In this issue
1 From the CEO
2. Safari by the Sea
3. Term 4 Masterclasses
4. 2020 dates for the Diary
- To help you with your PD planning and budget
5. Structured Workplace Learning Recognition
6. Bachelor of Technology Education program at La Trobe University
7. From the VCAA
- Themed VCAL
- VCAA VET Briefings
8. 2020 VALA membershiop fees sames as 2019
1. From the CEO
We truly hope you had a restful term break in preparation for the final term of 2019!
Always a hectic one in which the focus turns on both finalising 2019 and getting ready for 2020. There will be much encouragement for students to complete their VCAL outcomes, with some of them self sabotaging as they dread to leave the safe (learning) environment you created, and others focussed on completing any outstanding gaps! In the meantime, 2020 course selections, timetables and teacher allocations will be determined……
It is pretty much the same at VALA; we are looking forward to support you in both finalising 2019 and gearing up to continue and expand on this for 2020! As such we are working hard on confirming the PL programs for 2020 (some important dates confirmed further in this newsletter). Don’t forget to check out our Safari by the Sea at the end of the month and term 4 Masterclasses at the end of November.
Over the last few weeks we have quietly ventured into the world of social media and invite you to like or follow us on the VALA VCAL Facebook page.
We would love to see you soon!
Wishing you a great term 4!
Helene Rooks
2. Safari by the Sea – Thursday October 31 – Friday November 1
Featuring a stellar line up of 3 VCAA VCAL Teachers of the Year recipients, including visits to their schools so you can see their programs in action!
The annual Safari by the Sea goes well beyond your normal PL experience as it provides ample opportunity to reflect on, share and celebrate your VCAL success whilst forging supportive VCAL networks with likeminded practitioners from across the State.
It is not too late to secure your place for this year’s Safari by the Sea, but be quick, limited places left!
3. Term 4 Masterclasses, Friday November 29 (Melbourne CBD)
Designed to both provide valuable insights to those new to delivering the VCAL and sharpen the skills and knowledge of experienced VCAL educators. We encourage you to share these opportunities with colleagues newly appointed to deliver the VCAL!
VCAL Coordination – the in’s and out’s!
Lyn Maniz, St Patrick’s College, VCAA VCAL Teacher of the Year 2014
Integration – Starting small – Blending VCAL needs with a VCE timetable.
Melanie Brooks, 2018 VCAA VCAL Teacher of the Year
Trauma Informed Positive Education
Grace Langton, Berry Street
Passionately Planning for 2020
Cherie Osta, VCAA VCAL Teacher of the year 2017 & Geoff Bird, Lorne P-12 College
Work Related Skills Units
Narelle Bean, VCAA VCAL Teacher of the Year 2016
Foundation VCAL in Special Schools
Naomi James, Ashwood School
4. 2020 Dates for the Diary
Semester 1:
VALA VCAL Induction day – Friday February 21 (Melbourne CBD)
Term 1 Masterclasses – Monday March 15 (Melbourne CBD)
Term 2 Masterclasses – Monday May 11 (Melbourne CBD)
Safari in the Goldfields (Special Schools) – Thursday 21 & Friday 22 May (Bendigo)
VALA Annual Conference 2020 – Friday June 19 (Melbourne CBD)
Semester 2:
Term 3 Masterclasses – Friday September 11 (Melbourne CBD)
Safari by the Sea – Thursday 29 & Friday 30 October (Surf coast)
Term 4 Masterclasses – Friday November 27 (Melbourne CBD)
More (regional) dates and events to come!
To help you with your PD planning and budget
| 2020 Event type: | Member rate | Non-member rate |
| Induction day |
Early bird – $250 Standard – $290 |
Early bird – $330 Standard – $370 |
| Masterclasses | $250 | $310 |
| Safaris | $300 | $360 |
| Annual Conference |
Early bird – $280 Standard – $340 |
Early bird – $380 Standard – $430 |
5. Structured Workplace Learning Recognition (SWL-R).
Almost a year after the full implementation of Structured Workplace Learning Recognition it has come to our attention that many VCAL providers are not familiar with this valuable opportunity for VCAL students to gain general credits towards their VCAL certificate whilst undertaking SWL placements.
6. Bachelor of Technology Education program at La Trobe University
La Trobe University, the Bachelor of Technology Education, has just been approved by the AEU as meeting the requirements of the 2018 TAFE Teacher Agreement – meaning that graduates of the program will be eligible for both VIT registration and the highest rate of teacher-pay at TAFE.
The Bachelor of Technology Education is a specialist program designed essentially for tradespeople looking to upskill to become both Design & Technology and VET teachers. It offers two years of advanced standing for tradespeople with eight or more years of industry experience, and there is no other course like it in Australia!
For more information contact Karen O’Reilly-Briggs on 03 9479 1325 or via email at k.oreilly-briggs@latrobe.edu.au
7. From the VCAA
Notice to School 102/2019 – 4 September
Themed VCAL in 2020
Applications to deliver Themed VCAL in 2020 are now open and will close on Friday 22 November 2019.
Themed VCAL programs are intended to provide a learning program focus linked to priority areas in the labour market and/or to job opportunities. The programs should assist students to choose future pathways such as apprenticeships, vocational education and training qualifications or employment.
The guidelines and application form are available on the VCAA website.
VCAA BULLETIN NO. 52 – SEPTEMBER 2019 VET
2019 VCAA VET Statewide Workshops
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is conducting VET Statewide workshops to deliver updates for schools and providers regarding VET Delivered to Secondary Students. These workshops will take place across Victoria during November this year:
- Thursday November 7 – Geelong
- Friday November 8 – Ballarat
- Tuesday November 12 – Dandenong
- Tuesday November 12 – Bendigo
- Wednesday November 13 – Traralgon
- Thursday November 14 – Brimbank
- Thursday November 14 – Wangaratta
- Friday November 15 – Shepparton
- Tuesday November 19 – Melbourne CBD
- Thursday November 21 – Mildura
- Friday November 22 – Preston
- Monday November 25 – Ringwood
- Tuesday November 26 – Horsham
- Wednesday November 27 – Warrnambool
The VCAA VET Statewide workshops will provide support for schools, RTOs, and organisations, as well as essential information on updates for 2020. Topics covered through presentations and participant activities will include:
- Get VET – Promotion of VET to school communities
- Future directions of VET
- Raising the standard – Quality VET training and assessment
- Scored assessment reform project
- Implementing SBATs
- Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) recognition in the VCE or VCAL
- Building, strengthening and promoting the profile of VET in your school and beyond
- VCE VET program updates, and VASS updates.
It is very important that schools with students undertaking VET have at least one staff member attending, as there will be significant information about VET reforms including revised VCE VET programs for 2020, updates on VASS certificate types, revised VCE VET Scored Task Types and processes, SWL and SBAT recognition, quality assessment samples and an update on the Get VET promotional material.
8. 2020 membership fees the same as 2019
Join or renew now
- $300 for an organisation (includes four named staff) extra staff $60
- $115 for an individual
VALA is YOUR VCAL teacher association, be part of it and enjoy your member benefits now!
As a member based, not for profit association, we heavily rely on our financial members in order to support and advocate for all providers, educators and students that make up the amazing VCAL landscape.
Join or renew your membership now and reap the benefits immediately!