New schooling option offers increased support
A brand new schooling option will be available for local secondary students in 2023, with the introduction of the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) at ECG Secondary College.
The new curriculum is specifically designed for secondary school students aged 15 and over who are not ready or able to complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
The VPC will replace the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and give students an alternate pathway into the new hands-on VCE Vocational Major, further training or employment.
ECG Secondary College Principal, Katy Grandin, said that the VPC is critical for ensuring that students didn’t fall between the cracks of our education system.
“The Victorian Pathway Certificate is a really great option for a lot of our young people,” Katy said. “It is inclusive, flexible and engaging, designed for students who are at risk of disengaging from education.
“They may have felt disconnected because they needed additional support in the classroom, the ability to learn at their own pace, or missed a lot of school due to things like anxiety or illness. The VPC gives these students an accessible way to learn and progress towards their goals.”
According to Katy, the VPC shifts the focus from academic achievements to real world skills for life and work, while keeping the door open for students to progress to VCE.
“The VPC includes literacy and numeracy, but also work-related skills and personal development skills,” Katy explains. “Students can also study vocational qualifications, VCE units or even spend some time in a workplace as part of their learning. The curriculum is customised for each student.”
The new curriculum option is being introduced from January but will not be available at all schools. ECG Secondary College is excited to be offering this opportunity to our young people.
“We are encouraging students and families who may be interested in the VPC to reach out now, to learn more about the study options and see if it is the right fit for them,” Katy said. “Our numbers are limited, so we want to make sure that the students who really need us have the opportunity to learn in a location where they can thrive.”
For more information on the VPC, contact ECG Secondary College on 5622 6000, or visit www.ecg.vic.edu.au/learn