Stages of Learning – Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS)

Within Victorian Essential Learning Standards, there are three major stages of learning:

• Years Prep to 4 - Laying the foundations – In these years the curriculum focuses on developing the fundamental knowledge, skills and behaviours in literacy and numeracy and other areas including physical and social capacities which underpin all future learning
• Years 5 to 8 - Building breadth and depth –  In these years students progress beyond the foundations and their literacy and numeracy becomes more developed. An expanded curriculum program provides the basis for in depth learning within all domains in the three learning strands
• Years 9 to 10 - Developing pathways – In these years students develop greater independence of mind and interests. They seek deeper connections between their learning and the world around them and explore how learning might be applied in that world. They need to experience learning in work and community settings as well as the classroom. They are beginning to develop preferred areas for their learning.