VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF APPLIED LEARNING (VCAL)

VCAL has 3 levels, Foundation, Intermediate and Senior. Parade offers both the Intermediate Level (at Year 11) and the Senior Level (at Year 12) of VCAL.

The Edmund Rice Pathways Program can prepare students for either VCAL or VCE, beginning in Year 10. It is an alternative, vocationally orientated program for Year 10 students. Students are NOT able to openly apply for this program. House Leaders in consultation with a range of interested parties will identify potential students and invite them to apply for a place. The program is limited in its intake.

The Edmund Rice Pathways Program and VCAL Intermediate take advantage of the excellent facilities both within and nearby the Parade College Preston Campus.  In 2010 students will also be able to access training through the Edmund Rice Trade and Training Centre located at the Bundoora campus.

House Leaders in consultation with a range of interested parties including Tutor teachers, classroom teachers, ERPP Pathways Coordinator and Student Support Services will identify potential students and invite them to apply for a place. In addition, an information night will be held, during which parents can also enquire about applying

The program has a limited number of places for students at Year 10. 

For further information regarding Edmund Rice Pathways program, please contact our ERPP coordinator Mr Anthony McKay.

ERPP Course Structure

• English
• Mathematics
• Community Action Based Religious Education
• Vocation Education Training (VET) in three or more programs both on and off-campus (offerings are subject to availability: please also see the section below on the ERTTC)

   

VCAL has 4 strands to ensure balance and state-wide consistency:

• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Industry specific skills
• Work related skills
• Personal development skills

1. Literacy and Numeracy Skills
Students undertake VCAL school based units in Literacy and Numeracy in both the Intermediate and Senior VCAL.

2. Industry Specific Skills
Students choose from:
VCE VET Certificates offered at Parade College in Furnishing (Cabinet-Making), Hospitality, Music Industry Skills or Community Recreation, Building and Construction (Carpentry), Electrotechnology, Building and Construction (Bricklaying) Floor and Wall tiling and off site construction Units within these Certificates amounting to 100 nominal hours.

External programs other than those listed can be accessed through the Northern Melbourne VET Cluster including IT, Multi Media, Printing Graphic Arts, and a range of others. Plumbing, refrigeration air conditioning, engineering can be accessed through TAFE partnerships. Any others of student interest may be possible on negotiation.

3. Work Related Skills
Students undertake Work placement and VCAL work related units. Students’ part time work can become a recognised part of the VCAL. Students engaged in school based apprenticeships or traineeships have recognition under VCAL.

Students will complete a school based VCAL Work Related Skills at both Intermediate and Senior levels which will specifically prepare students for the world of work. Central to this will be extended work placement within the broad industry of student interest. Both school and students will be involved in a process of being placed in a suitable placement  up to 8 weeks over the year.

4. Personal Development Skills
Students undertake Units in Personal Development skills which can include community involvement and community based projects all designed to develop teamwork skills, self-confidence and life skills. Student’s own involvement in the community can be recognised e.g. CFA; voluntary work, outside coaching; leadership and involvement in a range of activities can be recognised in the VCAL.

5. VCE subject
VCAL students are encouraged to undertake a VCE study in their area of strength, subject to timetable limitations.

* There will be strictly limited places in this certificate. Any student who has any inclination towards university entrance beyond school should not apply for the VCAL. An application process, selection criteria, student interview, parent interview and availability will determine whether you can enrol in the VCAL.

Edmund Rice Trade and Training Centre (ERTTC)

The Edmund Rice Trade and Training centre will open in 2010, offering training in a variety of building-related Vocational and Educational Training (VET) programs.  There will be limited availability for Year 10 students - both mainstream and ERPP - to apply for up to two of the following VET courses:

Please note that students accessing VET offerings are required to pay a VET levy (per course). 

All VET courses at the ERTTC will run from either 7.30am - 11am or 1.30pm - 5.30pm. 

VCAL Intermediate Codes

• Literacy skills (Intermediate): 1vLS & 2vLS
• Numeracy skills (Intermediate) : 1vNS & 2vNS
• Work related skills (Intermediate) : 1vWS & 2vWS
• Personal development skills (Intermediate) : 1vPD & 2vPD
• Certificate I of Business & Vocational Preparation: 1vBV & 2vBV
• VET Certificate or Industry-specific training

VCAL Senior Codes

• Literacy skills (Senior): 3vLS & 4vLS
• Numeracy skills (Senior): 3vNS & 4vNS
• Work related skills (Senior) : 3vWS & 4vWS
• Personal development skills (Senior) : 3vPD & 4vPD
• Certificate II of Business & Vocational Preparation: 3vBV & 4vBV
• VET Certificate or Industry-specific training

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