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| Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) :: The Philosophy |
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The Philosophy of the Program
The program is based on the VCAL principles that underpin applied learning. In particular these include the need to: start where the learners are at; connect with communities and real life experiences; and consider the whole person to build resilience, confidence and self worth.
These principles are reflected by both the students and staff in the program when talking about what really mattered to them to keep them enrolled and participating in the program. Students, staff and community personnel felt that the students were starting to see themselves as having value, increasing self-esteem and feeling more integrated into the community.
 At this point it has been difficult to work with TAFE. The Coordinator has found that the teaching methods there are not geared to these young peoples' needs. The TAFE teachers do not have the time to spend finding out about these young people and their lives and do not have the time to provide the emotional support that these young people need. Consequently the students drop out of the courses.
Some of the students' comments about the VCAL program included:
"Kids like us - not normal people - get a second chance."
"All of us here want to do something with our life. If we get the opportunity of a job we will take it."
The Coordinator of the program responded that it is the support that was provided to help with better life outcomes that made the difference for students. It involves having someone who worked with the students at a pastoral care level and kept the students in the program - the academic outcomes are achieved after that is in place.
The students respond very positively to the supportive environment that is provided. Comments by students included:
"The people here know where we are from. They don't argue with where we are at and just try and change us a bit."
"When I have a problem I just go and talk to the Coordinator."
"Someone cares about us here and there is always someone to talk to."
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