“Laura believes that the initial approach for implementing these changes is to conduct an audit of the current VCAL curriculum within each strand, mapping these learning activities across to the new curriculum”.

Victorian Applied Learning Certificate

Laura has been teaching VCAL for 11 years and has been working as a VCAL, VET and Pathways Leader for the past 6 years. Most recently, Laura has reviewed the Literacy, Numeracy and Personal Development Skills curriculum for the Vocational Major. Prior to this, Laura reviewed the current Personal Development Skills curriculum through the VCAA.

Alongside facilitating Applied Learning curriculum in mainstream, alternative and at risk settings, Laura has delivered presentations and workshops for Applied Learning educators in the following areas:

  • VCAL coordination
  • How to set up integrated Applied Learning programs
  • Applied Learning in the middle years
  • How to map and integrate VCAL strands
  • VCAL Literacy – Foundation to Senior
  • Developmental Rubrics for Applied Learning
  • Assessment – competency based 101
  • VASS Eligibility training
  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessments
  • The role of diagnostic assessment in Applied Learning
  • Work Related Skills – how to capture what the students are learning on work placement, capturing and documenting their competency in the classroom
  • Ongoing assessment – how to implement this on schoolbox or compass

Testimonials

Anita Duhig - Learning and Teaching Leader of Inclusion at Emmanuel College  

Laura has excellent knowledge of the new VCE Vocational Major and the Victoria Pathways Certificate. She is my first point of contact when I have questions about the changes with this program. Laura can effectively and smoothly implement much needed change to benefit all: teachers, students and parents. She has successfully done this on a classroom level and on a wider scale through program implementation and through school structures. Laura can collaboratively work with teams of teachers to implement change. She is seen by many as a ‘change agent’. 

Stacey Lawlor – Director of Pathways – Mt Ridley College

Laura has been a passionate advocate that has helped to guide the delivery of a tailored VCAL program for the specific needs of the Applied Learning students. Her understanding of VASS, eligibility and the achievement of VCAL outcomes has been a huge support in the case management of the students who are all at various stages in their learning. Laura has been able to provide time to conference with the students and support the staff with any adjustments of the teaching and learning program.