a signed and completed copy of the training plan provided by the RTO to the VET Unit via email - vet.vcaa@education.vic.gov.au
Training plan must include contact details of the student, school, employer and the RTO, and must be signed by all four parties.
Professional development for new VASS users
Professional development for new VASS users
Reminder that newly appointed VASS administrators are invited to attend professional development training sessions designed for new VASS users.
There are group sessions running in April. To register for one of the group sessions in April, visit the VASS new Users Professional Learning registration page.
Findings report: VPC and VCE VM curriculum and assessment audit 2023
Findings report: VPC and VCE VM curriculum and assessment audit 2023
The findings form the VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) Curriculum and Assessment Audit 2023 is now available for reading and can be found here: Report on the VCE VM and VPC audit findings 2023
VCAA Briefing for VCE and VPC on-demand videos and webinar recording now available
VCAA Briefing for VCE and VPC on-demand videos and webinar recording now available
A series of On-demand videos and the webinar recording VCAA Briefing for the VCE and VPC 2024 are now accessible. Within the briefing document, please see other resource links relevant to staff.
2024 VET enrolments open and SWL enrolment information
2024 VET enrolments open and SWL enrolment information
VASS is open for 2024 VET student enrolments. It is recommended that schools run an eligibility report for students once any VET enrolments are added to a student's program. Please note that students should only be enrolled in the Units of Competency (UoC) that they are expected to successfully achieve within the current academic year.
This year there are also changes to Structured Workplace Learning Recognition (SWL-R). Schools with students wishing to achieve the SWL Recognition will need to have approval first from VCAA. Schools will be required to complete an online application form for each students wanting to achieve SWL Recognition. They must ensure that they are in an SWL that corresponds with their VET certificate prior to submitting the application form.
Please find the application form here.
For further information please see the VET enrolments and SWL enrolment information document here.
Supports for expanded access to VCE VM Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills
Supports for expanded access to VCE VM Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills
From May 2024 the VCAA will provide a range of supports for schools to prepare for expanding access to VCE VM WRS and VCE VM PDS. Supports to come will include Webinars, support materials for teachers delivering the curriculum for the first time, and fact sheets for schools, teachers and students.
VASS
VASS
VET Certificates are now available on VASS!
VET Certificates are now available on VASS!
Reminder: VASS open for VCE, VCE VM and VPC initial enrolment data
Reminder: VASS open for VCE, VCE VM and VPC initial enrolment data
The following enrolments must be finalised by Tuesday 30th April, the last day for enrolments and withdrawals for:
VCE Unit 3 - 4 sequences
VCE VM Unit 3 - 4 sequences
Year 12 International Baccalaureate students
Returning Interrupted Studies student enrolments
Refer to the 2024 Initial Enrolment Document for details.
Exit Destination data
Exit Destination data
Thank you to everyone for the work done in this space. Whilst there is still some tidying up to do, and context building for some student destinations, it is wonderful to see the data entered and being able to see where our young people are going.
School Industry Round table - Save the date!!!!
School Industry Round table - Save the date!!!!
Date: Thursday 23rd May
Time: 8.45am - 1pm
Location: Ballarat Golf Club
Catering: Lunch and morning tea included
Cost: Your time
MC: Glenn Manton
Survey links have been sent to Career Practitioners.
School leader survey link: School leader or practitioner link
Work Experience
Work Experience
Have you thought about the benefits of work experience for young people?
Gain an understanding of the work environment and what employers expect of their workers.
Explore possible career options and testing different potential careers.
Learn new skills and gain practical knowledge.
Increase your self-understanding, maturity, independence, confidence and motivation.
Enhanced opportunity for part-time and casual employment.
Have you thought about some of the challenges young people face in undertaking/trying to undertake work experience?
Mental health, stamina and capacity
Ability to get to the work experience location
Preparedness for employee expectations
Have you thought about the benefits and challenges for a school organisation to offer work experience opportunities?
Administration
Timetabling
Impact on Curriculum
Policy impact
Well, if you have wondered about these things - you are not alone! Get the placeholder out and write Thursday May 23rd into your diary.
Join us to discuss the 'work experience' experience and how this can be best practice in the future for schools, students and industries.
Educator Upskilled Term 1 v.20
Educator Upskilled Term 1 v.20
Careers practitioners and educators
Careers practitioners and educators
Did you know that as of last week the Victorian Government announced a free membership offer for career practitioners and career educators for the Australian Centre of Career Education (ACCE)?!
This is to help support their leadership of career education in schools and we encourage these practitioners and educators to register.
More information can be found here: Career education in secondary schools (sharepoint.com)
We encourage registration to occur prior to June 30th.
Community of Practice
Community of Practice
We have over 40 professionals as part of the VCE VM/VPC Community of Practice Network. The question isn't if we are willing to share and collaborate - it is how do we privilege the time?
Well, with early notice, I am hoping we can do it. This year the focus of the CoP is to run termly half-day workshops where staff from across our area can come into a protected time where the focus is about:
Rubric writing
Curriculum development and planning
Moderating and building excellence
Connecting and supporting professionals in the Applied learning VCE VM and VPC space
Feedback from the last face to face meeting - "when I can get to the nitty gritty and actually plan, then this is worth it".
Ran by our CoP Leader, Veneita Sewell, the next face to face CoP will be held:
Date: Wednesday 8th May
Time: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Location: The Academy - 36 Camp St Ballarat
Whether you attend for 1 hr or 3, the ability to share practice and build together benefits not only staff, but our students.
I hope and look forward to seeing you all there!
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 1 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2024 Term 1 v1.0
Greetings!
Welcome to what I hope has been a smooth transition from holidays back into work.
I am Shona Smith, and I will be continuing in the role of Senior Jobs Skills and Pathways Officer. I am also currently acting as the Jobs Skills and Pathways Manager. At this stage, this will be until the beginning of Term 2.
A little about my summer: Santa arrived at our house, and somehow managed to deliver a new trampoline! Despite the torrential rain that occurred Christmas Eve, (Santa was sopping LOL)... and Covid hitting Christmas morning, this comedy of events couldn't dull the excitement of my little person!
Whilst this was my first Christmas without school holidays in over a decade (yep, it hurt a little!), I was very fortunate to still spend some precious time with family and friends across Wadawurrung and Djab Wurrung country. We spent time in the sea air at Queenscliff in the comfort of a holiday home, as well as time tenting it by the beautiful Lake Fyans with the Grampians as the backdrop.
And, although the weather wasn't quite "Summer", we felt very blessed, rested and now ready to hit the ground running to support you all in the very important work you do - educating, developing and supporting our young people - our future.
I look forward to seeing you all over the coming weeks and hearing about your time off.
As we kick off the year, can I please ask if you have new staff who would benefit from accessing this newsletter, email me @ shona.smith@education.vic.gov.au
Re-Imagining Success in 2024
Re-Imagining Success in 2024
Did you know that schools fostering increased student engagement and positive pathways exhibit the following:
Leadership teams that prioritise student voice and agency
Connected pathways and wellbeing teams
Actions in the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) targeting student engagement, completion, retention and positive destinations.
Early use of data by leaders to identify students at risk of early departure or disengagement, and implementation of systems to monitor engagement, learning progress, and pathways.
Emphasis on career education and planning and course counselling, with active involvement of families and students in the processes.
A range of applied learning options that captivate and motivate young minds, fostering a connection to education and the pursuit of career aspirations.
The JSP team is here to support schools with their secondary programs and encourage schools to consider what success looks like for ALL students and how they can provide pathway opportunities that best align to students' strengths, interests, and aspirations.
VCAA Notice to schools
VCAA Notice to schools
Please see Notice to schools related to the reforms here. However please note, there is lots happening as we begin 2024 and additional notice to schools can be found here: Pages - 2023 Notices to Schools (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
Reminder: VCE Administrative handbook 2024 and VPC Administrative Handbook 2024 can be found here - VCE Administrative Handbook 2024; VPC Administrative Handbook 2024
Reminder: VCE Administrative handbook 2024 and VPC Administrative Handbook 2024 can be found here - VCE Administrative Handbook 2024; VPC Administrative Handbook 2024
Reminder: Changes to Structured Workplace Learning and Structured Workplace Learning Recognition - Structured Workplace Learning: Policy | education.vic.gov.au, Structured Workplace Learning: Policy | education.vic.gov.au
Reminder: Changes to Structured Workplace Learning and Structured Workplace Learning Recognition - Structured Workplace Learning: Policy | education.vic.gov.au, Structured Workplace Learning: Policy | education.vic.gov.au
Workplace learning in the Victorian Pathways Certificate
Workplace learning in the Victorian Pathways Certificate
Workplace learning provides students with the opportunity to incorporate on-the-job experience with school-based studies as part of the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).
Students undertaking the VPC may complete workplace learning in several different ways including work experience or industry engagement such as participation in industry tours or exhibitions. For more information, see workplace learning options for schools.
The VPC is designed to be delivered flexibly to suit the needs and circumstances of individual students. This can include face-to-face learning and can consist of activities such as work experience, volunteering, community involvement, and sports leadership. Students can demonstrate achievement of Learning Goals within a module and work toward satisfactory completion of a VPC Unit in their work placement or other community engagement activity.
When VPC students undertake work experience, or other industry engagement, they may engage in activities related to the Learning Goals within the VPC module and collect evidence of their learning from the workplace. The teacher will be responsible for designing learning activities, facilitating classroom delivery, and aligning the curriculum with what the students do at their workplace to collect evidence of their learning. The student needs to satisfy relevant Learning Goals to achieve a satisfactory result as assessed by the teacher. The type of evidence the teacher collects will depend on the student’s chosen industry, the workplace, and the learning goals of the VPC unit in which they are enrolled.
VASS
VASS
CASES imports are currently paused due to a technical issue in the export. Imports will restart soon with an update to be made in VASS.
Student Achievement Profile Summary reports are now available to be viewed under STUDENT ADMIN tab.
Initial enrolments for 2024 are due by 26th February.
If you have someone new to the VASS space and would like support navigating as they enrol students, please reach out to Shona Smith
Exit Destination Data
Exit Destination Data
A gentle but important reminder that exit destination must be entered by schools by March 8th. We should be continuing striving to lower our unknown destination data and ensure that our data capture presents accurate information about where our students are going/where they have currently ended up.
Having clear processes in place regarding who will collect and how the data will be collected will assist in improved accuracy. Please reach out if you would like support or to discuss further.
Funding and Grants
Funding and Grants
Jobs, Skills and Pathways Coordination funding
Jobs, Skills and Pathways Coordination funding
In 2024, all mainstream government schools with a senior secondary program, and all specialist schools with a senior secondary aged students will receive funding for jobs, skills and pathways coordination. The purpose of this funding is to help with the coordination and delivery of high quality vocational and applied learning.
Jobs, Skills and Pathways coordination funding must be used by schools to support the delivery of high quality vocational and applied learning. Schools may use the funding to:
employ additional staff to coordinate vocational and applied learning staff (ie. Jobs, skills and pathways coordinators).
provide time release for teachers or support staff (for example, through employing casual relief teachers)
increase hours or responsibilities of current teachers or support staff.
Read more here: Jobs, Skills and Pathways Coordination: Policy | education.vic.gov.au
Career Education Funding
Career Education Funding
Career Education Funding (CEF) supports schools to provide career education activities for all students in Years 7 to 12. CEF replaced managed individual pathways (MIPS) funding in 2019. Schools in receipt of Career Education Funding must report the number of students with a current career action plan in the principal survey in Term 4.
Read more here: Career Education Funding – Accountability and Reporting Requirements: Policy | education.vic.gov.au
Senior Secondary Implementation Funding
Senior Secondary Implementation Funding
In 2024, all government secondary schools delivering the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate will be funded 1.5 days of teacher time release per applied learning teacher, to enable participation in professional learning and support certificate delivery. Reimbursement to schools is available through the Schools Targeted Funding Portal. In 2025, this will be funded at 1 day of teacher time release per applied learning teacher.
VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision: Policy | education.vic.gov.au
Augmentative and alternative communications software grants
Augmentative and alternative communications software grants
Schools can apply for grants to buy augmentative and alternative communication software for students with complex communication needs.
The Victorian Government is providing $100, 000 funding for augmentative and alternative communication software in 2023 - 24.
The Applications for the 2024 augmentative and alternative communication software grants opened on Monday 29th January and close on Friday 22nd March 2024. Principals must endorse applications before submitting them through SmartyGrants. Schools will be notified of their outcome via email in Term 2, 2024.
Augmentative and alternative communication software grants (sharepoint.com)
VET
VET
With the 2024 year kicking off, it is a good time to refresh what VET could look like for students and schools.
Fun Fact - the Victorian Skills Authority Skills Plan 2023 - 24 suggests that "more than one-third of jobs in 2026 will require skills aligned to VET qualifications".
VET provides rich experience, learning and opportunities for students, no matter their school pathways. VET suits students who:
Wish to value add to their VCE program by using VET as the fifth/and or sixth study. This can contribute by adding 10% of the fourth study score result to the overall ATAR score.
Want early hands-on exposure to their industry pathway of choice.
Have a planned pathway in mind that requires a VET qualification - such as nursing, childcare or engineering.
Have a planned pathway in mind that requires VET within a School-based apprenticeship or traineeship - such as carpentry or hairdressing.
Have not decided a pathway, however, love to work with real-life experiences and in applied learning environments.
VET credit arrangements have changed slightly from 2023:
VET credit towards the VCE, including the Vocational Major
VET credit towards the VCE, including the Vocational Major
From 2023, the following policies will apply to VET credit towards the VCE, including the VM:
- Students can accrue VCE credit achieved through multiple VET qualifications at Certificate II level or above, up to a maximum of 180 nominal hours of completed units of competency (UoCs). This will give students two VCE units towards the VCE / VCE VM.
- Students who complete 180 nominal hours of UoCs in a certificate II or above, then move into another certificate III or above in the same industry* will accrue VCE credit at Unit 3–4 level for the next 180 nominal hours of completed UoCs.
Students who complete 180 nominal hours of UoCs in a certificate II or above, receiving VCE Units 1 and 2 credit, and then enrol in an approved apprenticeship or traineeship will accumulate VCE credit from the apprenticeship/traineeship in the following order: Units 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4.
For example, a student completes 180 nominal hours of training in Certificate II in Kitchen Operations and receives VCE VET Hospitality Unit 1 and 2. The student then decides to move into a Certificate III in Carpentry SBAT. For their next 180 hours of training, they will receive VCE Units 3 and 4. Each additional 90 nominal hours of training would accrue VCE credit in the following order: Units 1, 2, 3, 4.
This policy applies to:
all SBATs in certificates III or above
certificate II traineeships that are in the same industry* as VCE VET programs drawn from certificate II qualifications that provide VCE Units 1–4 credit (typically trade pathways or pre-apprenticeship qualifications).
For more information: VET, VCE, VCE VM or VPC
Reports:
Reports:
If you are new in the careers space or would like to strengthen your knowledge further, check out these reports to inform your practice:
Career Services Policy Paper | Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Victorian Skills Plan for 2023 into 2024 | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
Careers
Careers
The start of the school year always provides a great opportunity to start fresh and inspire our young people from the get-go!
Some practical and simple strategies or tools to support you in doing this:
Did you know the Department of Education supports secondary schools to employ a ratio of minimum one career professional for every 450 students enrolled?
The Career Education Planning and Implementation Tool (CEPI) was utilised at the last Careers PL day. Take some time to reflect on this and identify key goals at a school level around careers education. The renewed and updated version of this will be available for schools in 2024 with a focus on illustrations of practice.
The Department of Education gives every Victorian Government school student free access to the world-leading Morrisby online career education tool. For most students this happens in Year 9. Morrisby helps students make informed choices for senior secondary school and beyond by exploring their strengths, interests and career opportunities. It includes analysis of each students Morrisby career assessment through one-to-one career counselling by an externally accredited career practitioner. The Central Highlands key contact is Patricia Crilly
The My Careers Insights program offers a suite of supports for practitioners and teachers - have you explored all that MCI can offer?
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Careers Services policy paper puts forward the following recommendations:
Include careers in school curriculum from Year 7 by inserting one career education subject in the curriculum as a compulsory unit of work (could this be ensuring that Career Action Plans are visible from Year 7?).
Ensure every student leaves school with a Career Action Plan
VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate
VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate
All Victorian government secondary schools are expected to provide the VCE Vocational Major. All Victorian government secondary schools are expected to provide the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) where it is a suitable pathway for students at the school. The VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate provision policy and is found here: VPC suitability
VCE VM in schools - changes for 2025
VCE VM in schools - changes for 2025
The VCAA has announced that in 2005, two VCE Vocational Major (VM) studies, VCE VM Work Related Skills and VCE VM Personal Development Skill, will be available for schools to offer to VCE students, giving them the opportunity to undertake studies delivered using applied learning pedagogy.
Opening up the VCE Vocational Major studies of VCE VM Work Related Skills and VCE VM Personal Development Skills will provide senior secondary students the opportunity to undertake applied learning studies and develop their skills and knowledge in the context of 'real life' experiences.
In 2025, the remaining two studies, VCE VM Literacy and VCE VM Numeracy, will only be available to VCE Vocational Major students. Other VCE students will continue to build their literacy and numeracy skills through existing scored Mathematics and VCE English studies.
The VCAA is conducting further work to understand the implications of expanding access to VCE VM Literacy and VCE VM Numeracy. The findings of this work will be shared in the latter part of 2024.
For more information: Senior Secondary Certificate Reforms
The JSP team will be continuing to work and support you in this space. Please reach out if you have any questions to Shona Smith
Educator Upskilled Term 1 v1.0
Educator Upskilled Term 1 v1.0
There are multiple opportunities to engage in professional learning this year. As mentioned above there is funding to support professional learning engagement. I look forward to seeing you at some of these events!
VCAA
VCAA
The VCAA have put together a suite of online self-paced learning modules. These relate to certificate overview, the Pillars of Applied Learning -Practice in Action, examples of projects and many more.
Pages - VCE VM and VPC Professional Learning Platform (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
The 2024 VCAA Annual briefing for the VCE and VPC will be offered in two sessions: Tuesday 20th February and Thursday 22nd February.
Register for one of these here: Pages - VCE Professional learning (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
From there if you are wanting webinars, there have been a series released to kick off Term 1 from 3.45 - 4.45 pm each session:
27th February: Introduction to teaching VCE VM and VPC
28th February: VCE VM and VPC Work Related Skills: Essentials for New Teachers
4th March: VCE VM and VPC Numeracy: Essentials for New Teachers
5th March: VCE VM and VPC Literacy: Essentials for New Teachers
7th March: VCE VM and VPC Personal Development Skills: Essentials for New Teachers
Registrations are here: VCE VM and VPC Implementation Webinars
However, if you love a good face to face discussion and workshop check this out:
Friday 23rd February 9am - 4pm: The VCAA is delivering a face-to-face workshop in Term 1 for teachers new to the VCE VM and VPC and those who would like a refresher.
This workshop will introduce teachers to the Pillars of Applied Learning and other essentials for teaching the VCE VM and VPC. There will be the opportunity to choose two subject areas to go into further depth, as well as planning and assessment advice. Teachers will also hear insights and suggestions from currently practicing VCE VM and VPC teachers.
Register here: VCE VM and VPC Workshop
Department of Education
Department of Education
The JSP team will continue to support in this space with co-designed Professional Learning and pop-up sessions throughout the year. More to come!
Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE)
Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE)
The 2024 Calendar for Professional Learning is still to be released.
Communities of Practice (CoP)
Communities of Practice (CoP)
Reminder that we are very lucky to be able to join 2 CoPs that support the delivery and implementation of the VCE VM and VPC.
VCE VM/VPC CoP: To become a member email Veneita Sewell
The first meeting will be hosted online 21st February 3.30 - 4.30 pm.
Flexible Providers CoP: To become a member email Kate Dennis
The first meeting will be hosted online 22nd February 3.30 - 4.30 pm.
VALA
VALA
Check out 4 key events happening with VALA this year:
Friday 16th February: Planning 2024 integrated projects
"There will be dedicated time for you to design your program/projects that allows student agency whilst meeting the Key knowledge and Key skills/ Learning Goals outlined in the new curriculum designs with support from Cherie."
29th February: VALA 2024 VPC Induction
1st March: VALA 2024 VCE VM Induction
14th June: Place holder - Vocus on Vocational in Secondary Education
25th & 26th July: Place holder - VALA 2024 Annual Conference
VATE
VATE
Exciting opportunity!
This year the Victorian Association for the Teaching of English is running professional learning for the VCE VM Literacy units. They currently have 9 places left specifically for the VCE VM Literacy sessions that Central Highlands Area are fortunate to be offered.
Registration has been extended to Wednesday 14th February with the event running on Friday 16th February - so get in quick if you are interested!
Contact Katerina @ events@vate.org.au to organise your registration.
Is your school a VATE member? If so, contact Kieran @ adminofficer@vate.org.au to be added to the VCE VM Literacy network.
Ballarat Tech
Ballarat Tech
LLEN
LLEN
Events for schools Term 1 v1.0
Events for schools Term 1 v1.0
This section will share with you the events and opportunities that schools can take up to engage our young people in their learning and pathways journey. Key providers in this space are our Central Highlands Local Learning Education Network (LLEN) and Ballarat Tech School. If you have not yet connected with them, I strongly encourage you to do so.
Ballarat Tech School
Ballarat Tech School
Learning Programs | Ballarat Tech School
Girls in STEM and Boys in STEM
Ballarat Tech School’s flagship Girls in STEM program is on again in 2024, and for the very first time are also offering Boys in STEM!
Both programs will provide opportunities for young women, men and gender diverse students to participate in dedicated and specialised learning days throughout the year.
There are 8 workshop days in total (2 each term) for each program and an exciting line up of local leading-edge industries has been organised for 2024, each keen to showcase through application, the diversity a career in STEM can offer young people.
Students will engage in advanced manufacturing with Mars Wrigley Confectionary, Space Science with Victorian Space Science Education Centre, applied design thinking with Bartlett’s Industrial Textile Manufacturing, and drone technology applications with Victorian Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Participating in these STEM programs is a fantastic networking opportunity for selected students across more than 14 Ballarat and local regional schools. More information will be arriving in schools this week, including promotional material for any students identified as suitable for the program.
Teachers can access details about the content now via the Ballarat Tech School website or via these links to the Girls in STEM and Boys in STEM dedicated portals.
Ballarat Seed2STEM – Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing
Ballarat Tech School is excited to be supporting the Seed2STEM program launching in Ballarat this year. The program is an initiative of the Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC) and is funded by the Federal Government.
Selected Year 9-10 girls from Ballarat and local regional schools will gather at the Ballarat Tech School to participate in 8 days (2 days each term) over the year of industry awareness workshops and site visits. They will have the opportunity to gain firsthand an understanding of the STEM jobs in local industry, the pathways to these careers by meeting with industry experts and role models.
This innovative and exciting program has been designed as a response to the pressing need for females to engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) related study and career pathways. The program has an emphasis on female industry role models who have exercised significant leadership in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors. It is also designed to build awareness of the opportunities that STEM related subjects can provide, ensuring a study path that will open opportunities and make students eligible for employment in the sector.
Some of the key industry partners of the Seed2STEM program include Gekko, Powercor, Alstom, McCains, Central Highlands Water and Boral.
For more information visit Seed to Stem or contact: Shayna Ogden
LLEN
LLEN
There is a huge range of events available by accessing the QR Code to the left.
Alternatively, you can contact Polly Britten or Jenny Sheriff
Senior Secondary Reform Updates Term 4 v.20
Senior Secondary Reform Updates Term 4 v.20
Welcome to the final edition for this year!
As you all begin to wrap up, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your communication, questions and for warmly having me in your schools. It has been a crazy year with the roll out of the new senior secondary certificates. The work is not over yet with VET, certificate provision and careers education marked to still be a focus of 2024. However, from many discussions, Professional Learning days and meetings, I rest easy seeing the wonderful work you are all doing and know our students are in great hands. Thank you.
VCAA Notice to schools
VCAA Notice to schools
Please see Notice to schools related to the reforms here. However please note, there is lots happening as we move towards the end of 2023, and additional notice to schools can be found here: Pages - 2023 Notices to Schools (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
Changes to Structured Workplace Learning for VET in 2024
Changes to Structured Workplace Learning for VET in 2024
Structured Workplace Learning Recognition (SWLR) arrangements are changing in 2024.
From the beginning of 2024, SWLR must be delivered as a VCE study design called Structured Workplace Learning Recognition for VET. There will be 2 units for the study design:
Unit 1: Learning in the workplace
Unit 2: Developing in the workplace.
In addition, SWLR General will not be available from 2024 and, therefore, no students can undertake SWLR units without a VCE VET (VE1) or SBAT (VE2). We are currently investigating for future years, other ways to recognise general workplace learning hours to support schools.
VCE Vocational Major studies expanded access
VCE Vocational Major studies expanded access
In 2025, schools will be able to offer 2 VCE Vocational Major (VM) studies – VCE VM Work Related Skills and VCE VM Personal Development Skills – to all VCE students, giving them the opportunity to benefit from the applied learning subjects regardless of the specific pathway chosen as part of their VCE.
In 2025, the remaining 2 studies – VCE VM Literacy and VCE VM Numeracy – will continue to only be available to VCE VM students. Other VCE students will continue to build their literacy and numeracy skills through existing scored Mathematics and VCE English studies. The VCAA is conducting further work to understand the implications of expanding access to VCE VM Literacy and VCE VM Numeracy. The findings of this work will be shared in the latter part of 2024.
VCE Administrative handbook 2024 and VPC Administrative Handbook 2024 now available
VCE Administrative handbook 2024 and VPC Administrative Handbook 2024 now available
The VCE Administrative Handbook 2024 and the VPC Administrative Handbook 2024 are now available.
The VCE Administrative Handbook 2024 provides principals, teachers and administrators detailed administrative arrangements that will apply for the VCE, including the VCE Vocational Major (VM), in 2024.
It outlines the rules, regulations and policies that support the integrity of the certificate and equity of student access to fair and valid results. This handbook also provides principals, teachers and administrators instructions on using the Victorian Assessment Software System (VASS).
The VPC Administrative Handbook 2024 provides information for principals, teachers and administrators about the detailed administrative arrangements for the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) in 2024. The handbook outlines the rules, regulations and policies that support the integrity of the certificates and equity of student access to fair and valid results. This is in line with the national goals for education.
Please ensure staff delivering the VCE VM or the VPC familiarise themselves with the study designs.
VASS
VASS
Results are now available to students. Congratulations to all the staff who supported our students over the past 13 years to prepare them to undertake VCE, Exams, Scored VET, the VCE Vocational Major, Intermediate VCAL or the Vocational Pathway Certificate this year.
VET
VET
Important: Can I please refer VET coordinators and Principals, to Policy Advisory Library regarding VET funding and SRP funding.
PAL - SRP Targeted Initiatives This will be updated and will reflect changes between the indicative funding rates and the finalised VDSS funding allocations.
Careers
Careers
On the 10th of November, 25 professionals from across our local schools, LLEN, Tech School and Taskforce Careers Unit came together to support careers education for our young people. It was a wonderful day of sharing, collaborating and forward thinking.
We heard from Ararat College and the wonderful work they are doing with Career Action Plans as well as having their work tied to their Strategic Goals! We know leadership support is what drives success and change!
There was great discussion about the benefits of the ongoing use of My Careers Insights, of which the Morrisby assessment is part of. Even how the program can support the VCE Vocational Major curriculum through development of personal development skills and work related skills or using it as a data source for numeracy.
Our LLEN shared the wonderful programs they are offering and importantly HOW they link to the F-10 curriculum - making their programs accessible and meaningful for a range of curriculum areas whilst developing young people's industry skills and capacities.
Watch this space for Ballarat Tech who spoke about their innovative Work Experience structure and program - work experience is a big focus for 2024, so lots more to come here!
I would like to acknowledge Andrew Wallace for all of his leadership and work in the BCEN and wish him all the best for the next chapter of his life. It was a great day for us to all come together about a topic he has been so passionate about.
I am looking forward to working further with our wonderful careers focused staff as the BCEN evolves and supports the Careers reforms well into 2024 and beyond.
Thank you to those who submitted feedback on the day. I will be in contact early in 2024 to discuss future supports for careers education.
Tradesfit - Young women in Trades and Tech expo
Tradesfit - Young women in Trades and Tech expo
If you organise just one careers focused excursion for 2024, I cannot advocate enough for it to be this one! Amazing industry exposure, hands on access, look bigger than local, provide students with genuine pathway inspiration and opportunity....
The Trades Fit – Young Women in Trades and Tech expo, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 May 2024, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre - The Trades Fit expo is back for 2024. All female and gender diverse students in years 7 & 8 along with years 9 to 12 from catholic, independent and government schools are invited, to be accompanied by career advisors, teachers and principals. This event provides practical hands-on experiences of career opportunities these students may not have considered in the past; the focus being non-traditional and male dominated skills.
The Trades Fit website will provide further information; the registration form is attached for your convenience; video of this year’s event - https://vimeo.com/840711271. In 2023 we had 2,493 students from 119 schools over the 2 days. On display were 85 exhibitors from a broad range of industry sectors. Compared to 2022 when we first ran TTF expo, we have seen an increase of 60% students, 40% exhibitors and 25% schools. Bookings required by 3rd May, 2024 – form attached to email.
Youth job connect Term 4 v2.0
Youth job connect Term 4 v2.0
Whilst school is about to be out for the summer there are some great opportunities worth sharing with them to develop their work skills over the break...
Or perhaps, now is the time for young people to be linking in with organisations to build their resumes. Regardless the reason check out these sites and organisations to help....
Ballarat Group Training (BGT) have several apprenticeship and traineeships they are hoping to fill. Check out their site Here
gforce employment + recruitment: apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies
SEEK - Australia's no. 1 jobs, employment, career and recruitment site
Find Jobs in 3350 | Randstad Australia - focused on healthcare and early childhood
Educator upskilled Term 4 v2.0
Educator upskilled Term 4 v2.0
On November 16th several schools across our SWVR jumped online to have a listen to Mitchell Coombs from Kyabram P-12 College. This was the first in a series of Senior Secondary Implementation Webinars with a focus on VCE VM. Sharing the ways we work and implement change in our schools across the region provides rich opportunities for discussions and learning. a big thank you to Mitchell for presenting as well as sharing his resources - attached in email. I look forward to bringing to life further webinars based on your input. Watch this space for 2024!
As we welcome new staff to the VCE VM and VPC space, can I remind that there are many resources on the VCAA website that can help update and upskill them in preparation for 2024. VCAA professional learning
There will be more local PL opportunities coming your way in 2024 related to VCE VM, VPC and Careers Education. After the success of the events ran this year, I am eager to reflect on feedback and recent discussions to provide further supports. Please reach out if you have anything specific you would love to receive some professional learning in by contacting Me!
VALA are offering a full day to plan and prepare for 2024 - VALA PL Day
Shout out!
Shout out!
As we see the year come to an end, I thought it would be lovely to close off with a celebration. I acknowledge all the brilliant work that has been done this year within our schools and I look forward to sharing more happy news with you all in 2024. Todays celebration of success is from Ballarat Specialist School.
At Ballarat Specialist School we currently have 8 out of the 10 Senior School Campus classes accessing the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) curriculum. Students rotate within Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to teachers where they are exposed to explicit instruction for each VPC subject.
Following on from this, we dedicate one day out in the community to integrate all four subjects focusing on applying the skills and knowledge learnt and developed in the classroom/school environment. The flexibility and ability to personalise and tailor learning experiences through the VPC have resulted in student success both academically as well as engagement and attendance. Students want to be at school and are working towards a meaningful certificate.
This year, after implementing the VPC for one year, we are excited to have four students complete the requirements for a full VPC certificate. Further to this, we have approximately 57% of Year 10 and 11s (2024 Year 11 and 12s) having successfully gained at least one credit towards their VPC – we have eight students who have over 12 credits, however, are missing one or two from specific subjects.
We are extremely excited to roll out the VPC to the other two Senior School Campus classes next year to further provide age-appropriate learning experiences for our senior students.
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 4 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 4 v1.0
VCAA Notice to schools
VCAA Notice to schools
Please see Notice to schools related to the reforms here. However please note, there is lots happening as we move towards the end of 2023, and additional notice to schools can be found here: Pages - 2023 Notices to Schools (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
Special provision within the VPC
Special provision within the VPC
The VCAA has published advice about on Special Provision within the VPC, which can be found at About the VPC.
2023 Collection of student email addresses
2023 Collection of student email addresses
The VCAA will undertake validation of student email addresses early in Term 4 for the following:
students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence
students enrolled in one or more VCE VM Unit 3-4 sequence
students enrolled in Senior VCAL units.
Student email addresses are collected and used for 2023 results delivery and associated post-results services, including applications for Statement of Marks, Statement of Study Score and Inspection of Examination Response Materials.
The VCAA recommends schools collect student email addresses and enter them on VASS as soon as possible. Before the validation process starts, schools should make sure that existing student email addresses are current and correct for all students listed above.
Student email addresses must be nominated by the student. Some schools prefer the school-issued email address to be used. If this is the case, schools will need to make sure that the school-issued email address remains active up to the end of June in the year following graduation.
Principals will receive an email detailing information regarding student email registration for end-of-year VCE results delivery.
A first look at the VCAA's new Student Achievement Profile
A first look at the VCAA's new Student Achievement Profile
The VCAA is introducing the Student Achievement Profile, which will capture a wider range of student achievements.
A Student Achievement Profile Summary will be issued in 2023 for senior secondary students leaving school without a qualification in 2023 and 2024. It will present a holistic summary of a student’s achievements captured during their senior secondary education and complement the existing Statement of Results.
The Student Achievement Profile is an opportunity to recognise a student’s achievements, not just their academic results or completed qualifications. This will mean that all students are celebrated for the learning they have achieved.
In 2023-24, the Student Achievement Profile is available to VCE (including VCE Vocational Major) and Victorian Pathways Certificate students who are exiting senior secondary schooling without a qualification. This ensures that students who may have previously exited senior secondary at the end of Year 11 and who would have received an VCAL Certificate will have a statement that recognises their achievements during the transition period from VCAL to VCE VM during 2023-2024.
There are eligibility requirements to ensure students receiving the Student Achievement Profile are genuinely exiting senior secondary education:
VCE students must have satisfactorily completed at least eight units, but not have completed their VCE
VPC students must have satisfactorily completed at least one unit, but not have completed their VPC.
Schools will be able to request a Student Achievement Profile for exiting eligible students later in 2023 via VASS. More information will be sent out via the VCAA’s Notice to Schools.
Learn more about the Student Achievement Profile.
VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways enrolment and credit arrangements 2024
VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways enrolment and credit arrangements 2024
In 2024, students will receive credit into their VCE VM or VPC certificate for VCAL, VCE and VET units they have completed in or before 2023.
Students who have completed Foundation, Intermediate, or Senior VCAL units before 2024 will receive a credit as per the VCAL to VPC and VCE credit arrangements.
As in 2023, students may only enrol in VCE VM studies if they are completing a program that meets the specific program requirements for the VCE VM, which are in addition to the minimum requirements for satisfactory completion of the VCE.
For more information visit the About the VCE VM page.
Schools and providers are also reminded that students undertaking Senior VCAL units towards satisfactory completion of the VCE VM are asked to check these students' enrolments on VASS to ensure students are accurately enrolled in the Senior VCAL Units.
Providers are responsible for ensuring that student enrolment and result data accurately reflects the units their students have achieved.
VASS
VASS
A gentle reminder that if you have any eligibility report concerns, please reach out to the VCAA team, student records or your Senior Jobs, Skills and Pathways Officer (Shona Smith).
Key dates to note:
Last date for Unit 4 SAT and SAC 1st November
Last day for Amending Student Personal Details and Consents 13th November
Last day for VCE, VCE VM, VPC, VCAL U1&2 and VET enrolment or withdrawal 13th November
Last day for all Unit results and VET UoC's and task scores 13th November
For additional key dates outside the reforms, please log into VASS or speak with your VASS Administrator
There are also some great updated resources on the VCAA website about the benefits of VET. They are available to parents, students and schools staff. Check some of them out here:
Fast Fact 1: VET is for VCE, VCE VM and VPC students
Fast Fact 2: University and VET both offer a wide range of qualifications that lead to a wide range of salaries. The salary you earn is a result of your qualification and what you do with it - not where you get it.
Fast Fact 3: You can still go to university if you do VET at school.
Fast Fact 4: VET courses delivered to secondary students are identical to VET courses delivered to everyone else.
VET
VET
Did you know that for 2023, students undertaking a VET certificate as part of their VCE or VCE VM program could be eligible for extra credits!
To further support the implementation of senior secondary certificate reforms students undertaking a VCE or VCE VM can be awarded additional VET credit for Units of competencies (UoC’s) completed at Certificate II level or above.
The existing process for gaining credit for VET units of competency (UoCs) towards the VCE and VCE VM remains unchanged.
From 2023, there is an additional VET credit calculation rule.
The following change applies to the calculation of VET units.
General VET units will be automatically calculated for students who have an overflow of hours from any VET certificate II or above where they cannot currently contribute towards any remaining VET units in an enrolled certificate in the 2023 academic year.
Students who are currently enrolled in a VET program have had their VET credit recalculated and, where applicable, a General VET credit has been applied.
For more information: New VCE VET General Credit Units
Or please reach out to VASS student records or the VET Unit: vet.vcaa@education.vic.gov.au
Grant available
Grant available
Applications are open for the 2024 Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants.
Each grant is valued at $6,250 and will be awarded to up to eight registered Victorian VCE Vocational Major (VM) or Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) providers.
Applications close 5pm Monday 6 November 2023.
Refer to the Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grants page for application guidelines and further information.
Clean energy is a key focus for the future and there is much evolving in this space. A space where our young people will be stepping into as they complete their school journey. Opportunities are arising now to engage them and prepare for jobs of the future. For more information:
When it comes to the decarbonisation effort, there’s a job for everyone.
The Clean Energy Council and Energy Efficiency Council are co-hosting the inaugural Careers for Net Zero Fair.
In advance of formally launching the event at the beginning of September, we’re inviting schools to secure complimentary tickets to the fair.
Your students will have a chance to talk to industry leaders and discover pathways into a range of careers that can contribute to the clean economy, including:
Community engagement
Electrical trades
Engineering
Finance and accounting
Project management
Email the team at events@cleanenergycouncil.org.au to organise a time for your students to come to the fair.
Careers
Careers
My Careers Insights
My Careers Insights
I would like to extend a shout out to all of our schools in Central Highlands for the work you have been doing in the space of career action plans, Morrisby assessments and the subsequent interviewing and profiling of our young people. This takes planning and time out of classrooms, other curriculum and the support of teachers who often are not careers trained or practitioners. It takes a whole school value and approach, so that our young people can reap the benefits.
With this in mind, our region is close to meeting the benchmark of 86% of students profiled, and there is still time! If you are currently in the process or would like additional support for your school, please reach out to your CEAV contact Patricia Crilly, or your JSPM or SJSPO
LLEN
LLEN
Have you seen the new Industry Guides developed by our LLEN? They are a great student and parent friendly resource that can be shared when having discussions about career pathways and journeys. Here is the first Guide - Construction
AIET Industry Guide - Construction
Youth job connect Term 4 v1.0
Youth job connect Term 4 v1.0
As some students are starting to finish up their secondary school journey and the summer break approaches, jobs and career options begin to come to the forefront for some of our young people.
Some of these opportunities are provided here:
Cert III in Racing Services (Track Maintenance) Traineeship Opportunity at the Greyhounds (QR Code on the left)
Cert III in Poultry Production fully funded Traineeship with AgriFutures - cultivating the chicken meat workforce. There is a Q&A session occurring on Monday 16th October 6pm - 7pm: Roast chooks for all: Cultivating the chicken meat workforce | AgriFutures Australia
Cert III in Carpentry Apprenticeship with Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC): Carpentry Apprenticeship BADAC
Educator upskilled Term 4 v1.0
Educator upskilled Term 4 v1.0
Term 4, I just can't believe it! So many things happening as the weather warms up and I begin to hear Christmas bells ringing in my ears (any other Christmas fans out there?!)
This term there is a range of professional learning opportunities for our teachers and school leaders to engage in.
VCAA workshops
VCAA workshops
The VCAA is delivering face-to-face professional learning workshops to support teachers delivering the VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) in 2024.
The Term 4 workshops are opportunities for VCE VM and VPC teachers to:
reflect on implementation so far and use this reflection to develop plans for 2024
build capacity in applied learning approaches
develop student-centred and engaging applied learning
network with teachers from similar schools
Workshop overview:
Workshop overview:
This workshop is for teachers of VCE VM and/or VPC and will involve information sharing and knowledge-building activities, as well as facilitated curriculum and assessment planning. Teachers will reflect on the implementation of the new curricula in 2023 and use this as the basis for planning for 2024 and beyond.
Please bring units of work, activities or assessments you would like to develop or improve for 2024.
The Ballarat Workshop on Friday 8th December will start at 9:45am and finish by 3:30pm.
Registration opens at 9am. If you have questions or would like to spend time networking with VCAA presenters and other attendees, please join us for tea and coffee anytime from 9am. Lunch is provided. Please note we may not be able to accommodate dietary requirements specified fewer than 14 days prior.
Ballarat 8th December Registration
Department of Education
Department of Education
Listening with staff across roles in our schools, we are pleased to announce there will be two Professional Learning opportunities available this term.
Careers Education PL Day: In recognition that Careers Education is a key focus of the reforms, and that the challenge exists in schools as to where careers curriculum can be best delivered, please join us on Friday 10th November for a full day exploration of careers education in our schools. This day will be held at the Academy, located at 36 Camp St, running from 9.15am - 3.30pm.
Hear from the Department’s Career Education Unit, school-based practice leaders and industry partners Ballarat Tech School and Highlands LLEN about ways you can work towards embedding careers and pathways education across all curriculum for the benefit of our young people.
This day is ideal for careers practitioners as well as those charged with the responsibility of delivering careers education within their classrooms at Year 7 through to Year 10. This could be the Year 8 Humanities lead teacher, the Year 7 or Year 9 level Coordinator, or other teacher where careers education is primarily within their program.
We understand staffing remains an ongoing challenge however where possible we recommend having a careers practitioner plus 2 relevant Year 7 – 10 staff attend on the day to gain the most from the sessions.
Please see the Eventbrite registration Here
VCE VM and VPC Certificate Implementation: On Thursday 16th November, we invite you to join us online to further explore ways of implementing the VCE Vocational Major and the Victorian Pathways Certificate within the constraints of school systems. This online session will look at how are schools are currently delivering the certificate within our area and some of the challenges that may have been faced with integrating VCE subjects, timetabling, VET or SBAT requirements. We will then be joined by Mitchell Coombs from Kyabram P-12 College to hear some of the work he has done with his school to navigate these potential challenges. The session will run from 2.30 pm - 4.00pm and is suitable for Senior School leaders, Assistant Principals and those leading the senior space for the VCE VM and VPC. Registration will be required and will be emailed directly to the Newsletter recipients by 20th October.
Contact Shona Smith, if you have any queries.
Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership
Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership
Applications for the Academy's 2024 Teaching Excellence Program are open until 29th October 2023 and highly skills teachers from across Victoria are encouraged to apply.
More information can be found Here
Community of Practice - Flexible Providers
Community of Practice - Flexible Providers
Date: Wednesday 18th October 2023
Venue: Via Teams
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Focus: Leadership teams of Flexible Settings
Date: Thursday 26th October 2023
Venue: Via Teams
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Focus: Reflection of taking students overseas from Flexible Settings (Edventure Travel will also attend)
Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2023
Venue: Via Teams
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Focus: Curriculum Focus
Calendar invites to be sent from Kate Dennis
VALA
VALA
Is your school a member of VALA the Vocational and Applied Learning Association? If not, now might be the chance to join!
Planning 2024 Integrated projects: This PL Day will be running in various locations. Feeling like you would like to see what schools in other areas are providing? Why not register to attend this day in Geelong or Melbourne? Otherwise, this will be running in Ballarat on Friday 24th November at the Mercure Hotel from 9.00am - 3.30 pm.
VPC Showcase: See all things that have been happening in the VPC space over 2023. Or if you are feeling brave, why not put in an EOI to showcase the work you and your school have been doing? Event to be held Wednesday 6th December at the Jasper Hotel Melbourne. 9.00am - 3.30pm
VCE VM Showcase: See all things that have been happening in the VCE VM space over 2023. Or if you are feeling brave, why not put in an EOI to showcase the work you and your school have been doing? Event to be held Wednesday 13th December at the Jasper Hotel Melbourne. 8.30am - 3.30pm
To register select Here for these great events!
Year level scholarships Years 4 - 12
Opened 1st October 2023 and close 1st February 2024
Is there a student you think would benefit from applying for a scholarship?
Scholarships are available for students:
studying in Victoria and who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia
enrolled in Years 4 to 11
enrolled in Year 12 who plan on undertaking tertiary studies.
Scholarships are awarded to students who can demonstrate:
excellent academic achievement
participation in school and local community activities
financial need as determined by the parent or carer receiving a Centrelink income support payment, or the student themselves receiving the Youth Allowance.
Where do our young people go? Term 4 v1.0
Where do our young people go? Term 4 v1.0
There is an exciting opportunity for scholarships available at the moment to support young people to where they want to go...
Marrung: Marrung education scholarships support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to complete years 11 and 12. There are 30 scholarships of $5,000 each ($2,500 per year over two years).
The scholarships recognise students who demonstrate a high potential to succeed in their chosen pathway.
Marrung education scholarships are for students who are:
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
completing year 10 at a Victorian government school
planning on completing year 11 and 12 at a Victorian government school.
Applications for the Marrung education scholarships close Monday 30 October 2023.
Application form Submit the completed application form to the Koorie Outcomes Division, DET by Monday 30 October 2023.
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 3 v2.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 3 v2.0
VCAA Notice to schools
VCAA Notice to schools
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) curriculum designs for Numeracy and Personal Development Skills
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) curriculum designs for Numeracy and Personal Development Skills
The 2024 curriculum designs and support materials for Units 3–4 of VPC Numeracy and VPC Personal Development Skills are now available:
Updated ‘VCE Study Options’ counselling resource
Updated ‘VCE Study Options’ counselling resource
Principals and educators are encouraged to refer to and distribute the latest supporting resource about senior secondary pathways:
VCAA VCE Options – a presentation designed for you to use at information evenings in discussion with parents, carers and students, outlining the available pathway options
Please encourage students, parents and carers to talk to you before choosing the best pathway for their strengths, goals and aspirations.
VCAA Audit processes
VCAA Audit processes
Schools and providers selected for the 2023 VPC and VCE VM audit have been notified via email regarding the units for which they will be audited this year. Ten per cent of the providers for each VCE VM and VPC study have been selected for audit in 2023.
Notifications were sent on Tuesday 15 August via the general email address nominated in VASS for each school. Where possible, principals and directors have been included on these notifications.
Schools and providers selected for audit must acknowledge receipt of their audit notification by no later than Friday 18 August. Instructions for doing so are in the notification email.
In 2023, VCE VM and VPC audit notifications are not available on the VASS home page, as they are for the VCE school-assessed coursework audit.
The selected schools and providers will be audited for Units 1 and 2 or Units 3 and 4 in one VCE VM or VPC study.
If your school has not been issued a VCE VM or VPC audit notification, it will not be required to undertake a VCE VM or VPC audit in 2023.
Friday 18th August was the last day to acknowledge receipt of audit notification
Last day to complete audit submission: Monday 11th September
Parent resources
Parent resources
There are new resources on the VCAA for parent/guardian info nights- It can be found on the website
Apply to be on curriculum panels for new VPC studies
Apply to be on curriculum panels for new VPC studies
The VCAA are introducing three NEW VPC studies in 2025. (INTERIM NAMES): Food Studies, Art and Design Digital Literacy.
They need teachers who have an interest to be part of the Curriculum Panels.
Further information and criteria can be found on SSMS. The closing date is September 3rd. Please email if you need further information: vcaa.seniorsecondaryreform@education.vic.gov.au
VCE VM and VPC Exemplar writers required!
VCE VM and VPC Exemplar writers required!
The VCAA are seeking expressions of interest for exemplar writers for VCDE VM and VPC, to add to the suite of existing exemplars.
Exemplars need to cover one unit from either the VPC curriculum design or VCE VM study design. Each unit requires 100 nominal hours, of which at least 50 hours are scheduled classroom instruction.
They are after exemplars across multiple units and are open to unique and different ideas.
Contact: vcaa.seniorsecondaryreform@education.vic.gov.au for further details and response questions required.
Closing date for EOI: 1st September
VPC Curriculum design
VPC Curriculum design
The following 2024 VPC curriculum designs and support materials for Units 3–4 are now available:
VASS
VASS
Gentle reminder to continue running eligibility reports to ensure students are on track for the best opportunity of success.
Key dates to remember:
Last day to submit Special Provision Online SEA applications 26th August
Special Provision Online closes 27th August
Last day for Unit 3 School-assessed coursework 4th September
SWLR General booklet
SWLR General booklet
It is with great joy to share that the SWLR General booklet can now be accessed here: Pages - SWL recognition (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
VET
VET
Have you started to look at the VET Clean Energy and Engineering pathway? Do you have students that may be interested? Choosing a Clean energy and Engineering Pathway could be through multiple VET programs.
If you have any questions, please contact: VET.secondary@education.vic.gov.au
All VCE VET program booklets are now available for download.
National Skills Week
National Skills Week
This week is national Skills Week August 21st - August 27th, and it's not too late to get involved.
"National Skills Week from 21-27 August aims to raise the status of practical and vocational qualifications and training, enabling all Australians to gain a greater understanding of the opportunities, their potential, and how skill attainment and upskilling can contribute to the nation’s economy.
National Skills Week Chair, Brian Wexham says the need to strengthen the image of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and debunk the perception that VET is a secondary option rather than first choice and is somehow less prestigious or valuable than a university qualification, is essential in filling the skills gaps and attracting students to consider apprenticeships and traineeships.
“The focus is on changing and challenging the perceptions of what is on offer in VET and provide opportunities for industry to promote opportunities and diversity of careers….. "
Find out more here: Get Involved - National Skills Week 2023
Kangaroo teeth - used for jewellery
Careers
Careers
With subject selections well under way and students mentally beginning to prepare for the next school year or life after school, have you made time for yourself as practitioners to refresh yourself with the myfuture website? Information for teachers and career practitioners | myfuture
There are so many helpful pages that may assist you in working smarter instead of harder - when we know that Term 3 places you in extremely high demand!
Deadly Aspirations Day
Deadly Aspirations Day
On Wednesday 26th July, schools across our area came together for a great day of aspiration, culture sharing and story-telling. Young people were able to listen to guest speakers and performers, such as Indigenous Outreach Projects (IOP) Hip Hop and Aaron Clarke. Young people listened to Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who were proudly graduating and sharing their words of wisdom - staying true to yourself. After lunch they were able to network with different stakeholders and industries, exploring a range of opportunities for them post school. A great day that is sure to grow in the coming years.
Zoos Victoria's 2024 Work Experience Program
Zoos Victoria's 2024 Work Experience Program
Applications close Monday 11th September
Some key details for applicants:
The program is five full days and in all weather
Attendance dates for the successful students will be available over each term
There are a range of tasks possible during this program including some physical tasks which require initial observation and assessment to ensure students are able to participate in a way which will maintain workplace safety for all students
Applications from secondary students are accepted one year in advance
School Careers Coordinators can only endorse one student per school. Please note - Kyabram Fauna Park is the only property that accepts multiple students per school (per term).
For more information visit https://www.zoo.org.au/about-us/careers/school-work-experience/
Youth job connect Term 3 v2.0
Youth job connect Term 3 v2.0
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples opportunities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples opportunities
Do you have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students Interested in a Traineeship?
Federation University could be the place to be. They are currently offering a Social Media Assistant (Indigenous Traineeship)
"You will work with and support the Social Media team in creating and distributing engaging and informative digital content across the Federation University social media channels.
Alongside the Social Media Coordinator, you will be supported and guided to develop skills for the future to ensure you can deliver outstanding social media customer service whilst also evaluating, measuring and reporting on the performance of social content, campaigns and strategies.
Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter.
Position: 852283.pdf
Application date is currently by 20th August - but is being extended.
For technical difficulties email hr@federation.edu.au or call 03 5327 9756
The Australian Government is also offering Apprenticeships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples. More about the program can be found here:
About the Indigenous Apprenticeships Program - YouTube
Indigenous Apprenticeships Program - Services Australia
Educator upskilled Term 3 v2.0
Educator upskilled Term 3 v2.0
Community of Practice online meeting coming up! It was great to see people come along to the face-to-face meeting in July hosted by Jenni @ Ballarat High School. Thanks Jenni!
The next meeting will be online through Webex on Wednesday August 30th from 3.30 - 4.30 pm. Looking forward to hearing some great discussions about the audit process, resources and all things VCE VM and VPC.
If you would like to attend and have not received the invite, please contact our CoP leader Veneita Sewell
Professional Development - Term 4
Professional Development - Term 4
I am pleased to say that we will be having more PL opportunities coming in Term 4. Based on feedback from staff, there will be two focus areas:
Careers Education - this will be looking at engaging careers practitioners and those charged with the responsibility of delivering careers education in the classroom. In support of the Firth Report recommendations, it will have a focus on the curriculum and careers framework within schools/classrooms. It is shaping up to be a full day event. More details to come!
Flexible delivery models - this will be looking at how VCE VM and VPC programs are being delivered in schools. Timetabling, having students completing VCE VM with the VCE subjects, incorporating SBATS, VET and SWL continue to be high conversation areas on "how do we fit it all in?!". More details to come for this space, however looking like a 1/2 day at this stage that would be best suited to Assistant Principals and those leading the VCE VM and VPC space.
If you have any questions about these please feel free to contact Shona Smith
Where do our young people go? Term 3 v2.0
Where do our young people go? Term 3 v2.0
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples opportunities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples opportunities
Koling wada-ngal karrung - let us walk together camp
Federation University are offering Year 9, 10 & 11 students a wonderful opportunity to attend this camp and:
connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
try different areas of the University
learn what TAFE has to offer
learn about University life
The camp is running from Monday 18th - Friday 22nd September.
Students will stay on Federation University, Mt Helen Campus Student Residential Services.
The camp (including meals) is at no cost for the school or students.
For more information contact the Aboriginal Education Centre: aec@federation.edu.au or 5327 9005
BADAC
There are a range of activities and events that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can be involved in over the coming months. These include:
Lil Lublys - for females (or identify as female) Wednesdays 3.30 - 5.00pm @ 403 Main Road, Golden Point. Contact Nikki or text 0499025763
Brothers Group - for males (or identify as males) Thursdays 5.00 - 6.30pm @ 115 Beverin St or 403 Main Rd, Golden Point.
Youth Group - range of activities on Monday 28th August, 4th & 11th September between 4.00 - 6.00pm @ 403 Main Rd, Golden Point
Baarlinjaan Dance Group - Open to all ages, Tuesdays 4.00 - 6.00pm @403 Main Rd, Golden Point. Contact Aaron Clarke BADA Youth Team Leader & Baarlinjaan Dance Group Coordinator on 0400 342 363
University and TAFE open Days!
University and TAFE open Days!
Now is the time for our young people to be exploring their future options - whether that be University, TAFE, moving into full-time apprenticeships, or preparing for work.
Check out the extensive list of open days available to share with students on the myfuture website: Open Days | myfuture
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 3 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 3 v1.0
VCE Leadership Awards: nominations now open to VCE (inc. VCE VM) students
The VCE Leadership Awards recognise VCE and VCE Vocational Major students’ important and innovative community work and highlight examples of exemplary leadership.Nominees may participate in activities associated with the arts, sport, debating and public speaking. They may campaign for social justice, environmental protection or fundraising. VCE VM students are eligible to apply this year.Nominations for this year's Award are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Monday, 24 July 2023.VCE Leadership Awards: nominations now open to VCE (inc. VCE VM) students
Principals/Directors, VCE coordinators, VCE and VCE Vocational Major teachers are invited to nominate students who demonstrate commendable leadership qualities.
For further information and nomination details, please go to https://vcaa.vic.edu.au/news-and-events/events-and-awards/vceleadershipawards/Pages/Index.aspxContact: Kelly Jarvis
VCAA Notice to schools
VCAA Notice to schools
General advice on 2023 VPC and VCE VM curriculum and assessment audit arrangements
New advice about VCE VM and VPC audit arrangements for 2023 is now available.
To review the new advice on 2023 VCE VM curriculum and assessment audit arrangements, visit About the VCE Vocational Major.
To review the new advice on 2023 VPC curriculum and assessment audit arrangements, visit About the Victorian Pathways Certificate.
As 2023 is a transition year between the teach-out of VCAL units and the introduction of the VCE VM and VPC, this audit focuses on supporting participating schools to introduce the new pathways.
VASS
VASS
Important reminder! Last day for Unit 3 SAT results are 17th July
Last day for VCE, VCE-VM or 3/4 VCE VET Scored Withdrawal 17th July
Last day for Unit 3 School-assessed coursework 4th September
With VASS announcing that VCE-VM eligibility reports are now accessible, please take the time to check student progress and follow up with relevant interventions: Redemptions, Guardian/carer/student meetings, pathways planning and adjustments, IEP plans, etc.
VET
VET
Please find the links to the 2023 VCE VET program booklets that have been published thus far:
Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Animal Care
Applied Fashion Design and Technology
Applied Language
Automotive
Business
Cisco
Civil Infrastructure
Community Services
Creative and Digital Media
Dance
Engineering
Equine Studies
Furnishing
Small Business
To access booklets: Pages - VCE VET programs (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
Careers
Careers
World Skills Australia
World Skills Australia
WorldSkills Australia is pleased to invite you to the 2023 National Championships & Skills Show.
This event is co-located with the Victorian Careers & Employment Expo, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday 17 August to Saturday 19 August.
This event provides a unique experience for students, teachers, and career councillors to learn, witness and try exciting new career pathways all at the one event.
Attendees will:
Learn about career pathways at the Victorian Careers & Employment Expo, which provides access to over 100 education providers, graduate opportunities, apprenticeships & traineeships, and employers.
Witness over 60 skills on display and see the best apprentices and trainees from across Australia compete in skill-based competitions which run over the 3 days.
Try their hand at a wide range of skills and trades, at our hands-on Try’a Skill booths.
Skills Excellence Explained - WorldSkills Australia - YouTube
School Groups will have the opportunity to book in a timeslot across the three days.
To register your school group, and find out more about WorldSkills, Click Here
For more information about the new Victorian Careers & Employment Expo, Click Here.
This is going to be a popular event, so register early to secure your spot.
Register here: World Skills Registration
Youth job connect Term 3 v1.0
Youth job connect Term 3 v1.0
Connecting young people to jobs, doesn't happen overnight. There is a journey our young people take to develop and build a preparedness for work. Here are some great opportunities this term that can help our young people do just that!
Scholarship opportunity
Scholarship opportunity
Schools are encouraged to let Year 10 students know that applications are open for the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) Accelerate Scholarship program.
The program supports Year 10 students who are facing economic, family or social challenges that impact their studies or capacity to achieve their tertiary pathway.
Successful applicants receive support from a mentor and $7,000 over 3 years, from Year 11 to their first year of tertiary education, training or work.
Mentors support students to develop workplace skills, growth mindsets, aspirations and connections. Students can spend the financial assistance on educational expenses.
Successful applicants will also take part in a leadership learning and development program which includes regular facilitated sessions, one-on-one meetings, peer mentoring, workshops and a 2-day national Leadership Summit.
Scholarships awarded in 2023 are for years 2024 to 2026.
Applications close Friday August 25th.
Find out more: Scholarship opportunity for Year 10 students (sharepoint.com)
Deadly Aspirations
Deadly Aspirations
Save the date and share with your students the rich opportunity to attend the Deadly Aspirations Day. 26th July
This day aligns with the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan (2016 - 2026) and creates space to:
Improve the cultural inclusivity of service providers.
Increase opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in decision making that affects them,
Support schools to better support their Koorie students,
Provide improved support for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners undertaking further education and training.
so that:
All Victorians understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories,
Services and Koorie communities work together on local, place-base approaches to improving learning outcomes,
Koorie students can engage fully in school, and gain the knowledge and skills to excel at Year 12 or its equivalent,
Koorie learners transition successfully into further education and development, and that they have opportunities to access education at all stages of life.
Educator Upskilled! Term 3 V1.0
Educator Upskilled! Term 3 V1.0
On Friday the 9th of June, 36 professionals from across multiple schools, the Ballarat Tech School, Head Start and VCAA came together to discuss the VCE Vocational Major and the Vocational Pathways Certificate. Held at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, vocational and applied learning professionals took the opportunity to share, collaborate and connect. The day allowed time for teachers to take a breath, put some plans in place for Term 3 and affirm the wonderful work they are doing with the implementation of the new certificates.
"The smartest person in the room - is the room" and wow was there a wealth of knowledge present on this day!
A big thank you to Simon at Mount Clear College and Brendan at Yuille Park Community College for your presentations and sharing.
As we move into Term 3 - we are looking forward to the first Community of Practice meeting which will be ran by our leader Veneita. If you have not received the details of this please contact Veneita to be added to her mailing list.
More workshops to come!
More workshops to come!
Watch this space and your inbox for more details on future workshops that we will be offering in Semester 2.
Current topics on the radar include:
Timetabling - different models of delivery
Assessments of the VCE-VM and VPC - seeing them in action in separate AND combined classroom practices
Integrated projects - How to build them and embed learning outcomes
How to build careers education explicitly into the curriculum
Feel free to vote for a topic here: Vote for Workshop focus area
If you have another specific topic you would like covered, please contact Shona Smith to discuss. We value our sessions in being purposeful and supportive for our schools.
Professional learning encouragement:
Professional learning encouragement:
Professor Peter Shergold AC - Setting future expectations: the importnace of career guidance in schools Previous webinars | myfuture
PL Day 9th June
PL Day 9th June
Where do our young people go? Term 3 V1.0
Where do our young people go? Term 3 V1.0
VTAC applications
VTAC applications
For our Year 12 students, many are now starting to look at applications to further study. Note the important dates so that young people can save on costs and reduce their stress levels!
For more information:Dates 2023-24 (vtac.edu.au)
Jump Start
Jump Start
This is the time of year when many of our young people are turning 16 - 18 years old. If they are interested in Automotive as a potential career and on their way to getting a license and being responsible for a vehicle, what a great opportunity this could be!
"Jump Start is a hands-on automotive program supporting young people to gain skills, experience and explore automotive as a potential career!
Jump Start runs each school term via two weekly sessions. Participants complete induction before getting into the fun…changing oil, tyres, wipers and brake pads, disassembling and reassembling engines and transmissions or bringing a small machine back to life.
Jump Start is for young people interested in automotive, aged 15-24 and disengaged from education. We may be able to be a little flexible on age, but priority goes to those interested in auto or trade areas. No previous auto experience is required but we expect participants make effort to attend all sessions.
Jump Start received funding from the Australian Government, Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources which ensures our team can offer support to participants to explore pathways of interest including work experience, education, further training or employment."
Find out more here: Jump Start Video 2021 - YouTube Jump Start : Y Ballarat - Empowering young people
TAC L2P Program
TAC L2P Program
Do our young people need assistance with beginning their driving experience? We know that some of our young people don't have access to carers or guardians who can help with this rite of passage. If you have young people at your school that would benefit...
The TAC L2P Program is funded by the TAC, administered by the Department of Transport and Planning, and delivered by almost 60 local councils and not-for-profit community agencies across Victoria.
Supported by $33.4 million of TAC funding through to 30 June 2023, 1500 volunteer mentors and an ever-growing list of partner organisations providing in-kind and philanthropic support, discounted services, volunteer access and more, the TAC L2P Program is free for learner drivers who meet the eligibility criteria. Once accepted into the program, eligible learners are matched with a fully licensed volunteer mentor and have access to a program car which is used to gain supervised driving experience.
Please note, it is a requirement for all mentors and learners to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least two doses of an approved vaccine) to participate in the L2P Program, unless a medically exemption applies.
Find out more here: TAC L2P Program : VicRoads
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 2 v2.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 2 v2.0
We are at the tail end of the term, and it is busy, busy! Wishing all the students well as they undertake exams, SWL blocks and the GAT. Thinking of all the teachers that have been busily planning and delivering curriculum whilst supporting our senior students as we reach the end of the semester.
A reminder, feedback on this newsletter is always welcome @ Feedback
VCE-VM and VCAL eligibility and transfer credits
VCE-VM and VCAL eligibility and transfer credits
The VCAA has made us aware that in a handful of cases, students are not receiving VCE VM credit in VASS for unit combinations used in 2022 to satisfactorily complete an Intermediate VCAL, in accordance with the transition credit arrangements on the VCAA website.
If you encounter any cases at your school in which students you believe should be eligible for the VCE VM are currently showing in VASS as ineligible to receive the VCE, please contact the VCAA’s Student Records and Results Unit (SRRU) at: student.records@education.vic.gov.au
SRRU will then investigate the case and ensure that credit is applied where appropriate and consistent with the published transition arrangements.
VCAA Notice to schools
VCAA Notice to schools
Students who have satisfactorily completed VCAL Intermediate requirements by Friday 16 June are eligible to receive their VCAL Intermediate certificate and Statement of Results in July. Please follow the VASS procedures in Mid-year VCAL reporting to identify eligible students. Students who are awarded VCAL certification mid-year cannot be awarded the VCE or VCE VM in the same calendar year.
Further to Notice to Schools 5/2023, applications to deliver the VCE VM or VPC in 2024 close on 31 July (for schools).This includes schools and providers seeking to deliver the VCE VM or VPC for the first time, as well as schools and providers with existing permission seeking to offer additional VCE VM or VPC studies in 2024.Schools and providers with permission to deliver 2 units of a VPC study (Units 1–2 or Units 3–4) and VCE VM Units 1–4 of the same study will be deemed to deliver the remaining 2 units of the VPC study.
VET
VET
Please find the links to the 2023 VCE VET program booklets that have been published thus far:
2023 VCE VET Automotive program booklet
2023 VCE VET Civil Infrastructure booklet
2023 VCE VET Small Business program booklet
We appreciate your patience as there is still no ETA for the other booklets or the General WLR for SWLR.
Community of Practice Leader
Community of Practice Leader
We would like to welcome two of our new leaders in this space!
Central Highlands
Central Highlands
Veneita Sewell is a passionate educator with 10 years of experience in flexible learning settings. She has extensive experience working with reluctant learners and students who have experienced multiple barriers to education. Veneita is currently teaching the VPC at the Melton Flexible Learning Option, CaLM. She specialises in re-engagement and teaching applied learning curriculums across years 7-10 and VCAL. Veneita is also dedicated to implementing her training as a career practitioner in her teaching and learning program, to better equip her students in their pathway planning. She is excited to collaborate with others to develop high-quality curriculum, whilst also building a network of support for educators navigating and building practice excellence around the VCE-VM and VPC.
Veneita can be contacted: veneita.sewell@education.vic.gov.au
CoP Meeting Term 3: Face to face
Time: 2.30pm -4.30pm
Date: 20th July
Where: Ballarat High School, 1726 Sturt St, Lake Gardens Vic 3355
Flexible Learning Schools
Flexible Learning Schools
Kate Dennis works at Hester Hornbrook Academy, an Independent Flexible Learning School in Melbourne. She has taught in this space for 10 years and is the leader of the VCE VM and VPC programs. Kate has been a QA panel member and contributed to the new curriculum designs. She is also a passionate volunteer with St John Ambulance Victoria.
Kate can be contacted: kdennis@hhacademy.vic.edu.au or 0448 490 984
CoP Meeting: TBC
Careers
Careers
With the roll-out of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, and introduction of Free Kinder and Pre-Prep across Victoria, it’s an exciting time to start a rewarding career in early childhood education.
Career practitioners are encouraged to check out the suite of communications materials that may be used to promote careers in early childhood education at your schools.
Access these materials at Early Childhood Workforce Collateral.
If you have any feedback on the materials, including what has been most useful or any additional collateral that might be useful, or if you’d like to discuss further opportunities, please get in touch with the communications team at EC.portfolio.communications@education.vic.gov.au
For more information, visit www.vic.gov.au/kinder.
Reminder that students and schools can be accessing the School to Work portal @ SWL FIND OPPORTUNITY (education.vic.gov.au)
Gentle reminder schools participating in the CEPI Tool Trial to submit their feedback form by 9th June.
Please edit as needed and share with parents: Term-3-2023-MTOV-parent-webinar-promo-text.docx (sharepoint.com)
Two webinars are available discussing the pathways options for Years 10 -12 in relation to the VCE Vocational Major, the Victorian pathways Certificate, and VET
11:00-11:45am Thursday 15 June 2023: Register to attend via Parents Victoria webinar: New options for years 10-12 registration - Webex
7:30-8:15pm Tuesday 20 June 2023: Register to attend via Parents Victoria webinar: New options for years 10-12 registration - Webex
Youth job connect Term 2 v2.0
Youth job connect Term 2 v2.0
How parents can help
How parents can help
As we get close to subject selection, it may be helpful to share or have some discussion about how parents/carers can have an important role in their child's decisions. We know that thought out selections can help with job and career connections for our young people.
Head Start
Head Start
HeadStart is a school-based Apprenticeship/traineeship program available at your school. HeadStart is designed to support students to find a pathway while they are going through school. We have lots of employers in Childcare, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Automotive, Hairdressing and many more looking for students. If you have students who could benefit from HeadStart contact us today.
If you want to know more, contact: 0429 413 781 or headstart.wimmch@education.vic.gov.au
Central Highlands LLEN
Central Highlands LLEN
There are many exciting opportunities happening all the time for our young people through the LLEN.
Have your students checked out the SWL Portal: School to Work Home (education.vic.gov.au)
Platinum Institute Australia – Cert 2 in Building & Construction pre-apprenticeship commencing;
Monday 19th June 2023
Monday 7th August 2023
Contact: Damian Faulkhead - damian@platinum.edu.au
Rail Academy – Taster Program
Year 7-10
Group size 10-60 students
Incursions and Excursions available
City of Ballarat Youth Awards – Nominations now Open
Nominations close on Sunday 18th June at midnight
BGT
BGT
Ballarat Jobs and Training Expo - 16th & 17th June
Attending the Expo will put you in front of 100’s of employers, ready to consider you for vacancies and opportunities. Ask questions and explore your options. Meet training providers to further your skills and personal development. Increase your chances of being successful in your search by attending our workshops and seminars and speaking with the experts in career development.
This Expo is free to visitors. Tickets give you access to both venues.
The Expo is packed with Free advice, you can find out about…
Real live job vacancies
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Volunteering opportunities
Gain free career and training advice
Enjoy the daily seminars
Talk with key organisations
Find your ideal job role or training opportunity
Experience the Interactive Workshops
If you are looking for a job, career change, courses or are looking for a new career path, you can’t afford to miss this event.
Tickets can be booked here: Ballarat Jobs and Training Expo 2023 Tickets, Fri, Jun 16, 2023 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
See what some of the students and their teachers have to say about their experience at Rail Careers.
See what the new rail qualification is all about.
Educator Upskilled! Term 2 v2.0
Educator Upskilled! Term 2 v2.0
PL opportunties coming up...
PL opportunties coming up...
VALA
VALA
The VALA 2023 Annual Conference is running 15th and 16th June. There is still time to register if you haven't already. A great opportunity to meet, network and learn with other professional in the area. To register: VALA - Upcoming events
VCAA
VCAA
Have you had a look at the VCAA Learning Platform? A great opportunity to learn in a self-paced manner. Find the tutorials here: Pages - VCE VM and VPC Professional Learning Platform (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
Department of Education
Department of Education
Learning Specialists Professional Learning Suite
There are 2 courses in the suite for participants to choose from. Each course is equivalent to 2.5 days of professional learning and includes short, weekly facilitated and independent learning and a one-day workshop:
participants in the Professional observations for professional learning course will explore processes and protocols for observations, strategies for modelling and reflection and how to provide evidence-based feedback to colleagues
participants in the Enriching data and evidence practices course will learn about processes and protocols for working with student data, embedding formative assessment strategies and student voice and modelling effective practice.
To express interest in the next courses, starting in July 2023, click on the course links above.
Expressions of interest for both courses close 11:59 pm on Sunday 18 June 2023.
Coaching for Influence
Core program
Participants will learn a range of mentoring and coaching strategies, and work with a specialist coach. The program includes:
a 2-hour launch webinar, exploring coaching as a lever in school improvement
a one-day online coaching intensive workshop
4 small-group online coaching sessions (2 hours each)
interactive online learning modules.
Advanced program
This program is open to those who have completed the core program. Participants receive 5 one-to-one online coaching sessions with a professional coach. The sessions can cover:
difficult conversations
strengthening collaboration
building deep empathy
leading change
possibility conversations
student-centred approaches.
To express interest in either the core or advanced programs’ next intake starting in August 2023, refer to Coaching for Influence: core program or Coaching for Influence: advanced program. Expressions of interest close at 11:59 pm on Friday 23 June 2023.
Professional Reading encouragement
Professional Reading encouragement
Career development:
Abstract: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) elucidates that the career counselling of youth comprises of four main components: (a) providing assistance to the individuals to acquire greater self-awareness in areas such as interests, values, abilities, and personality style, (b)linking individuals to sources so that they can become more well-informed about occupations and professions, (c) involving human beings in the decision-making process so that they can choose a career path that is well suited to their own interests, values, abilities, requirements and personality style, and (d) supporting individuals to be dynamic administrators of their career paths including management of career transitions and balancing various life roles as well as becoming lifelong learners in the sense of professional development over the lifetime (Career Development, n.d.).
Career success: Analysis and development of career opportunities in students
Abstract: Introduction
High-quality preparation of students and pursuing a career path that interests them is one of the ways for countries to ensure stable economic growth (Boat etal., 2021). e fast development of civilization becomes an obstacle for many students to fulfill their career opportunities and build a successful career (Van der Horst etal., 2021). From year to year, employment requirements for employees are increasing, and some professions are becoming obsolete and even unnecessary. Medium and small businesses are developing, and new requirements for job seekers are changing dramatically (Emanuel etal., 2021).
Wellbeing/behaviour management:
Abstract: Studies of connections between teacher behaviour and student outcomes are numerous, but those specifically addressing such connections in a competence-based vocational education setting are limited. For a sample of Indonesian students, this study examined the connection between two dimensions of teacher interpersonal behaviour (proximity and influence) and student competency levels, as well as whether or not these relations are mediated by students’ intrinsic motivation. Additionally, it examined if these relations differed in learning environments with high versus low characteristics of competence-based education (HCBE vs. LCBE). Three questionnaires responded to by 506 first-year students were analysed using multigroups structural equation modelling. Teacher cooperative behaviour affected student motivation positively, and the influence was stronger in LCBE learning environments. Teacher controlling behaviour reduced student-perceived competency levels, with the reduction stronger in HCBE learning environments. Implications of the findings for teaching and learning in vocational education are discussed.
Where do our young people go? Term 2 v2.0
Where do our young people go? Term 2 v2.0
If you know a young person getting ready to finish up their studies or are planning to get that job/apprenticeship, here are some opportunities that may be of interest.
GForce opportunities:
TRAINEESHIPS
Tourism Traineeship – 12 months full time employment with a respected Tourism icon. Complete a Cert III in Tourism and learn on the job through rotation of various tourism, customer service and hospitality roles. This program is still in recruitment stage and there may be multiple roles available for the right candidate.
Ballarat Careers and Futures Festival 2023
Ballarat Careers and Futures Festival 2023
This year Ballarat Grammar is reintroducing the Ballarat Careers Expo to our community and across the region.
Tertiary institutions (both higher education and VET/RTOs and TAFEs have been invited with a series of short seminars running for students, parents and carers on a number of topics.
Partnering organisations include Ballarat Careers Education Network, Federation University and Australian Catholic University.
Register here to attend: Ballarat Careers and Futures Festival 2023
Date: Sunday 16th July
Time: 11am - 3pm
Where: Wendouree Arts Centre
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 2 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 2 v1.0
It's a short and hectic term wonderful Central Highlands Colleagues! I hope you are back refreshed from the break and rearing to go with exams, long-weekends and the GAT.
Please find a range of information and supports in the newsletter edition. Of course, feedback is always welcome @ Feedback
VCE-VM and VPC Implementation support
VCE-VM and VPC Implementation support
For a comprehensive list of resources and links that can help you navigate the new certificates - look no further!
2023 School support matrix - school facing (landscape).docx
Careers
Careers
Careers Education Curriculum planning support
Careers Education Curriculum planning support
Finding time tight to organise curriculum and link it with the Careers Framework? This may help!
2023 Careers Education DE & VCAA Curriculum Quick links - Google Sheets - A simple and comprehensive table of links that can support you with embedding careers education from Years 7 through to Year 12. You will need to sign in to google with education.vic
You might also like to check out a great data resource when speaking with students or planning content or for the very important subject selection process this term: Employment Forecast Dashboard
Career Education Planning and Implementation (CEPI) tool update
Career Education Planning and Implementation (CEPI) tool update
We are thrilled to be working with a couple of schools with the CEPI tool. Watch this space for updates on the progress, challenges and measurable success from using this tool. Stage 1 - we are working to embed successful school practice into the school Strategic plan.
VCAA notice to schools
VCAA notice to schools
Schools are requested to prioritise finalising enrolments for VCE and VCE VM Units 3–4 sequences and for units of competency from scored VCE VET Unit 3−4 sequences.
VCE-VM Eligibility reports are still on hold. VCE, VCAL and VPC reports can now be run.
Further to Notice to Schools 5/2023, applications to deliver the VCE VM or VPC in 2024 close on 31 July (for schools).This includes schools and providers seeking to deliver the VCE VM or VPC for the first time, as well as schools and providers with existing permission seeking to offer additional VCE VM or VPC studies in 2024.Schools and providers with permission to deliver 2 units of a VPC study (Units 1–2 or Units 3–4) and VCE VM Units 1–4 of the same study will be deemed to deliver the remaining 2 units of the VPC study.
Last day for VM and VPC applications: 31 July – for schools
TAE Funding
TAE Funding
A gentle reminder that the final deadline for the TAE Fund is 5.00pm Friday 5th May, 2023. TAE Fund Round 2 (google.com)
GAT preparation for VCE-VM
GAT preparation for VCE-VM
The GAT will be held on Thursday 15th June as follows:
Section A of the GAT will start at 9 am, providing a break of 2 hours between sessions.
All students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence are required to sit Sections A and B of the GAT.
Students enrolled in one or more VCE VM Unit 3-4 sequence or Senior VCAL unit are required to sit Section A only.
Youth job connect in school Term 2 v1.0
Youth job connect in school Term 2 v1.0
Check out some of the exciting opportunities you can be linking our young people with! Give them the chance to explore jobs, develop social and employability skills, and speak with people in a variety of industries. Here are some great opportunities to celebrate and support our students in their vocational pathways.
Head Start
Head Start
Have you considered a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship for some of your students?
For more information check out: Head Start apprenticeships and traineeships | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au)
State-wide
State-wide
Jobs Showcase is a great resource to share with students where they can listen and learn about a range of industries that they might be interested in. Jobs Showcase DE. There newest Webinar will be held on Tuesday May 9th @ 12pm
Victorian Training Awards Nomination close Friday 12th May: Celebrating their 69th year in 2023, the prestigious Victorian Training Awards bring together apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, training providers, employers, and industry representatives, sharing in a high-quality training system that meets the needs of all Victorians.
Victorian Training Awards Flyer
Do you have a student that could be nominated for such a prestigious award? Victorian Training Awards | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au)
Trades Fit Expo 10th-11th May: I'll be there along with many others helping out and speaking on the day. It's a great opportunity for female and non-binary youth to network, build connections and hear about the vast opportunities that exist in trades.
The Trades Fit Expo: The Trades Fit Expo 2023 - Tradeswomen Australia
Central Highlands LLEN
Central Highlands LLEN
For the music and Arts lovers out there this could be a brilliant opportunity - whether you are apart or the program or simply choose to attend! The Be Here Now music festival program are after volunteers. It is running from June 30th - July 2nd. To find out more contact Polly at LLEN
Ballarat Tech School
Ballarat Tech School
Don't forget to check out the amazing programs that help our students to become work ready and to learn in an applied learning environment. A massive range of options available that can be tailored to meet your cohorts needs. For those who attended the Industry Bus tour - why not check out the Robotics Solutions program where the robotics in manufacturing reality and future can come to life?
Learning Programs | Ballarat Tech School
Article read:
Why encourage our young people with employment links now? Tradies happier, richer in their 20s than university grads - ABC News
Educator upskilled! Term 2 v1.0
Educator upskilled! Term 2 v1.0
PL opportunities for Term 2
PL opportunities for Term 2
VCE-VM and VPC Central Highlands Workshop - watch this space!
VCE-VM and VPC Central Highlands Workshop - watch this space!
If you are delivering either the VCE-VM, the VPC or both to a Year 11 cohort - keep your eye out for more information to come directly from your Senior Jobs, Skills and Pathways Officer - Shona Smith
VCAA
VCAA
Leading by learning and unlocking potential
Leading by learning and unlocking potential
Registrations are open for 2 programs at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.
Leading by Learning explores the principles of ethical instructional leadership that enable principals, assistant principals and school leaders to build trust in their organisation and progress the problems of practice.
Unlocking Potential: Principal Preparation provides assistant principals and teacher leaders the confidence and professional knowledge to succeed in their first principal appointment.
Follow the links for more information and to register.
Don't forget there are always opportunities to further build your knowledge, skills and experience by referring to the VCAA Professional Learning site: Pages - Professional learning (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
Professional reading encouragement
Professional reading encouragement
Making time to learn and grow helps our young people to learn and grow. If finding time to attend full days or webinars, why not try and fit in a minute or two of reading here and there that can help your practice! Here are some quick links that may be of interest to you and if you would like me to share more, please email me categories you would like to read more about @ CHSJSPO
Wellbeing/behaviour management: Remember, every student comes to school with their own backpack of knowledge, experiences and truths. Taking a trauma informed approach can help you to break down barriers and build positive relationships. Five approaches for creating trauma-informed classrooms - Monash Education
Careers Education: As we begin to focus more on careers education in the acknowledgement that rich careers education can build engagement for students and increase attendance and schooling completion into positive pathway destinations, it is an opportune time to look at what the research is saying. What is best practice in careers education? An outline of the evidence (cdaa.org.au)
Applied Learning: Throughout the documentation of the VCE-VM, VPC and Careers Education, there is a consistent referral to Experiential Learning. Having had the pleasure of meeting with Kolb & Kolb, if you haven't already, I encourage you to read some of their work and approaches to learning. What Is Experiential Learning? - Institute for Experiential Learning (experientiallearninginstitute.org)
Service learning: aligns very much with applied learning and the VPC/VCE-VM approach. It is American based with a deep community focus. Service-Learning | Youth.gov
Where do our young people go? Term 2 v1.0
Where do our young people go? Term 2 v1.0
If you know a young person getting ready to finish up their studies or are planning to get that job/apprenticeship, here are some opportunities that may be of interest.
GForce Opportunities below;
TRAINEESHIPS
IT Traineeship – This role is currently at final interview stage, but there may be opportunities with another host shortly so I would like to encourage referrals to continue.
Tourism Traineeship – 12 months full time employment with a respected Tourism icon. Complete a Cert III in Tourism and learn on the job through rotation of various tourism, customer service and hospitality roles. This program is still in recruitment stage and there may be multiple roles available for the right candidate.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Joinery (1 role left) – Working with cabinet making and joinery. Good attitude and punctuality. All skills can be developed so long as the candidate genuinely wants and has basic took experience.
Sheetmetal fabrication – Physically fit, happy to work with sheet metal. (note, this is NOT a welding role).
Engineering Fabrication (Welding) – Opportunity for a fabrication – welding apprenticeship available. Physically capable with good attention to detail and a genuine interest in working as a Fabricator. 2 different employers available. Mature apprentices are welcome. One of the Hosts is also very happy to take on someone who is at 2nd or 3rd year etc.
Plastering – opportunity for someone who likes repetitive tasks and learning both domestic and commercial plastering. Physical capability and good attitude. License beneficial but not essential (i.e. if they are younger or working toward license, it's all good).
Automotive – Seeking someone with a good attitude and genuine desire to be a mechanic for a local family owned auto repair company. Good attention to detail, safety conscious and gets along with others. Preference for someone who has a genuine interest in automotive across all brands and generations (employer also does classic cars and alternate specialist custom cars)
Roof Plumbing – Apprenticeship available for someone who is capable of working at heights and has a interest in the Plumbing industry. Employer does all manner of rooftop based plumbing. Someone who is committed, reliable and safety focused. Everything else can be developed.
Contact Polly at the LLEN to know more :)
Youth Rare Trades Scholarship:
Youth Rare Trades Scholarship:
Please share for young people 16+, living within the Ballarat area, and have an interest in rare trades such as silver smithing, blacksmithing eg. armoury, cane rod construction, chair making, textiles eg. weaving, leather work, or fashion then they should nominate for the Ballarat Jaguar Land Rover & Sovereign Hill Scholarship Program delivered from the Rare Trades Centre. Visit https://raretradescentre.com.au/
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 1 v1.0
Senior Secondary Reform Updates 2023 Term 1 v1.0
VCAA reminder:
VCAA reminder:
There are flexible delivery option available for the VCE Vocational Major!
However, some of these options require the school to apply for permission to provide an atypical delivery program. The 1st of April is the last day to seek permission.
Vocational Pathways Certificate (VPC) news:
Vocational Pathways Certificate (VPC) news:
Did you know that a VET Certificate I course can contribute to the VPC?
"Successful completion of 90 nominal hours of units of competency from a nationally recognised VET qualification at Certificate I level or above provides one unit of credit towards the completion requirements of the VPC" Pages - About the VPC (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
As we near the end of Term 1, have you identified there may be some students who could benefit transitioning into the VPC program? To find out if the program is the best fit for your student check out the VPC Suitability Guidelines here: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/VictorianPathwaysCertificate/VictorianPathwaysCertificateSuitabilityGuidelines.docx
Please note updates to VPC Unit requirements: At least 2 units from each of the Personal Development Skills and the Work Related Skills must be completed at the VPC level.
VASS reminders:
VASS reminders:
As we continue into the Vocational Major Certificate, please note that this year you DO need to enrol students completing any Unit 3 or Unit 4 subjects or SENIOR VCAL Units before the 2nd of May.
Also, have you checked your eligibility reports? Whilst Vocational Major Eligibility reports remain under construction, you can be checking that any students enrolled in VCAL in 2022 have what they need to see this year out successfully.
Structured Workplace Learning Recognition (SWLR):
Structured Workplace Learning Recognition (SWLR):
SWLR has been amped up for 2023 with 3 categories for achieving a credit of recognition towards a student's VCE, VCE VM or VPC program.
However please note information relating to the General SWL Booklet: The VCAA VET Unit is waiting for approval from VRQA before it can release the SWL General Booklet on its website.
In the meantime, students can complete the learner profile from any other SWL booklet and transfer the information at a later date.
TIP** Have the students journal about the employability skills they use- as this can transfer into the General booklet when it is released!
For more information: Pages - SWL recognition (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
Key point to note: SWL credits are only at Unit 1 & 2 levels
Careers Education Planning and Implementation (CEPI) Tool:
Careers Education Planning and Implementation (CEPI) Tool:
The CEPI Tool is designed to support schools in implementing high-quality career education programs for their students by evaluationg their practice against best practice benchmarks. It is currently being trialled to obtain feedback before the planned release to all schools later this year. It has been exciting to already see schools showing interest and engaging in this space!
The CEPI tool aligns with FISO 2.0 by:
Describing benchmarks organised by the 5 FISO 2.0 Core Elements
Has each benchmark broken into indicators with descriptors of practice at each of the FISO 2.0 proficiency levels (Emerging, Evolving, Embedding and Excelling).
The CEPI Tool follows the FISO 2.0 process of self-assessment, prioritisation, implementation and monitoring to improve career education practice.
If you would like to know more, please contact Leon Underwood or Shona Smith
Youth job connect in school Term 1 v1.0
Youth job connect in school Term 1 v1.0
Check out some of the exciting opportunities you can be linking our young people with! Give them the chance to explore jobs, develop social and employability skills, and speak with people in a variety of industries. A whole range of opportunities that can be pitched for Years 8 - 12 and that can be used to support the delivery of the Vocational Major or the Vocational Pathways Certificate (particularly Personal Development Skills and Work Related Skills).
For more information:
Ballarat Tech School: Learning Programs | Ballarat Tech School
The Trades Fit Expo: The Trades Fit Expo 2023 - Tradeswomen Australia
ReCranked: ReCranked in Schools : Y Ballarat - Empowering young people
Central Highlands LLEN: School Programs | Highlands LLEN youth training
Why provide industry exposure to young people whilst in school?
"Teenagers are being employed at record levels, with more than half of over-15's having a job, leading to fears that young people may be bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis.
As of January, 54.4% of teens (that's 850,000!) aged between 15 and 19, were employed across the country."
Read more: Teenager jobs at record levels in Australia (smh.com.au)
Educator upskilled! Term 1 v1.0
Educator upskilled! Term 1 v1.0
TAE Grant Fund Round 2 - Open until Friday 28th April
TAE Grant Fund Round 2 - Open until Friday 28th April
In January 2023, the eligibility requirements for Free TAFE were changes enabling those with equivalent or higher qualifications to undertake a Free TAFE course. This enabled many teachers and industry professionals, who previously had no Free TAFE entitlement, too access the TAE using their Free TAFE entitlement.
147 places have been allocated according to place-based planning. Additional places are available based on application outcomes.
The TAE Grant Fund Round 2 has been designed to complement these changes to Free TAFE to provide further support including:
Course fees to the value of $4,000 if Free TAFE is not the preferred method,
Five days of CRT coverage to the value of $2,271.75
$400 for additional fees i.e. ancillary, amenities, tuition and materials fees.
These supports are dependent upon each individual case, and so it is important that you work closely with your school to identify the most effective path forward.
For more information: Contact Leon Underwood (JSPM) or Shona Smith (SJSPO)
Online application: TAE Fund Round 2 (google.com)
Industry Connect Program - Open March 7th - 18th August 2023
Industry Connect Program - Open March 7th - 18th August 2023
If you are a VDSS teacher as either a teacher with TAE40116, VET Trainer TAE40116 with a Permission to Teach, or in an Auspice agreement with an RTO, in a Victorian Government school, this could be for you!
Benefit from attending activities that meet your specific learning and industry currency needs,
Explore Professional Learning opportunities and updating your industry currency,
CRT are available for support up to equivalent of 4 days per semester through your school via the government portal.
Further information: 1300 917 150, info@vcd.edu.au, Industry Connect Program - VDC
My Future:
My Future:
Reminder there is great information and resources for teachers and careers practitioners on the website: Information for teachers and career practitioners | myfuture
Webinar: Webinars | myfuture
VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Vocational Pathways Certificate (VPC):
VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Vocational Pathways Certificate (VPC):
Applied Learning Communities of Practice
The Applied Learning Communities of Practice (CoP) have been established by the VCAA. The leader of each CoP will directly support members in planning and implementation of the VCE VM and VPC, with a key role in facilitating collaboration between teachers in your area. Currently there is an exciting opportunity to lead the Central Highlands CoP. Please complete the EOI if you would like to be involved or know more: Specialist School CoP Position Description.docx (eduweb.vic.gov.au), Pages - VCE VM and VPC Communities of Practice (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
VCAA Supports
Reminder that there are a wide range of webinars and online learning opportunities that VCAA regularly share. To see what is available:
Pages - VCE VM and VPC Professional Learning Platform (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
Pages - Past Professional Learning materials (vcaa.vic.edu.au)
Professional Reading:
Forming close relationships with disruptive students (teachermagazine.com)
Other supports:
VALA: VALA - Home
Where do our young people go? Term 1 v1.0
Where do our young people go? Term 1 v1.0
Wondering where you can refer parents/carers and students to outside of school, so young people can continue to gain skills, knowledge and experience within the workforce, the broader community or engage in further learning programs?
Young People:
Young People:
Youth services through the City of Ballarat run a range of programs for young people aged 12 - 25. Some of the skills young people get to develop include:
leadership and communication skills
live music and event management
team building and social networking
To know more: Young people | City of Ballarat
Youth Programs:
Youth Programs:
The YMCA Ballarat provide a range of supervised and supported programs for young people to be involved about matters that relate to them. Some of the programs that may be suitable include:
Jump Start - a hands-on automotive program supporting young people to gain skills, experience and explore automotive as a potential career, Jump Start : Y Ballarat - Empowering young people
Y Ballarat Youth Advisory Group - where you will learn how to and run events to create change for local young people, Youth Advisory Group : Y Ballarat - Empowering young people
Youth Opportunities:
Youth Opportunities:
The Centre for Multicultural Youth run a range of support programs, training workshops, youth-led projects and sports programs to support newly arrived young people about life in Australia whilst building a range of leadership and interpersonal skills. Opportunities include:
Learning Support Clubs - Ballarat Diversity Homework Club, Education - Centre For Multicultural Youth (cmy.net.au)
Envision - Learning about life in Australia, make friends, connect to local support and build leadership skills
Youth Transitions Support - connect through sport
See more: Youth Opportunities - Centre For Multicultural Youth (cmy.net.au)
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