VCAL to be phased out by 2025 under integrated VCE plan

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning is set to be scrapped by 2025 after a gradual phase out commencing in 2023.

A new pathway will be integrated into the VCE, meaning students won't have to choose between the two.

VCAL is a current option for year 11 and 12 students wishing to further their employability skills with work-related experience, instead of receiving a traditional ATAR score.

The changes follow a review of the system led by former Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority chief executive John Firth.

Wodonga Senior Secondary College principal Vern Hilditch said VCAL had become a popular pathway for students at his school.

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While he's happy to transition to one certificate, he hopes the restructure will still benefit those students who don't wish to partake in traditional VCE.

"What we're concerned about is just to make sure that all students have a meaningful pathway," Mr Hilditch said.

"It (VCAL) is getting more and more popular because not every child wants to get an ATAR score.

"We have a culture whereby all pathways are treated equal and we encourage and support people in terms of what they decide to do."

While it appeared VCAL may have been undervalued in some parts of the state, Myrtleford's Marian College principal Cath Watter said in her experience the certificate met the needs of students well.

"VCAL to us is highly valued, as the learning in VCAL is highly valued," she said.

"A different way of learning is no less valuable, just different."

With the Myrtleford region strongly reliant on tourism and hospitality, Ms Watter admitted some students look to go down that path instead of attending university.

"VCAL for that reason isn't just about students, but our community here," she said.

The change aims to provide students the chance to develop both academic and practical vocational skills.