VCE and VCAL at The Gordon offers a fresh start and great possibilities

The thought of moving schools in Year 11 or Year 12 can be daunting, but a fresh start in a new environment may be all it takes to restart and reconnect to a positive learning journey.

The Gordon TAFE offers Year 11 and Year 12 places in their VCE and VCAL streams, and for mature age learners looking to complete their VCE, a one-year course is available.  

The great advantage of studying VCE or VCAL at The Gordon is choice. You can choose to complete VCE with or without exams and still complete your Victorian Certificate of Education. Completing exams provides you with an ATAR score, allowing you to enter university. An unscored option enables you to complete your VCE and enter a trade, TAFE course or the workplace. No matter the choice you make for yourself, you will have the full support and guidance of the dedicated teachers at The Gordon. 

Sophie Watson joined The Gordon's VCE program in Year 11 after transitioning from a local high school. "I chose to study with The Gordon as it really suited my learning style. It was self-paced and I would not change my decision for the world", shared Sophie. 

The Gordon offers an adult learning environment with no bells and no uniforms. Being treated as an adult allows students to step up and be in control of their learning outcomes.  

Zeally Bay Sourdough lends a hand with learning.

Jaiden Worrell, who is currently studying his VCAL with The Gordon, is completing work experience one day a week at Torquay's Zeally Bay Sourdough Bakery and spends one-day a week learning his chosen trade with a VET Patisserie course. He balances his training with general Year 12 studies, including maths and English. 

"I have learned a lot of skills along the way and it has given me a lot more confidence to work within a great, fast-paced and demanding team. I even learnt some great leadership skills", said Jaiden.

The structured workplace component of VCAL is ideal in providing students the hands-on experience you can't get studying at a traditional high school. Soft skills like improving communication and teamwork are also attributes students gain along the way.

"Zeally Bay Sourdough taught me a lot about sourdough, and I know it is nothing like ordinary bread! I will always remember the range of techniques and bakery crafts I have learnt during my placement. I am so grateful to Joel and the team for allowing me to complete my work placement with them, it has been a great way to kick start my career", said Jaiden. 

Joel Farnan, owner of Zeally Bay Sourdough said, "We have enjoyed having Jaiden with us. We know how important it is for secondary school students to have learning opportunities outside their school environment. We get to pass on our bakery skills and knowledge about our industry in an informal manner, and we hope Jaiden will leave with a lot more skills and confidence from this experience that he could apply to any job or trade."

The VCAL program's structured workplace learning and the completion of a VET course prepares students for an apprenticeship in most trade areas, including electrical, plumbing, building, cooking, horticulture, hairdressing and much more.  If you have teenagers looking to finish Year 11 or Year 12 and work in a trade, VCAL at The Gordon is the perfect option. Find out more at thegordon.edu.au.