Quality assurance processes

VPC curriculum and assessment audit

School-based assessment is an essential feature of the VPC, allowing for local flexibility in both teaching and assessment practice. As part of the VCAA’s ongoing monitoring and quality assurance program for the VPC, it can request an audit of assessment tasks for school-based assessment in each VPC study from schools. The VCAA’s audit of school-based assessment is conducted in line with the powers set out in sections 2.5.3 and 2.5.5 of the Education and Training Reform Act and the requirements set VASS out in section 4.1.2 of the VRQA Guidelines for the Registration of Awarding Bodies and the Accreditation of Senior Secondary and Foundation Secondary Courses.

Schools providing the VPC must deliver the course to the standards established by the VCAA and ensure the integrity of student assessments and compliance with its requirements for the relevant assessment program. For school-based assessment, the standards and requirements are stated in the assessment specifications set out in the relevant VPC curriculum design and the VPC assessment principles. The curriculum and assessment audit checks that schools comply with these requirements.

The VCAA will draw any irregularities identified by the auditing process to the attention of the principal. In the event of serious irregularity, the VCAA Executive Committee will determine whether disciplinary or other procedures will apply and may alter schools’ assessments in the light of evidence presented.

VCAA's management of student records

Security of personal information

The VCAA collects personal information from students to manage their enrolment in the VPC. Personal information is collected from the student by the school or provider and entered on VASS, which retains information for all students enrolled in Victoria. A student record includes the student’s address and contact details, assessment details and any other information relating to their VPC status, for example, any Special Provision.

The VCAA is a Victorian public sector agency that must comply with the Privacy and Data Protection Act.

The VCAA keeps all information collected secure and confidential. Only relevant VCAA staff members who deal with the specific processes for which the information was collected access the information. Students’ personal information is not disclosed to other persons or organisations without students’ knowledge and, where relevant, consent, unless required or permitted by law.

Access to personal information

Under the Privacy and Data Protection Act, students have the right to request access to personal information held about them by the VCAA. Individuals seeking access to personal information held about them by the VCAA should email the VCAA Privacy Officer. In some circumstances, an application under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) may be necessary.

Provision of student assessment records

The VCAA makes records of student results available to students or their nominated representatives in accordance with section 2.5.3(2)(o) of the Education and Training Reform Act. The VCAA provides a Statement of Results for VPC students at the end of each year.

Further copies of Statements of Results will be made available if requested by the student. Depending on the circumstances, a student may authorise a person to obtain a copy of their results on their behalf. Proof of identity of the student or of the nominated representative will be required at the time of collection. Fees will apply unless there are exceptional circumstances and the VCAA waives the fee. Any other request for student data will be referred to the VCAA for consideration.