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Vocational Applied Learning Association

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming VALA events

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Event calendar

    • 13 Mar 2026
    • 09:15 - 15:00
    • The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Street
    • 0
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    FULL Doc Up! 

    Getting your curriculum assessments and evidence documentation up to scratch.

    Facilitated by Robyn Saunders & Cherie Osta 


    Masterclass outline:

    Planning the delivery and developing assessment tasks for the VCE VM and VPC curriculum is not as simple as writing a School-Assessed Coursework (SAC). In fact, as outlined on page 70 of the 2026 VCAA VCE Administrative Handbook, there is no place for SACs in the VCE VM and VPC

    "VCE VM studies are based on an applied learning approach to teaching and assessment, and as such, assessment practices for the VCE VM should reflect this applied approach."

    "VCAA rules and instructions about SACs, SATs, scheduling assessment tasks, determining initial school-based assessments, and VCE externally assessed tasks do not apply to VCE VM studies."

    This full day intensive masterclass will enable you to move beyond the written test to assessment practices that promote success and which are underpinned by the Pillars of Applied Learning.

    We will start the day with a short refresh/introduction on applied learning and the powerful impact this pedagogy has on many of our students. Real practical examples of projects and how they have been assessed and documented.

    We will then go into the nitty gritty and look at the project:

    • how to backwards map it to the curriculum,
    • how to document your scope and sequence 
    • How to identify and develop appropriate assessment tasks,
    • how to document evidence of assessement,
    • what does evidence look like?
    And so much more!


    Who should attend?

    This full day intensive masterclass is highly recommended for anyone teaching or coordinating units in the Victorian Pathways Certificate, VCE Vocational Major, as well as school leadership.

    Please note:

    Attending this Masterclass will not give you the magic answers to a VCAA Audit. The VCAA VCE VM audit process is currently under review and we will keep you posted if more information comes to light.

    This Masterclass will give you the skills and knowledge to develop, deliver, assess and document (integrated) projects using VCAA developed templates (where applicable), following VCAA curriculum implementation rules as well as a range of supporting documentation.


    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



    • 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



    • 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



      • 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



      • 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.
        • 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.







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