Senior Secondary Certificate Reform
VCE VM and VPC Audit shows new studies well implemented in 2023
The VCAA conducted the very first VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) Curriculum and Assessment Audit in 2023. Its findings tell a positive story about the first year of implementation of these 2 important new applied learning pathways for Victorian senior secondary students.
The 2023 audit considered the curriculum and assessment plans, tasks, policies and procedures for determining satisfactory completion and authentication practices from 10% of providers in each VCE VM and VPC study.
Most audited providers submitted curriculum and assessment plans that included a range of learning activities and multiple opportunities for students to achieve the required outcomes or learning goals. The Pillars of Applied Learning were clearly evident in most providers’ planning documentation and assessment tasks.
The VCAA is encouraged by the positive outcomes of this audit and recognise that the success of the first year of implementation still comes with opportunity for improvement. One example would be a further focus on key knowledge and skills to be more explicitly identified in curriculum and assessment plans. There is also an opportunity for assessment criteria to be more consistently included in assessment tasks to ensure students understand the requirements for successful achievement of outcomes or learning goals.
Using these findings, the VCAA will be providing professional learning for teachers and schools during 2024 to continue to support the implementation of the reforms.
The 2023 audit was designed to be supportive, considering the pressures on providers during the first year of implementation. The pleasing response from schools who undertook the audit in 2023 showed that this report has provided helpful feedback and advice to improve applied learning programs.
Further detail about the 2023 VCE VM and VPC audit findings can be found in a report on the VCAA website. Information about the 2024 VCE VM and VPC Curriculum and Assessment Audit arrangements will be published on the VCAA website in April.
Annual VCAA briefing for School Leaders of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and/or the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)
The VCAA’s 2024 annual briefings for schools delivering the VCE and/or the VPC have concluded. This year, the VCAA ran two sessions in February. The briefings provide an overview and a follow up for school leaders after they have viewed the professional learning series of on demand videos. These videos are available all year for school leaders and teachers. The briefings were well attended with pertinent questions asked on topics including, but not limited to assessment, special provision, recognition of prior learning and external examination logistics.
Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s briefings and we look forward to continue to support schools with a smooth delivery of the VCE and VPC in 2024.