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Vocational Applied Learning Association

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming VALA events

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Event calendar

  • VCE VM & VPC Work Related Skills (WRS) and Workplace Learning Readiness

    • 27 Mar 2026
    • 09:00 - 15:00
    • The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Street
    Register



    VCE VM & VPC Work Related Skills  (WRS) and Workplace Learning Readiness

    Narelle Bean  - Deputy Principal

    Ballarat High School


    Masterclass outline:

    In order to support and engage ALL students successfully in WRS and Workplace Learning, teaching needs to move beyond the textbook, worksheets and ‘chalk and talk’ to offer a targeted personal approach and a chance for all students to successfully enter into a work based learning opportunity, be it Work Experience, Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) or an School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship (SBAT). The information, discussions and hands-on activities in this full day workshop will look at the essential and crucial role that WRS and workplace readiness plays in a student's successful transition into the 21st century workforce.


    Who should attend?

    This one-day intensive masterclass is suitable for anyone teaching or coordinating Work Related Skills in the middle and upper secondary years, especially in the Victorian Pathways Certificate, VCE Vocational Major, VCE , alongside educators and pathways and support staff.

    About your presenter:

    Narelle Bean is Deputy Principal at Walcom Ngarrwa Secondary College where she is tasked with the development of the Senior school in preparation for 2027. She was awarded the VCAA Chair’s Award for 2019 as well as the 2016 VCAA VCAL Teacher of the Year Award. Narelle has developed and shared her vast experience in, and passion for, applied learning in a number of settings covering all past and present Applied Learning Certificates in Victoria. With well over 20 years of experience in education, curriculum writing and development and quality assurance, she is a firm believer that relationship development and experience in the workplace is integral to student success in applied learning programs.

    We look forward to seeing you there!


    Registration includes morning tea and lunch.

    You will receive a certificate of attendance post event.

    The program is subject to change without notice



    Show details

  • VCE VM & VPC Numeracy - Engaging ALL students successfully in mathematics and numeracy.

    • 23 Apr 2026
    • 09:15 - 15:15
    • The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Street
    Register


    VCE VM & VPC Numeracy - Engaging ALL students successfully in mathematics and numeracy.

    Dave Tout - ACER & University of Melbourne


    "Practical applications that I can use immediately"

    "Having valuable discussions with like minded people who are struggling with the same issues affecting me, and having an expert give advice and guidance"


    Masterclass outline:

    In order to support and engage ALL students successfully in mathematics and numeracy learning, teaching needs to move beyond the textbook, worksheets and ‘chalk and talk’ to offer an alternative approach and a chance for all students to succeed in and enjoy mathematics teaching and learning. The information, discussions and hands-on activities in this workshop will look at the essential and crucial role that numeracy plays in the 21st century and will focus on activities that develop and practise a range of core mathematical skills through a wide range of approaches such as games, whole class and small group, cooperative work, as well as on enjoyment and having fun with mathematics. Many of the approaches also support and encourage the use and understanding of mathematical language, which is an important underpinning skill that needs to be explicitly addressed in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Activities also demonstrate how mathematics can be made relevant and more engaging through the use of real-life materials and contexts. 


    Who should attend?

    This one-day intensive masterclass is suitable for anyone teaching mathematics or numeracy in the middle and upper secondary years, especially in the Victorian Pathways Certificate, VCE Vocational Major, VCE Foundation maths students, alongside teachers and trainers working with disengaged youth and adult and VET learners.

    About your presenter:

    Dave Tout is an experienced adult and youth numeracy and maths educator who is particularly interested in making mathematics relevant, interesting and fun for all students, and is recognised as one of Australia's leading numeracy personnel with over 50 years' experience working across schools, TAFEs, community providers, universities, national education bodies and workplaces. He has worked at a state, national and international level in research, curriculum, assessment and professional development, has written many numeracy and maths teaching and PD resources and curriculum, including in Victoria for the VCE and the VPC. Dave currently holds positions at both ACER and the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne and is a numeracy and mathematics consultant.

      We look forward to seeing you there!


      Registration includes morning tea and lunch.

      You will receive a certificate of attendance post event.

      The program is subject to change without notice



      Show details

    • Establishing and sustaining school gardens in secondary education - VCE VM, VPC, and VET pathways.

      • 30 Apr 2026
      • 09:00 - 15:00
      • Footscray High School 'The Farm' Kinnear Campus, 1 Kinnear Street Footscray VIC 3011
      Register



      Establishing and sustaining school gardens in secondary education.

      (VCE VM, VPC, and VET pathways)

      Facilitated by:

      Jak Dunstan (Footscray High School),

      Brian Daniells (Bundoora Secondary College),

      Jodie Calwell and Mark Pullin (Veg Education),

      Tania Karamitos and Craig Taberner (Victorian Schools Garden Program and Nursery Garden Industry Victoria).


      Workshop outline:

      We are delighted to be collaborating with Jak Dunstan, an educator in the Environment and Sustainability department at Footscray High School, Kinnear Campus (Years 10–12).

      This workshop will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 'The Farm,' an award-winning garden program on a one-acre space nestled within the school.

      The core objective of this PD is to provide schools with the foundational knowledge and practical advice they need to develop, sustain, and integrate a garden into the secondary curriculum, including VCE VM, VPC, and VET pathways. We recognise that many schools have the space and interest but often lack guidance on development, maintenance, and sourcing ongoing support.

      The full day PD will be made up of four interactive sessions:

      1. Jak Dunstan ‘The Farm’

      Urban farming how it works (curriculum and practical application)

      2. Brian Daniells - ‘Greenwood Farm’ and Veg Education (RTO) 

      Applied learning and community partnerships

      3. Victorian Schools Garden Program and Nursery Garden Industry Victoria

      Grants, Awards, Branch Out Program

      4. Reflection and where to from now…

      Presenter bios and workshops outline.docx

      Who should attend:

      This full day interactive workshop is highly recommended for any educator interesting in starting, sustaining and/or expanding a School Garden embedding it within the VPC, VCE VM, or relevant VET Certificates

      Please note: There are limited numbers for this workshop, so please get your registrations in early to avoid disappointment.


      We look forward to seeing you there!


      Registration includes morning tea and lunch.

      You will receive a certificate of attendance post event.

      The program is subject to change without notice



      Show details

    • Coordinating for Success - VCE VM and VPC

      • 7 May 2026
      • 09:00 - 15:00
      • TBC - Melbourne CBD
      • 38
      Register



      Coordinating for Success - VCE VM and VPC

      Shelley Muir - Mentone Grammar


      Masterclass outline:

      The role of Coordinator is critical to the success of the VCE VM and VPC in your school. Aside from advocating to leadership and the wider community, the role is crucial in navigating your students to a successful certificate completion and access meaningful pathways beyond the school gate.  All the tasks involved can feel a bit overwhelming and daunting at times. Join Shelley as she shares the 'What, Why and When' on successful coordination.


      Who should attend?

      This one-day intensive masterclass is highly valuable for anyone coordinating the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) and the VCE Vocational Major, whether you are a new coordinator or are looking to streamline and improve your current practice.

      About your presenter:

      Shelley is an educator with 20 years’ experience in both government and independent sectors. She has established and led VCAL and VCE-VM programs in two schools and has worked with several independent schools to introduce vocational learning into their program offerings. Shelley was awarded the 2019 VCAA Teacher Achievement Award for Program Development.  As Head of Pathways and Careers at Mentone Grammar, Shelley is passionate about helping young people realise their potential, research opportunities and shape meaningful pathways. She is a teacher of all VCE-VM units, VCE Psychology, and VET.


        We look forward to seeing you there!


        Registration includes morning tea and lunch.

        You will receive a certificate of attendance post event.

        The program is subject to change without notice



        Who should attend?

        This one-day intensive masterclass is highly valuable for anyone coordinating the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) and the VCE Vocational Major, whether you are a new coordinator or are looking to streamline and improve your current practise.
        Show details

      • VALA 2026 Annual Conference - Creating Balance - Connecting the Head, Heart and Hands

        • 7 Aug 2026
        • 09:00 - 16:00
        • Rydges Melbourne
        Register



        2026 VALA Annual Conference

        Creating Balance - 

        Connecting the Head, Heart and Hands

        Friday August 7 – Ridges Hotel Melbourne

        An invitation to express your interest to present!


        Past and present VALA presenters attest that presenting at your professional teacher's association's events and share your  experience and passion is an incredible rewarding experience!

        (We are here to support you in sharpening your presentation and ease your nerves !)


        So come along and be part of VALA's

        'From our classrooms to yours' movement.


        Register your EoI through the link below:

        https://forms.gle/a4AW7jJXAz2ggy5X8

        EoI closes Thursday April 2 (last day of term)

        (Accepted solo/main presenters have free access to the conference.)

        Super Early Bird registration for VALA Members

        Open now until the 7th May 

        Super Early Bird registrations need be paid for by Monday May 11 to avoid cancellation/reissue at the standard member rate.


        The full conference program will be released on Monday May 11 when standard member and non-member registration will open.

        Presenting our confirmed presenters to date:

        xxx







        Show details

      • Safari by the Sea

        • 29 Oct 2026
        • 09:00
        • 30 Oct 2026
        • 15:00
        • Surf Coast - various locations
        Register


        2026 VALA Safari by the Sea



        Applied Learning on the Move!


        At this stage it is still a mystery tour with the only certainty that it will involve visits to high calibre applied learning programs, networking, bowling, Lorne p-12, the Great Ocean Road and the company of passionate applied learning educators.

        With a strict limit of 25 participants (so you can get the most out of it)  this Safari is bound to reach capacity.

        Thursday Morning tea, Lunch, Afternoon tea, Dinner & Friday Morning tea and Lunch are included

        Accommodation is not included.







        Show details

      VALA respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.

      We respectfully acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

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