VCE Vocational Major

The VCE Vocational Major is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE that will replace Intermediate and Senior VCAL programs. It is designed to be completed over a minimum of two years. 


The VCE VM will give students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths and interests and develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life.


It prepares students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce.


The purpose of the VCE VM is to provide students with the best opportunity to achieve their personal goals and aspirations in a rapidly changing world by:


 

The VCE Vocational Major has specific studies, each with four units, designed to help students clarify their future:  


VCE VM Literacy  

VCE VM Numeracy  

VCE VM Work Related Skills  

VCE VM Personal Development Skills

   

VCE VM students must also complete 180 nominal hours of VET at Certificate II level or above. 

Students receive credit for time in the workplace through Structured Workplace Learning Recognition (SWLR). Most VCE VM students will undertake between 16-20 units over the two years.  VCE VM is a pathway to Technical and Further Education (TAFE), university, apprenticeships/traineeships or employment.


Entry to VCE VM studies: 

There are no formal prerequisite subjects for entry to VCE VM studies. Homestead Senior Secondary College does however, have an application process to ensure that the VCE VM program is the correct pathway for interested students. The VCE VM program has been designed to accommodate flexible entry and exit. Students can enter at the appropriate level of VCE VM to suit their learning needs, abilities and interests. Parameters for entry and exit in schools will be determined by school regulations and enrolment guidelines. If a provider that is not a school delivers VCE VM, flexible entry and exit points will be determined by the policies and regulations of that education provider. Students with particular needs may require additional resources to enable the successful completion of the learning program. Some students may require additional time to achieve outcomes. Students can gain more than one VCE VM qualification in their post-compulsory education program, depending on their abilities and learning goals.


Attendance 

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) requires schools to set minimum class time and attendance rules. At Homestead Senior Secondary College, student attendance is set at a minimum of 90% for each Unit. Attendance and participation in classwork is part of a student’s overall performance and part of the evidence needed to award a Satisfactory pass (S) for a VCE unit. Failure to attend at least 90% will result in a N (Not Satisfactory) for that unit unless there are special circumstances. Students and parents will have signed the VCE/VCE VM attendance policy agreement that says they understand their responsibilities regarding attendance. If a student has an explained absence a parent/carer must either: 



This should be completed within one weeks of the student’s return to school. Attendance below 90% per semester (unapproved absences) = a N for that Unit. Parent/s/ and, or carer/s need to be aware that for their child to learn they need to attend classes. With the VCAA requirements parents must make all attempts for their child to be in class. If a parent/carer provides regular explanations for their child’s absence they may be asked to provide medical certificates or other relevant documentation to substantiate their approvals. In addition, parent/s or carer/s may need to meet with their child’s Student Manager to seek support so that their child can attend classes.


Lateness to class 

Students will be admitted to class if they are late. However, they will be marked late on COMPASS. If a student arrives late for session one they are required to sign in using one of the school’s KIOSKs and proceed to class. Lateness in session two to five will be recorded by the classroom teacher. It is the student’s responsibility to verify with the class teacher at the end of the session that the teacher has recorded a lateness not an absence. Late arrivals will result in a recorded unapproved absence, unless there are genuine reasons approved by the Leading teacher of engagement. 


Extensions 

Of time for the submission of key tasks is only possible under the ‘Special Provision’ guidelines. For an extension to be granted, a student will have generally encountered significant hardship due to ill health or personal circumstances. All applications for ‘Special Provision’ are to be made to the Leading Teacher of Wellbeing.


Lost and damaged work 

It is the student’s responsibility to take precautions to ensure that they keep copies of all significant work. Students must ensure that they store their work, including rough drafts and notes, hard copies and electronic copies (e.g. computer files) in a secure place. Students are encouraged to back-up their work on suitable media.

 

Unsupervised excursions 

Occasionally, senior students need to complete assignments outside of normal school hours. This may necessitate visits to sites to complete work or interview people at their workplace. When such activities are completed during school hours without the accompaniment of a teacher, the student may be permitted to attend but must follow the procedures for an Unsupervised Excursion. Students will need to obtain the relevant form from their Student Manager well in advance. This form requires the permission of the Pathways Leading Teacher, affected teachers, the Assistant Principal and parents.