The Prahran Community Learning Centre (PCLC) is extremely concerned about the implications of the Victorian government’s announcement late last week to cut funding for VCAL coordination from 2012.
PCLC has been delivering VCAL for a number of years. For many young people, VCAL has provided an opportunity to complete varying levels of education, which in turn lead to valid and realistic pathways for these young people. VCAL coordination funding underpins the successful delivery of VCAL within schools and other education providers. Without such funding it is highly likely that a significant number of education providers may stop delivering VCAL due to the demanding and time consuming nature of VCAL delivery. Unlike VCE, VCAL curriculum is very flexible to allow it to be customised to the needs and interests of students. As such it needs to go beyond the use of textbooks in the way it is delivered. In addition, VCAL does not have a high percentage of externally set assessments. VCAL, by its hands on nature, requires extra student support systems, cross subject area planning and organisation, as well as the establishment and maintenance of community and work related links. All this requires coordination above and beyond normal teaching and assessment processes.
Due to the success of VCAL there has been a steady growth in the number of students enrolled in it. In 2003 there were 5,137 students enrolled in VCAL at 239 providers (VCAA, 2004). By 2010 there were 19,175 students enrolled in VCAL at 429 providers (VCAA, 2011). Despite the number of VCAL providers having plateaued (as stated in the memo of 18 August to schools), the number of students enrolled in VCAL continues to rise - the 2010 figures being 8.3% higher than in 2009.
The increase in student numbers would indicate that increased funding was required to coordinate VCAL. Not for VCAL coordination funding to be withdrawn!
The changes to funding featured in the Age newspaper of 19th August. See http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/vocational-squeeze-on-schools-20110818-1j099.html