Notice to Schools 20/2020 – 12 February 2020

Bushfire-related advice for VCE, VCAL and VCE VET schools and providers

Principals/Directors, VCE coordinators and teachers of VCE Agricultural and Horticultural Studies, VCE Environmental Science, VCE Geography, VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies, VCAL and relevant VCE VET programs

The VCAA is aware of the impact of the recent bushfires on VCE, VCAL and VET students and teachers. The following is the latest advice from the VCAA.

VCE School-based Assessments

School-based Assessments for the following VCE studies, which involve fieldwork and outdoor activities, may require alternative arrangements:

• Agricultural and Horticultural Studies
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Outdoor and Environmental Studies.

For advice regarding alternative arrangements, refer to the School-based Assessments involving fieldwork or outdoor activities – February 2020 webpage.

Where teachers are unable to make alternative arrangements, and consequently cannot meet any critical VASS entry dates for School-based Assessment results, an application can be made to the VCAA using 'VASS Critical Dates – Extension of Time' form from the downloads section of VASS. It is expected that all applications from schools affected by bushfires will be approved.

For further information, contact the Student Records and Results unit: student.records@edumail.vic.gov.au or (03) 9032 1754.

VCE, VCAL and VET enrolments

Schools having difficulty finalising VCE, VCAL and VET enrolments should contact the Student Records and Results unit: (03) 9032 1758 or 1800 623 681.

VCAL curriculum

VCAL offers students opportunities to contribute to communities beyond their classrooms. Given the flexibility of the curriculum and the focus on starting with student interest, the bushfires may be the focus of many VCAL programs across the state, not just in areas affected by fire.

The VCAL Personal Development Skills curriculum focuses on issues related to health and wellbeing, resilience, community health and environmental awareness. Connections could also be made within other areas of the VCAL curriculum, including Work Related Skills and Literacy Skills.

Providers are encouraged to ensure that any volunteering or fundraising is completed in partnership with reputable local parties. Furthermore, VCAL providers responsible for students undertaking workplace learning opportunities are advised to contact the relevant division within the Department of Education and Training to ensure that all duty of care obligations and student wellbeing requirements are met.

If students and teachers are experiencing difficulties meeting any VCAL course requirements, contact the VCAL unit:  vcaa.vcal@edumail.vic.gov.au or on 03 9032 1725.

VCE VET program requirements

If VCE VET students and teachers are experiencing difficulties meeting program requirements, contact the VET unit: vet.vcaa@edumail.vic.gov.au or (03) 9032 1737.

Critical dates

N/A

Additional information

N/A