Our innovative model provides an abundance of choices and opportunities. Students are encouraged to pursue a unique learning journey to gain practical skills, work towards personal goals and take charge of their future.
Hester Hornbrook Academy is introducing the VCE Vocational Major (VCE-VM) & the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) into our school as of 2023.
What has happened to VCAL?
In 2019, The Victorian Government commissioned a review of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). The certificate has been running in Victoria for 20 years and has provided very positive outcomes for a large number of students. The review provided 38 recommendations to the government to enhance the quality of the certificate. These have been adopted in the new changes to the certificates being offered.
In 2023, there will be a final year of Intermediate VCAL being offered as a “Teach Out”. This will support students who are wishing to complete a VCAL certificate before transitioning into employment, further study, apprenticeships & traineeships.
The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) is a vocational and applied learning program within the VCE designed to be completed over a minimum of two years. The VCE VM will give students greater choice and flexibility to pursue their strengths, their interests and develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life. It prepares students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways) or directly into the workforce.
The VCE VM can be tailored to the needs and interests of the student, to keep them engaged while developing their skills and knowledge. Students can also include other VCE studies and VET and can receive structured workplace learning recognition.
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) provides an enriched curriculum and excellent support for students to develop the skills, capabilities, and qualities for success in personal and professional life. Undertaking this Certificate will support a pathway to employment or entry level TAFE qualifications. The VPC is an accredited foundation secondary qualification and aligns to Level 1 in the Australian Qualifications Framework.
While the VPC is not a senior secondary qualification, it can be a pathway to the VCE. Students at HHA will have the opportunity to be flexible with their enrolment in VPC and can access a pathway to the VCE VM if deemed suitable.
VETis is an important component of students’ educational journey; it sets students up for success in two ways:
Our plan for 2023 is to offer the following VETiS subjects:
We deliver on site courses across our three campuses to provide students with the experience of participating in TAFE level courses, along with wellbeing and other additional supports provided by Hester Hornbrook Academy team.
Short accredited and non-accredited courses, including the Responsible Service of Alcohol, First Aid, Barista Training and Safe Food Handling.
DJ & Music Production, STEM, Visual Arts, E-Sports and more. When you choose to finish secondary school at Hester Hornbrook Academy, there's something for every student interest.
Through the Connect Youth program, small, group-based workshops, outreach education and case management is provided. Hester Hornbrook Academy also helps students to access external training through TAFEs and private providers.