Years 11 and 12 (VCAL)

We are proud of our open-enrolment policy, and as students progress through their schooling, it’s only natural that some develop a preference for applied learning. It’s a relatively small number of students compared to the boys who complete VCE, but having VCAL as an option sets De La Salle College apart.

Learn more with the Curriculum Handbook

To learn more about the teaching and learning arrangements for Years 11 and 12 (VCAL), we encourage you to view or download the Curriculum Handbook.

VCAL Educational Tour in Wilcannia

De La Salle College holds strongly the Lasallian charism and tradition of supporting communities in need and in effecting positive change for those who have little hope. It is important for the young men here at De La Salle to live out our Catholic Social Teaching and to be the Lord’s presence by committing themselves to the service of the poor and particularly, supporting our indigenous brothers and sisters where there is a dire and desperate need.

The project at St Therese’s Wilcannia (NSW) provides our young men with an opportunity to be involved in both helping and learning about our Indigenous population.

This project is offered exclusively to Year 12 VCAL students, who travel to Wilcannia for nine days to work in the school and the community. By working at St Therese’s, Wilcannia, it is hoped that De La Salle students will:

• help to improve facilities by renovating and attending to the maintenance of buildings.
• develop a greater understanding of our Indigenous population by interacting with the local indigenous community and the school community.
• develop an appreciation of the Indigenous culture through excursions to various local cultural sites.
• contribute to the Catholic community by working in an isolated environment.

The student experience in Years 11 and 12

Visit Year 11 and 12 (VCE) to learn about the student experience during this time and find information on the VCE pathway.

VCE or VCAL – How We Cater for All Our Students

As students enter Years 11 and 12, they have the option to pursue a VCE or VCAL pathway. This gives them the best of both worlds – an education that suits their learning style, while having access to the pastoral care, community and co-curricular activities that our school is celebrated for.

Our VCE Pathway

Most students choose the traditional academic pathway, VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education). This provides a well-rounded and recognised academic foundation, and prepares students for entrance into higher education and university.

Our VCAL Pathway

Alternatively, our students have the option of completing VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning). This prepares them to enter a trade or for vocational education and training after school. VCAL is Full Fee Paying.

Why do we offer two pathways?

In many cases, students interested in applied learning would have to leave their school at the end of Year 10. By offering VCAL, we enable students to continue in a school environment right through to the end of Year 12, while still readying themselves for a trade.

This system particularly helps when there are brothers at the College with different vocational aspirations. We believe in equal opportunity within a family and that’s why all students can complete Year 12, regardless of their chosen pathway.

All Year 11 and 12 students have access to our facilities and are part of the De La Salle College community. This system helps us maintain our strong family culture and provides an environment where all students are supported and inspired to reach their goals.

Click here to learn more about our careers and pathways services.

The VCAL Pathway

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, (VCAL) is a senior qualification accredited by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). It’s designed as a pathway from secondary school into vocational education or training.

How is VCAL structured?

VCAL is based on a system of competencies rather than exams.

The course includes studies in:

• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Certificate II Events Management
• Personal Development.

Students at De La Salle College also benefit from doing sport and Religious Education as part of their VCAL study program.

Students combine these competencies with industry specific learning and a work placement. We give our students the option of choosing VET subjects or an Australian School Based Apprenticeship.

Choosing VET subjects

Visit the Year 11 and 12 (VCE) page to learn more about VET subjects.

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASBAs) allow students over 15 years of age to work as paid part-time apprentices or trainees while at school. ASBAs enable young people to gain a vocational qualification and genuine workplace experience while also completing their school studies.

VCAL Course Structure

	Year 11	Year 12
Literacy and Numeracy Strand	Literacy skills in reading, writing and oral communication Numeracy skills for personal, work and social lives	Further Literacy skills in reading, writing and oral communication Further numeracy skills for personal, work (especially technical information) and social lives
Personal Development Strand	Delivered through Religious Education, Sport and project work both at school and within the community	Delivered through Religious Education, Sport and project work both at school and within the community
Work Related Strand	Structured work placement (one fixed day per week with an approved employer) plus additional learning in OHS and other workplace skills	Structured work placement (one fixed day per week with an approved employer) plus additional learning in OHS and other workplace skills
Industry Specific Strand	Any VET study or ASBA option	Any VET study or ASBA option

At De La Salle College, VCAL students typically undertake VET studies and work placements in:

• The Building Industry
• Electronics
• Multimedia
• Sport
• Hospitality