Applied Learning

Approaches to applied learning in VCE VM and VPC studies

VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) studies are based on an applied learning approach.

Applied learning connects the classroom with real-life. Students learn through doing, experiencing, reflecting, and relating new knowledge and skills to real-world situations. This helps students see how their learning is relevant to their future.

Applied learning values each student’s strengths, interests, goals and prior experiences. It supports students to develop greater independence and responsibility for their own learning. Students build confidence and develop practical skills through demonstrations, activities, investigations, collaboration and problem-solving. These experiences can take place in the classroom, community, workplace and other educational settings. This also helps students make informed choices about their future pathway.

Applied learning supports inclusive teaching. It uses varied learning approaches, explicit teaching and flexible assessment methods. This gives students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their progress and achievement.

The approaches to applied learning are grounded in evidence-based teaching and learning principles and are embodied in the following five categories:

Motivation to engage in learning
Applied learning practices
Student agency
Student-centred flexible approach
Assessment practice which promotes success

Figure 1: Approaches to applied learning.

Detailed descriptions of each approach are published in each VCE VM study design and VPC curriculum design and are also available in the below

Approaches to applied learning (653.2 KB)

Checklist

The approaches to applied learning checklist provides support and guidance for school leadership, VCE VM and VPC teachers. It guides reflections on VCE VM and VPC delivery to identify successes and areas for improvement.

Applied Learning Checklist (115.6 KB)

Assessment

VCE VM

Assessment tasks and activities provided to VCE VM students to demonstrate their achievement of the set of outcomes as specified in the study design must also comply with the Approaches to Applied Learning, particularly Assessment practices which promote success. The processes for determining satisfactory completion of VCE VM units are the same as those for satisfactory completion of VCE units. See the section on Satisfactory completion in the VCE Administrative Handbook 2027 for more information.

VPC

The tasks and activities provided to VPC students to demonstrate their achievement of the set of modules as specified in the curriculum design must also comply with the Approaches to Applied Learning, particularly assessment practice which promotes success. See the VPC Administrative Handbook 2027 for more information.

Recognising teaching and learning frameworks across sectors

Across sectors and settings, schools may be required to use different teaching and learning models or frameworks to support delivery. While these may differ in structure and language, VCE VM study designs and VPC curriculum designs must be delivered as accredited, including in accordance with the Approaches to Applied Learning, which inform planning, teaching, learning activities and assessment.