Applied learning

Applied Learning at Marcellin College is about nurturing and working with a student in a holistic manner, taking into account, their personal strengths, interests, goals and previous experiences to ensure a flexible and independent approach to learning. It emphasises skills and knowledge that may not normally be the focus of more traditional school curriculums.

Students apply what they have learnt by doing, experiencing, and relating acquired skills to the real world. Applied Learning teaching and practice ensures that what is learnt in the classroom is connected to scenarios and experiences outside the classroom, that engage students who prefer, feel more comfortable with active learning.

Students complete their course by demonstrating they can use the skills and knowledge they’ve gained through practical and industry experiences. Applied Learning is embedded across the VCE, VCE Vocational Major, VET and the Victorian Pathways Certificate.

The VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) replaced the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) in 2023.

It is an Applied Learning program that give students choice and flexibility, allowing them to tailor their program to their strengths and vocational aspirations. Students complete studies in the fields of Literacy, VCE Foundation Mathematics, Numeracy, Work Related Skills, Personal Development skills and a Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificate. They may also incorporate studies from the variety of other VCE options.

The VCE Vocational Major requires a minimum of two years of study.

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VET subjects can be combined with either VCE or VCE VM pathways of study. Students completing a VCE VM pathway are required to complete some VET units of study. VET subjects provide a nationally recognised qualification which can be used to gain employment or lead to further study at a TAFE institute after completing secondary school. Many VET subjects also provide credits towards calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Marcellin College offers a range of onsite and offsite VET subjects including VET Sport & Recreation, VET Visual Arts and VET Business. For a complete list of VET subjects offered, please refer to the latest course guide.

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The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is specifically designed to support students to transition either to the VCE or to entry level VET or employment. This is a foundation level certificate designed to assist students to build fundamental skills before completing a VCE qualification or entering the workforce. The VPC is not equivalent to the VCE. The VPC is completed after two years of study.

For more information and to learn about our Applied Learning programs, please refer to the latest course guides.