VCAL THE YEAR THAT WAS
Some of the significant partnerships made by VCAL students this year were with the Cottage by the Sea Queenscliff, Clonard College, RSPCA, Scope, Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food, Red Cross and Rough Edges Kings Cross. The Year 12 students joined forces with the Year 12 VCAL class from Clonard College and raised $4,500 for Cottage by the Sea through their inaugural Bowls n’ Beats event. The evening consisted of barefoot bowls and live music and was held at the East Geelong Bowls Club. The students presented the cheque to the Cottage by the Sea staff on a day visit where they joined the camp children for lunch and activities.
Jake Cobb
Throughout Term 3 the Year 12 students planned a Sydney trip. The focus of the trip was orienteering around the city and community service in Kings Cross through a partnership with St John’s Rough Edges program. Learning Outcomes across all four VCAL strands were met through the planning and participation in this trip. Students braved torrential downpours to successfully complete the orienteering task that took them from the city to Bondi and back again.
Sydney Airport
The Year 11s received their Scope Bronze Medallion in Working with People with Disabilities. As part of the certificate they attended Shannon Park Industries to work alongside people with disabilities. Students also conducted an accessibility audit on the buildings and grounds of SJC. The RSCPCA working with animals unit was a highlight of the Year 11 program. The students went on an excursion to the
RSPCA farm in Burwood. Upon their return to school some students formed a partnership with Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) and used their gardening skills to beautify their grounds, including the meet and greet area where families get to know the animals they are looking at adopting. The Structured Workplace Learning placement that students undertake on Thursdays and Fridays gives students the opportunity to enhance skill development, apply practical industry knowledge and meet units of competency for their VCAL studies. Many students have secured apprenticeships through their work placements, making this a vital component of SJC’s VCAL studies. We are very grateful for the employers who have hosted a VCAL student throughout this year. VCAL is a pathway into apprenticeships, traineeships, work and further study at TAFE. On behalf of all your teachers throughout your years at SJC we wish all the VCAL students who are leaving us the best of luck as they embark on their future endeavours. Thank you to the VCAL teachers and all College staff for your commitment to working with the students to ensure their academic and wellbeing needs are met.
AWARDS
Congratulations to 2013 Graduate Jake Cobb for receiving The Australian Vocational Student Prize for demonstrating exceptional skill, commitment and achievement while undertaking an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) in Bricklaying as part of his senior secondary studies. Jake received a certificate and a cash prize of $2,000. Jake was an outstanding student and VCAL Leader and we congratulate him on receiving this recognition of his hard work and dedication. He is currently a first year apprentice with K & C McFarlane Bricklaying and we wish him success and happiness in his future endeavours. - Leah Irving - VCAL Coordinator This is what Jake had to say about his School Based Apprenticeship: I chose bricklaying because it is hands on and it would let me work outdoors. Right from the start I loved it. So Year 10 & 11, I did Cert II in Bricklaying and Blocklaying. In Year 11 I did VCAL and as a part of that I had to get a Structured Work Placement every Friday. I got work with Keith & Cain McFarlane and I loved it. So I decided to ask if I can do a School Based Apprenticeship with McFarlane Bricklaying. Every day I work I learn new skills and have different experiences and what I learn helps with the work at VET. Doing a VET and School Based Apprenticeship has helped me learn life skills, leadership, time management and discipline and that helps with challenges in my life and sport. I am very happy that I did VET, VCAL and my School Based Apprenticeship. Jake Cobb - 2013 Graduate
RSPCA
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Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food
