VCAL
THE VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF APPLIED LEARNING
The Victorian Certificate in Applied Learning (VCAL) is an alternate certificate which may be undertaken by all students who are enrolled in any vocational course, either at Avila or elsewhere. VCAL is designed to enhance and complement the learning programs available to Years 11 and 12 students.
VCAL particularly suits students who do not intend to apply to Universities and who love practical work. To enter at the Intermediate level, students need to have demonstrated some independence and initiative in the second semester of Year 10. All others enter at Foundation level.
Students who complete the VCAL Certificate are likely to be more interested in going onto further training at a TAFE, starting an apprenticeship or getting a job after completing school. Wherever possible, all students will undertake a work placement of at least one day per week. VCAL gives credit for skills which students often develop outside of their normal classroom programs. For example, community service, sport coaching commitments and skills learned in the part-time workplace.
VCAL students receive individual and extensive employment pathways counselling. All VCAL students are recommended to maintain, or seek, a part-time job after school hours.
It is also relevant to all students who have chosen to study a VET subject, such as Hospitality, or for students who are enrolled in a TAFE subject or traineeship outside of school. Generally, VCAL students do not sit exams.
Fully accredited modules and units are completed in the following four compulsory strands:
• Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• Work Related Skills
• Industry Specific Skills
• Personal Development Skills
The VCAL certificate is offered at Foundation, Intermediate and Senior level. Wherever possible, students undertake Foundation/Intermediate in Year 11 and Intermediate/Senior in Year 12. Whilst a number of VET certificated subjects are available at Avila, if a student wishes to pursue an alternate VET study outside Avila, it will incur additional costs for the student.