Ascot Vale Heights School offers Year 11 and 12 students Foundation Level VCAL studies. The VCAL program aims to provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to make informed choices about pathways to work and further education.

The principles underpinning the VCAL program are:

• new accredited pathways for secondary students
• tailoring a program to suit students’ interests
• personal development
• development of work-related and industry-specific skills

In the VCAL program these principles are shown through:

• the development of knowledge and employability skills that help prepare students for work and for participation in broader society – family, community and life-long learning
• the development of knowledge and skills that assists students to make informed vocational choices
• facilitate pathways to further learning and employment

There are four compulsory strands in the VCAL program:

• Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• Work-Related Skills
• Industry Specific Skills- Vocational Education and Training (VETiS)
• Personal Development

Students will also have the opportunity to engage in the following integrated  programs:

• Careers Curriculum
• Work Experience and Structured Workplace Learning
• Physical Education
• Art

Vocational Education and Training (VETiS)

Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) is designed to expand opportunities and pathways for senior secondary students and improve educational outcomes in line with the Victorian Government’s objective to increase the number of young people completing Year 10/11/12 or equivalent. 

VETiS provides a vocationally oriented program of studies leading to a senior secondary certificate. These programs are typically delivered through a partnership between schools, industry and Registered Training Organisations. They often include opportunities for students to participate in paid employment and or structured workplace learning.

 Transition and Pathways Planning

Transition and Pathways Planning in the Senior Secondary School is a process that involves intensive collaboration between school, parents/carers and community service providers.

When transitioning students into the next phase of their education and adult life parents/carers as well as the student must be presented with several appropriate options and are empowered throughout the process.

Students have a number of pathways to select from when they leave school.

• Further education and training (TAFE)
• School Leavers Employment Service programs (SLE)
• Open market employment with support from a Disability Employment Service (DES)
• Employment with an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE)
• Life learning and leisure programs
• Individualised 1:1 support program

Transition is achieved through the following support and programs:

• Individualised career support
• Secondary School programs (Year 11-12) – VCAL, ASDAN, Applied Learning, VETiS, Post School Connections, Learning partnerships with external service providers
• Work placement / work experience programs
• Post School Options Transitioning Programs
• Links with Employment Services and Community Support Networks
• Career Action Plans
• Career and Leisure Expos

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support is crucial in planning for transition and pathmways. It is highly recommended that students are registered for support through the NDIS.

If you require any further information about Transitions and Pathways planning please contact Susanne Andriesz (Learning Centre Leader) at the school.    susanne.andriesz@education.vic.gov.au