Qualifications and Programs
In Victoria, there are a range of education and training options available to students in the senior secondary years of schooling.
Schools can further broaden the options available to their students through partnerships with other schools, TAFE Institutes and other providers of vocational education and training and adult community education.
Senior Secondary Certificates
There are three senior secondary certificates accredited by the Victorian Qualifications Authority (VQA) for delivery in Victorian schools:
- The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
- The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).
- The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.
For more information, see: VQA (http://www.vqa.vic.gov.au/vqa/default.htm)
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
All government secondary schools in Victoria deliver the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The VCE provides a great deal of flexibility to include units that will meet the needs of students at a particular school. There are more than 90 studies available, including vocational education and training (VET) units. It is recognised internationally, and provides pathways to further study at university, TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and the world of work.
The VCE is usually completed in Years 11 and 12, but can be started in Year 10. About half of Year 10 students undertake some VCE units.
For more information, see:
- VCE
- Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority VCE information (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/)
The VCE can also be studied by adults, see: Adult VCE
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12. The VCAL provides practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. A VCAL program includes units from four compulsory strands – literacy and numeracy, industry specific skills, work related skills and personal development.
For more information, see:
- VCAL
- Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority VCAL information (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vcal/index.html)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is an accredited senior secondary qualification approved for delivery in Victorian schools.
Guidelines for provision of the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Victorian Government schools
For more information, see: International Baccalaureate Diploma (http://www.ibo.org/)
VET Programs
Students can undertake VET programs as part of their VCE or VCAL. These VET programs include VET in Schools, school based apprenticeships and traineeships and pre-apprenticeships. They are designed to:
- provide a vocational qualification as well as a senior secondary certificate
- provide courses that are motivating and engaging for many young people
- expand opportunities and pathways for senior secondary students
- link schools to industry and training providers
- help meet the needs of industry
- prepare young people for the workplace of the future.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools
VET in Schools provides a vocationally oriented program of studies leading to a secondary school certificate: the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). It also offers credit towards a nationally recognised VET certificate.
For more information, see: VET in Schools
Pre-apprenticeships programs
Pre-apprenticeship programs provide a pathway to full time apprenticeships in selected industries available to senior secondary school students. They offer reduction in nominal duration of the apprenticeship training contract.
For more information, see: Pre-apprenticeships programs (http://www.otte.vic.gov.au/apt.asp)
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are distinct pathways within Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools that combines part time employment, school and training.
For more information, see: School Based Apprenticeships