Applied learning on show at Deakin

The emphasis was on partnerships and innovation in education during "The Magic of Applied Learning" showcase held at Deakin University's Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds recently.

Nine secondary schools presented their Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning programs during the showcase: Colac Secondary College, Lara Secondary College, Oberon High School, Narre Warren P-12 College, Grovedale College, Bellarine Secondary College, Nelson Park School, Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College and St Joseph's College.

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on option that gives students in Years 11 and 12 practical work-related experience, literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build important personal skills. VCAL is an accredited secondary certificate.

The event was a collaboration between Deakin's Graduate Diploma of Education (Applied Learning) course team, the Geelong Regional Vocational Education Council Inc, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Regional Office, the Smart Geelong Local Learning and Employment Network and local VCAL Coordinators.

Dr Lauri Grace from Deakin's School of Education described the showcase as a success.

"I think it was a great success for all involved," she said.

"The schools presented their VCAL programs to parents and Year 10 students and our Deakin student teachers had the chance to connect directly with what is happening in applied learning in schools.

"One participating teacher told me that it had been great to share information about their programs with other VCAL teachers. If a teacher wants to find out about national developments in applied learning, they can attend a conference. But this showcase provided an opportunity to talk about what is happening in the local region," she said.

The programs on show included Business Enterprise, Food Services, Building, Metal Fabrication, Surfboard Construction, Outdoor Recreation, Hospitality, Martial Arts Sports Coaching, Car Maintenance for Girls, Landcare and Gardening.

Approximately 50 students participated in the presentations, and at least 100 Year 10 to 12 students visited the showcase. Groups were also taken on a tour of Deakin's Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds by Graduate Diploma of Education (Applied Learning) student teachers.

"Throughout their course, our student teachers work on projects in partnership with teachers and schools and this showcase was a good demonstration of how we build these activities into our teaching at Deakin," Dr Grace said.