Pathways and Applied Learning
March 19, 2020
From the Director of Pathways and Applied Learning, Mr Damian Kinnersly
Dear Parents and members of the St Patrick’s community,
At present all VCAL and VET classes (both internal and external programs) are continuing to run as scheduled. If the College is required to close, please understand that the College will be advised by the relevant Government Departments, VCAA and the Registered Training Organisations in relation to special provisions regarding delivery and assessment of competency based programs that exist within the Victorian Senior Certificates (both VCE and VCAL). For specific information regarding the Applied Learning areas, please refer to the following sections that relate to your son’s learning program.
VCAL
VCAL continues as scheduled within the College timetable. Students will continue working on assignments and projects as normal, but have been asked to ensure that they take their electronic devices any text books for other subjects (e.g. Mathematics or VET programs) home with them each day in case of a school closure. Students will be able to access learning materials in the same way as VCE subjects through SIMON, Microsoft Teams and any other platforms that are used currently. Further details regarding this will be communicated if and when required.
Some students have informed me that they are not able to access their Structured Work Placements (SWL) due to their employers restricting employee numbers or shutting down at the moment. For any student that this may affect, they are to attend school on those days as there are VCAL staff scheduled to support students on a Friday in the classroom.
Internal VET subjects
(VCE VETs including Active Volunteering, Applied Languages, Building and Construction, Engineering, Pathways and Sport & Recreation)
Students will be able to access learning materials in the same way as VCE subjects through SIMON, Microsoft Teams and any other platforms that are used currently. Further details regarding this will be communicated if and when required.
For most of these subjects there are workbooks and electronic platforms already in use for classroom delivery. Students are being asked to ensure that they have access to these resources and to see staff immediately if they have any problems.
External VET subjects
(VCE VETs including Agriculture, Animal Studies, Automotive, Electrotechnology, Kitchen Operations, Music Industry, Plumbing and Screen & Media)
At present, most external VET subjects are being conducted according to the normal timetables. The only impact for some has been the cancellation of any excursions. However, I have just been informed that, due to the closure of the Eastwood Leisure Centre closing today, the VET Animal Studies classes will not run until further notice. The Gordon TAFE will be in contact with students in this program in regard to accessing work while formal classes are not running. Students are to attend scheduled classes back at the College during this time.
As these programs are delivered by external providers, any changes to program delivery will be communicated as soon as we receive information. Most of these VET programs will have either workbooks and/or digital learning platforms which, if classes are closed for a period of time, students will be able to continue work towards attaining completion of units. It may be possible, if classes are cancelled, that make-up sessions during holidays or other times (such as extended day programs) may be scheduled. Once again this will be communicated if this is required.
If external VET classes are cancelled, students are to attend the College and attend regular scheduled classes, whether they are a VCE subject, VCAL class or allocated study sessions in the KRC.
For further specific advice around VET/VCAL program delivery please refer to the VCAA website which provides up to date advice:
If there are any concerns or queries regarding VET or VCAL programs please contact me directly at the College via email: dkinnersly@stpats.vic.edu.au
