With the help of your teacher or careers counsellor, you can develop a learning program that suits your particular learning needs and interests.
You have the choice of selecting units and modules from each of the following four compulsory VCAL strands:
The VCAL is offered at secondary schools, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and Adult and Community Education (ACE) centres in Victoria.
You will be required to enrol at your school, TAFE or ACE centre, but you may do part of your VCAL program at other schools, TAFE institutes, ACE centres, registered training organisations, community-based organisations and/or employers.
Yes. You should speak with your teacher or careers counsellor to work out how much of your prior study counts towards your VCAL and to plan the remainder of your VCAL learning program.
Yes, if you have an 'S' result for the VCE unit, it will count toward your VCAL. You should speak with your teacher or careers counsellor to work out how much of your prior study counts towards your VCAL and to plan the remainder of your VCAL learning program.
Yes. If you change your mind and want to swap to the VCE, or if you want to pursue your VCE after completing your VCAL, any VCE units successfully completed as part of your VCAL will count towards your VCE. You may also be able to transfer credit for other units and modules completed as part of your VCAL. You should discuss this with your teacher or careers counsellor if you decide to take this option.
You can gain recognition and credit for part-time work while enrolled in the VCAL. This work can include:
All accredited courses/certificates in your VCAL program are assessed by your teacher and/or RTO. VCE, VET and other accredited courses/certificates are assessed in accordance with requirements. Your teacher will explain the requirements to meet the learning outcomes for VCAL units.
The GAT is a test of knowledge and skills in writing, mathematics, science and technology, humanities and social sciences and the arts. It is undertaken by all VCE and VCAL students doing one or more VCE Unit 3 and 4 sequence. Students doing a scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence will also be required to sit the GAT. Students whose only enrolment consists of VCAL units are not required to sit the GAT. However, students can choose to sit the GAT if it is appropriate to their pathway into further education, training or employment.
All VCE studies will contribute to a VCAL learning program. Studies that meet the purpose statement of one of the VCAL curriculum strands will meet the eligibility requirements of that strand. For example a VCE Maths unit will meet the eligibility requirement for the Numeracy Skills Strand. Other VCE studies that do not meet the purpose statement of a VCAL strand will contribute as General Credits – that is they will form part of the minimum 10 units required to qualify for a VCAL.