RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education and Formation are concerned primarily with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Its sources are the expression of God's revelation in the person of Jesus Christ, Scripture, Tradition, Liturgy and Life.

Religious Education and Formation at Salesian College are characterised by the belief that the Catholic Faith affords a perspective on all human purposes, choices, experiences, discoveries and enterprises, and that the believing community must share this perspective across the generations and in the formation of the young. They are informed by the Salesian tradition of a spirituality for the young and are seen to be an essential function of the Church.

From Year 7 through to Year 10 the College provides the boys with a comprehensive look at the Faith of the Catholic Church. Through classroom instruction, Retreats, weekly Liturgies and Whole School Liturgies all students experience a lively faith that speaks to them of the Gospel values of love, justice and peace.

The College is, however, mindful of the fact that not all our students are Catholic or indeed Christian. Consequently we are sensitive to the spirit of our motto, "Omnia Omnibus" - To be all things to all. Whilst the beliefs and values of the Catholic tradition provide our focus, the wealth of knowledge and understanding brought to us by other traditions is welcomed and cherished.

At Year 11, Retreats and Community Service programs enliven the classroom program. All students complete a VCE unit. They select from Units 1 & 2, or 3 & 4, Religion and Society and Unit 1 Texts and Traditions.

Year 12 students also complete a VCE unit from the range available and attend a Year 12 Overnight Reatreat at the beginning of the year.

ENGLISH

 

English, while it permeates the Curriculum, is studied in its own right in Years 7 - 12. English courses at all levels stimulate creativity, foster enjoyment in reading and develop critical analysis of texts, including film as text. Writing skills are further developed through our Writer- in - Residence Program which provides students with the opportunity to work with well-known authors.

Guest speakers visit the College on a regular basis to speak on topics relevant to the study of texts and media issues. Debating and public speaking skills are an essential part of the English curriculum and are encouraged through formal and informal speaking opportunities.

Years 7-10 Curriculum
English courses at these levels are informed by the learning outcomes specified by the Victorian Essential learning Standards. The core areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening are the foundation on which teachers create meaningful and enriching learning activities. All students study four texts throughout the year and produce writing folio pieces in a range of modes.

All learning and assessment practices are designed to equip students with the skills necessary for the successful completion of their VCE. Students entering Year 10 are offered a range of English Courses, all designed to enhance individual learning styles. At Year 10, students can choose to study Foundation English Units 1 & 2, Mainstream English or Literature Units 1 & 2.

All students in Year 7 - 10 can avail thrmselves of an after school English Tutoring Program conducted by our English teachers.

All learning and assessment practices are designed to equip students with the skills necessary for the successful completion of their VCE. Students entering Year 10 are offered a range of English Courses, all designed to enhance individual learning styles. At Year 10, students can choose to study Foundation English Units 1 & 2, Mainstream English or Literature Units 1 & 2.

All students in Year 7 - 10 can avail thrmselves of an after school English Tutoring Program conducted by our English teachers.

VCE Curriculum
VCE students study four units of English over two years. In order to satisfactorily complete a unit of English, a student must demonstrate the achievement of each of the outcomes specified in the English Study Design. The achievement of outcomes is based on the student's performance on the assessment tasks designated. VCE Units 1 and 2 Literature are offered to students in Year 10 and Year 11. Students study Literature Units 3 and 4 in either Year 11 or 12.  In Year 12 coursework graded assessments are completed mainly in class and contribute 50% of a student's final score. Coursework results are statistically moderated by the Victorian Curriculum and Assesment Authority using students' exam results.  The final exam is worth 50% of a student's final score.

Senior students who require extra assistance with their English work are given every opportunity to develop their skills through our Study Hall program. A series of revision lectures is presented by senior English teachers prior to the commencement of final exams as a further aid to our students. Year 12 students are encouraged to seek teacher advice and assistance beyond the confines of the classroom and are given every encouragement to discuss their progress with their teachers.

Literature Circles
At Salesian College we are committed to the belief that readers are thinkers. Literature Circles presently operate in Years 7 and 8 and are designed to promote a love of reading in our students. Literature Circles are small, temporary discussion groups comprised of students who have chosen to read the same novel. The Circles meet regularly to discuss their reading and share ideas. Literature Circles reinforce five major areas related to English teaching and learning. They are reading, listening, talking, viewing and writing. Literature Circles focus on discussion and the sharing of ideas in small groups. Working in this environment fosters cooperative learning and individual responsibility.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is an area of knowledge older than recorded history and has, through the ages, developed into a sophisticated, complex body of knowledge. It has applications in all human activities, crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries to provide a universal way of solving problems in areas such as science, engineering, technology, art, crafts, commerce and many everyday activities.

Here at Salesian College, our vision is that through learning Mathematics, students will acquire the Mathematical skills and knowledge that will help them deal confidently and competently with daily life. Also, we aim for our students to develop the skills to effectively use Mathematics, whether for employment, further study or interest.

The Mathematics course is a core subject in Years 7 - 10 and consists of elective subjects in VCE. It provides opportunities for students to develop in the following ways:

  • knowledge of facts and technical skills;
  • depth of conceptual thinking;
  • ability to use Mathematics to solve real and non-routine problems;
  • sensible use of calculators and technology.

It also provides a framework within which students develop their understanding and appreciation of mathematical reasoning.

Therefore, Mathematics is not just about learning skills and content. It is also about learning to investigate, analyse and interpret as well as communicate and justify conclusions. Conducting and communicating investigations and developing problem solving strategies are also important.

The Mathematics course attempts to allow for the varied abilities within the classroom. It aims to provide positive experiences in which each student develops confidence and a sense of achievement and becomes an independent learner.

SCIENCE

Science Education contributes to developing scientifically and technologically literate young men who will be able to make informed decisions about the natural and physical world. It provides students with insights into the environment and the ability to make connections between Science and people.

So what are Science classes like at Salesian College?

They involve practical hands on experiments in four fully equipped laboratories. Practicals include dissections of bull's eyes, rats and sheep's hearts and lungs. Science also involves visits to places that support our curriculum such as The Eliza & Walter Hall Institute, Sovereign Hill for Mining, Melbourne Aquarium and Science Works for Machines and Live Animal Visits.

Science is a compulsory year long subject in Years 7-9 and is compulsory for one semester in Year 10. Students in Year 10 also have the option of studying one of our exciting electives in preparation for VCE Science. These electives are Motion and Organic Chemisty (Physics and Chemistry orientated) and Genesand Disease (Biology Orientated). But this is not all…Brighter students in Year 10 also have the option of studying VCE Units 1 & 2 Biology.

Science is taught in a dynamic and innovative way with staff catering for mixed abilities through assessment and teaching methods. Various Learning Technologies are incorporated into the curriculum with students regularly using Excel, Word and various software applications within the classroom for performing experiments and gathering data.

PERFORMING ARTS - MUSIC

Salesian College values the contribution Music plays in the life of the school. Instrumental students, in particular, benefit immensely from this enhanced profile in the school community. Band rehearsals engender a welcoming and supportive environment and the students' confidence is raised through the varied performing opportunities.

The College currently has some 250 students involved in the Instrumental Music Program. Tuition is provided on a large range of instruments including Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Piano, Guitar and Bass Guitar and Drums/Percussion. Students are given one free semester of instrumental tuition in Year 7 as part of their Classroom Music curriculum. Students can then elect to continue on their instrument or change to another. A large number of students continue learning their instrument through to Year 12.

A major aspect of the Instrumental Music program is the ensemble work. Salesian College has four ensembles that cater for different levels of student ability. These comprise the Senior and IntermediateConcert and Stage Bands. All Bands attend an annual Music Camp and perform a number of times each year. The opportunities for public performances include school liturgies, assemblies, evening concerts and presentations for the wider community. Major highlights for the College bands have included the Olympic Torch Relay, State Ministerial performances, the College's Annual Dinner Dance, Bands Festivals and Eisteddfods. More intimate performances take the form of Soirees where students can gain confidence performing as soloists or in a small ensemble group.

Classroom Music

Classroom Music is a compulsory full year subject at Years 7 and 8.

Year 7 Music is a dynamic and engaging subject and includes what is, for many, their first hands-on musical experience. During the year students listen, compose, rehearse and perform as individuals and in groups. In addition, students become familiar with the language of music, different forms of musical notation and learn to evaluate their own work.

Year 8 Music consolidates the students' knowledge and skills by studying the form, style and composition aspects of modern music. Some of the unit topics undertaken in Year 8 Music are: The Blues, Popular Music, Electronic Composition and Advertising Music.

At Years 9 and 10, Music is offered as a single semester elective and further develops and consolidates previously covered music concepts while introducing new and varied ones. Students experience listening, analysis, comparison, evaluation and appraisal in addition to performing as individuals and in groups.

Music Performance, Music Styles or VET Music Certificate II (Foundation) and Certificate III (Technical Production) are offered at the VCE level. Each offers a wide range of musical experiences with VET focusing on vocational options in the Australian Music Industry.

Click here to Listen / Download students works.

DESIGN - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Information Technology (I.T.) classes are conducted over 4 year levels, formally beginning at Year 9. The Year 9 I.T. course is a semester length and focuses primarily on spreadsheets and databases. This provides the solid base of knowledge and skills so necessary in much of VCE - I.T.

Year 10 I.T. has been much enhanced with the introduction of an entirely new course; the two-year Vocational, Education & Training subject called Certificate III in I.T. (Software Applications). This has proven to be a very popular subject choice in its first year. It has full VCE accreditation and students generally complete Units 1 & 2 in their first year and elect to continue with Units 3 & 4 in the second.

In addition to the second year of Certificate III in I.T. (Software Applications) running in Year 11 the other subject that is available in the same year is VCE - I.T. (Units 1 & 2) This traditional I.T. subject leads directly into the two separate Year 12 I.T. subjects: namely Information Processing & Management (Unit 3 & 4) and Information Systems (Units 3 & 4). Both of these Year 12 I.T. Subjects may be studied at the same time if desired.

HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Health and Physical Education draws from the dynamic and multi-dimensional nature of health and the significance of physical activity in the lives of individual students at the College and in society in general. It promotes an understanding of the importance of personal and community actions in promoting health and lifelong participation in physical activity, and of the crucial role that supportive physical and social environments play in the development of the health of individuals and communities.

Health and Human Development at Salesian College helps young people learn about factors, including nutrition, fitness and safety in sport. We encourage and inform our students to understand the importance of promoting and protecting the physical, social and emotional health of individuals, families and communities, and the range of health-related services and products available in the community.

A significant aspect of young people's lives is their physical, social and emotional development. Salesian College recognizes the importance of skill development and sets up situations to challenge oneself in competitive and semi-competitive environments. It provides a framework for understanding and dealing with the often competing and contradictory expectations that young people experience. It emphasizes that a person's capacity to deal with these changes is variable and dependent on a sense of trust and security, opportunities and skills to communicate effectively and a sense of self as a capable and worthwhile person.

Physical activity, sport and recreation are an important part in the lives of people in Australia. Participation in physical activity in small and large groups at Salesian College provides opportunities for relaxation, enjoyment, recreation, fitness, social interaction and competition. All students are provided with opportunities to participate in a wide variety of units that involve many sports and a range of skills.

Our aim is to promote lifelong participation in physical activity though the development of movement skills related to various activities and sports.

All students actively participate in fitness testing programs that enable staff and students to reinforce students strengths whilst developing their weaknesses.

Health and Physical Education at Years 11 and 12 enables students to understand the relationship between physical activity and lifestyle. It examines the biological, social and cultural influences on participation in physical activity. By the students study of participation in physical activity and developmental skills they are being provided the opportunity to reflect on factors which effect performance and the levels of activity in society.

LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH

The study of a Language Other Than English (LOTE) contributes to the overall education of students. It offers students the opportunity to explore cultures and promotes understanding of different attitudes and values within the wider Australian community and beyond.

Learning a language offers students the opportunity to:

  • use the language to communicate with its speakers
  • understand how language operates as a system and, through comparison, how other languages, including English, are structured and function
  • gain direct insights into the culture or cultures which give the language its life and meaning
  • consider their own culture, and compare it with the cultures of countries and communities where the language is spoken
  • add to their general knowledge
  • enhance their vocational prospects.

Students are given the opportunity to study either Italian. In Year 7 students are exposed to both languages for a semester so that they may make an informed choice about which language they will continue to study in Year 8 for a full year. The four macro skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking are developed in the early years through a thematic approach.

LOTE is an elective subject in Years 9 and 10 where students continue learning with a thematic approach but with more emphasis on grammar in preparation for senior years. At this level, students are able to participate in various language competitions, including poetry and the Australian Language Levels Tests.

In VCE Units 1 - 4 where Italian is taught, students benefit from small classes giving scope for much individual attention.

In order to totally immerse students into the language learning environment, Tours may be organised to Italy where students can live the language and culture they have been studying.

DESIGN - VISUAL ARTS

The broad range of Visual Arts subjects at Salesian College provides students with many creative opportunities and important outlets to explore and communicate ideas, feelings and beliefs. The Visual Arts curriculum stimulates intellectual, spiritual and emotional development, knowledge and enjoyment. Comprehensive and sequential learning experiences enable students to build sophisticated practical skills and to develop an understanding and appreciation of artworks.

Design is a core subject at Year 7 and Year 8. Students have the opportunity to develop confidence in their creative abilities through producing art works in both two and three dimensional areas of study and visual communication. The Year 7 and Year 8 Program also introduces students to art appreciation and visual analysis.

The Year 9 and Year 10 Programs provide a wide range of semester length electives. There are three Year 9 electives: Art and Design, Ceramics and Sculpture, and Media. There are four electives offered at Year 10: Art, Media, Photography and Visual Communication. The elective nature of the Year 9 and Year 10 Program allows for specialization and enables students to pursue an area of interest over consecutive years. It also promotes continuous and sequential creative development. This results in preparation for the VCE Studies offered at Salesian College which include: Art, Media Studies, Studio Arts and Visual Communication and Design.

The aims of the Visual Arts Program is to provide students with opportunities to:

  • Develop their intellectual, imaginative and expressive potential.
  • Develop skills, techniques and knowledge of equipment, materials and processes in a range of art forms.
  • Generate, explore, refine and communicate ideas.
  • Create and present art works in individual and collaborative ways.
  • Develop an understanding of, and appropriate use of, terminology, including elements and principles.
  • Develop critical and analytical skills and an understanding of aesthetics.
  • Develop an understanding of how art works evolve within particular social, cultural and historical contexts.

Enjoy participating in the processes of creating, presenting and responding to the arts.

Click here to view our Art Gallery of student works.

PERFORMING ARTS - DRAMA

 

Drama aims to develop the intellectual and creative potential of students through verbal, spatial and interpersonal experiences. It enables students to explore, shape and represent their ideas, feelings and real and imagined events. The Drama/Theatre Studies courses have been structured to provide students with opportunities to develop art criticism and aesthetics, enhance collaborative work and promote self-confidence through analysis and interpretation of character and situations in a variety of cultural contexts.

During this course, students will read, interpret, rehearse and perform a number of dramatic texts from various cultural groups; The Classical Greek Theatre, Elizabethan Drama, Commedia dell Arte, Indonesian Puppet Theatre Wayang and others. They will also participate in a variety of theatre sports, games and narratives to develop their own work. Students will explore, generate and express ideas when making and presenting drama, and develop characters and situations using a range of dramatic skills, techniques and processes.

The major school productions incorporated into the Drama program include an annual VCE production and a biannual Musical performed in collaboration with Sacred Heart Girls College, Oakleigh. The Year 11 VCE performance focuses on renowned works of Australian or foreign playwrights with the intention of promoting the classic works of twentieth century theatre literature. The Performing Arts production presents a wide range of opportunities for Drama students from junior, middle and senior schools to participate in a performance with a strong entertainment focus combining drama, music and dance.

Humanities

 

The Humanities is a study of human progress, interaction and responsibility for the environment. It ensures students are provided with knowledge, skills and values to enable them to participate as confident, responsible, active citizens in a democratic society.

 

DESIGN - TECHNOLOGY

 

Technology Studies provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for producing quality products that effectively solve a problem or meet a need. They do so within a context that enables them to acquire an understanding of technology's role in the world and the effects that specific technologies or processes have on society and the environment.

Boys are introduced to the technology process which incorporates the following;

  • Investigation stage, in which methods of meeting a need or solving a problem is researched.
  • Design stage, where information gathered in research is used to develop design and production plans.
  • Production stage, where the design plan, materials and processes are transformed into a physical product. This stage occupies the majority of class time.
  • Evaluation, where students reflect upon the effectiveness of the finished product, future product improvements, skills and knowledge learnt.

Technology education also develops students' skills in creating and communicating ideas, and in solving complex and varied problems. Most importantly, Technology Studies allows students alternative pathways to success that may not have been open to them in other subject areas.

At Salesian College Technology Studies is offered in the following framework;

  • Years 7 and 8 core subject; Technology Studies.
  • Years 9 and 10 elective subjects; Design and Technology-Wood, Design and Technology-Metal,Systems and Technology.
  • Years 11 and 12 VCE Units 1-4; Design and Technology, Systems and Technology.

BOSCO UNITS

 

Bosco Units are unique to our Year 9 program. They offer our year 9 students the opportunity to experience learning beyond the walls of the classroom and engage in relevant and interesting projects.

WHAT WILL STUDENT BE DOING DURING THEIR BOSCO DAYS?

Each term the Bosco Units will explore a particular theme.

The Term 1 theme of The Environment will see students analysing ecosystems and the impact of human development on their fragile nature. They will use the Scotchman Creek Wetlands and the marina development in Dromana as their main foci.

In Term 2, students will develop a better understanding of the factors which have helped shape Melbourne and its suburbs when they study Urbanism – Our City . They will take field trips to the Central Business District as well as inner suburbs such as Collingwood, the local suburbs of Chadstone and Oakleigh and the outer areas of Werribee and Point Cook.

The Term 3 theme of Communities develops students' awareness of what it means to be an effective member of a community. It challenges students to explore a wide range of social and personal issues including community action.

The culmination of the year is the Talents and Limits unit. Equipped with a better understanding of their place and responsibilities within the community, students will stretch their limits by discovering their potential in a range of experiences including an Outdoor Education camp.

 

 

VCE

The Journey of Excellence for Salesian College students continues even after they have completed their Year 12 studies. 95% of our 2004 cohort was offered a tertiary placement; the majority of offers were for students' 1st, 2nd or 3rd preferences. Our students are able to access a wide variety of courses and over the years many have gone on to pursue careers in the fields of Business/Management, Information Technology, Science, Law, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, Teaching and The Arts.

In order to facilitate this Journey of Excellence, Salesian College offers Victorian Certificate of Education and Vocational Education and Training studies to students from Years 10 to 12. Our Curriculum structure is designed to enable students at these year levels to benefit from greater choice and flexibility so that they can tailor a course which builds upon their academic and personal strengths and meets their individual goals and ambitions.

Sixteen different units are also available to Year 10 students who demonstrate the ability and dedication to fast track into their senior years. At Year 11, many students undertake a Unit 3 and 4 sequence as part of the twelve units they study, thus enabling them to maximise their ENTER score. Year 12 students undertake five Units 3 and 4 sequences of study.

VET in the VCE

VET subjects are an integral part of the VCE program and are equal to all other VCE subjects. But VET programs offer more than just the VCE. Advantages in choosing a VET program include:

  • Developing a range of practical skills
  • Students are introduced to the rigours of the workplace
  • Provision of a qualification which can articulate into higher certificates at TAFE thus creating pathways for the future and increasing options in Vocational Education and Training after the VCE
  • Provision of evidence of attained skills that can be used in full or part time work
  • Gaining relevant skills in response to industry needs

VET programs provide the opportunity to undertake entry level TAFE training within the VCE. On completion students will have obtained their VCE and a VET certificate, which will allow them to either move on into further education or to seek employment. These programs broaden post-school options with workplace and training experiences, which enhance student readiness for further training and employment. VET programs are fully recognised within the Units 1-4 structure of the VCE and therefore contribute towards satisfactory completion of the VCE. Some VET programs are scored and can therefore be included in the primary four in an ENTER calculation, while others can be used as the increment in this calculation.

Salesian College has developed partnerships with various Registered Training Organisations (RTO), who auspice our VET programs. In some cases the RTO delivers some of the modules and issues the particular certificate in their name. In particular, we work with Ausmusic and Box Hill Institute of TAFE.

VET courses offered by Salesian College are:

  • Certificate II in Automotive Technology, taken over two years in Years 11 and 12
  • Certificate II Music Industry (Foundation) at Year 11
  • Certificate III Music Industry Skills (Technical Production) at Year 12
  • Certificate III Information Technology (Software Applications) taken over two years, either Years 10 & 11 or Years 11 & 12.

Automotive Technology
This is a popular course with students who have an interest and ability in mechanics and machinery. This certificate gives credit towards an Apprenticeship in Motor Mechanics and so increases employment opportunities. Year 11 students undertake Work Placement and both Years 11 and 12 students attend Box Hill Institute of TAFE for some module delivery. This program is not scored and so can only be used as an increment in ENTER calculations.

Information Technology
This is extremely popular with our students. Students often combine VET Information Technology with the VCE Information Technology subjects and find they are very complementary. Students are enrolled with Box Hill Institute of TAFE. This VET program can lead on to many higher certificates in the IT field. This program is scored and thus can be used in the primary four VCE subjects in the calculation of an ENTER.

Music Industry
This program attracts many students from a wide variety of backgrounds. They study a diverse range of topics and have a great deal of hands on experience. The Music Industry students set up and prepare many of the major College events as part of their module assessment. All students take part in a Work Placement during Year 11. Ausmusic is our partner and RTO in this program. Certificate II is completed during Year 11 and is the first half of the Certificate III, which is completed in Year 12. This program is scored and thus can be used in the primary four VCE subjects in the calculation of the ENTER.

LEARNING SUPPORT

The Learning Support Department at Salesian College offers a range of programs to support students with special needs. An important part of the Salesian College approach is providing for special needs students within the mainstream classroom, modifying assessment tasks and exams to enable students with particular needs to experience success.

Students experiencing difficulties in Years 7, 8 and 9 are provided with remedial assistance within the English classroom.

Mathematics support teachers also provide for   Years 7 – 9 students experiencing difficulty with numeracy and Mathematical concepts within the classroom.

Year 10 offers an Alternative Mathematics Program that is designed within the Year Level Curriculum, but allows students to develop skills at their own pace.

VCE Foundation English is offered in Year 10 to provide students with the skills they need for VCE.

"By being the best you can be, you give others the opportunity to be the best that they are capable of." (anonymous) This is a statement that significantly reflects what we try to achieve in our Enhancement Program at Salesian College.

It is important that our students strive to discover their unique talents and, wherever these talents lie, they are motivated to excel. The Enhancement Program aims to identify and acknowledge our very capable students as well as providing them with additional opportunities to further develop their skills.

What do we offer?

•  At Year 12 we provide students with the opportunity to complete a first year subject with Monash University concurrently with their Year 12 studies. Past participating students have earned a high distinctions in first year University Japanese, high distinctions in Mathematics, Accounting, Economics and Computer Studies.

•  At Years 10 and 11 suitable students are able to select a VCE subject for 'accelerated' completion (completing Units 1 & 2 in Year 10 and Units 3 & 4 in Year 11). Additionally, students who excel in Mathematics are provided with opportunities to develop more advanced skills in our Accelerated Mathematics Program.

•  Our capable Year 10 students enjoy the opportunity to be involved in the Melbourne University Master Class Program.

•  Year 8 students who have achieved very high results in Science, undertake a Unit in Electronics in Semester 1 and Electricity in Semester 2, developing practical and theory skills of later relevance to Physics.

•  Years 7 and 8 students are also keen participants in the National Epilepsy Foundation Trivia Competition.

•  Years 7, 8 and 9 students undertake activities such as The Tournament of the Minds Problem Solving

Competition.

•  The Chess Club attracts a large number of able students from Years 7-12

This comprehensive program is provided by the College as an opportunity to encourage each of our students to aim to be the best they can by acknowledging, nurturing and taking pride in the talents which they have been given. The preparedness of our students to accept this challenge enriches the learning environment of Salesian College.

VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF APPLIED LEARNING

From 2006 Salesian College will offer the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) in Year 11. The VCAL is an alternative pathway for students seeking a more vocational course. It is an alternative to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and prepares students for TAFE, an apprenticeship or work. It aims to provide the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable students to make informed choices regarding their future. Personal Development, the utilisation of a student's particular interests and new pathways for students in the context of applied learning are the underpinning principles of the VCAL.

Students complete a range of strands including Literacy, Numeracy, Industry Specific Skills, Work Related Skills, VET and Personal Development. In order to complete all strands students undertaking the VCAL will attend TAFE on Wednesdays and Work Placement on Fridays. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, students will attend classes at school.