Kids join

SAVE VCAL.
That’s what students, teachers, and concerned residents hope to achieve with a Labor Party new campaign of the same name.
The campaign aims to push the State Government to reverse its decision to cut $48 million in funding to the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) program.
VCAL began in 2002, and now has about 20,000 students at more than 400 schools, TAFEs and adult learning centres. From next year, another nine schools will provide VCAL.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said the decision to slash co-ordination funding for the program would impact thousands of students across the state and could force schools to cut educational programs.
“VCAL is a great alternative to VCE for Year 11 and 12 students, as well as mature-age students,” Mr Andrews said.
“There are many reasons not every student will complete VCE, and it is crucial that students have a choice to pursue more career-focused studies.
“VCAL has delivered real benefits for young Victorians, and a recent report showed that last year 86.9 per cent of VCAL students had a direct pathway to further education, training or work.
Mr Andrews said he had visited a number of schools and adult providers, and had seen first-hand the positive impact that VCAL co-ordinators have in supporting students.
“VCAL co-ordinators are integral to the program. They develop curriculum and assessment materials, connect with local employment networks and co-ordinate student administration,” Mr Andrews said.
“Many schools are already trying to make cuts in other areas in an effort to keep the program running. It may force schools to reduce the number of teachers, cut subjects, or dump support programs in areas such as literacy.”
Victorians can urge the Baillieu Government to rethink its choice by signing a petition at facebook.com/saveVCAL