VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING POLICY October 2009
Rationale:
· The college is committed to providing opportunities for students to undertake a variety of courses that incorporate a range of learning styles.
· By broadening the range of subjects offered at the college we are well positioned to meet the requirements of post-compulsory education, as set out in The Education and Training Reform Act 2006.
· The nature of vocational learning is that it requires a considerable financial commitment in order to develop and run the programs, and to train the staff involved.
· The evolving and increasing nature of the vocational learning program at Maffra Secondary College has seen a need for a firm policy to be developed which addresses eligibility for the program(s), the financial costs to students and processes to support these elements.
· Vocational learning can be higher risk than traditional learning methods. As part of their duty of care, the college needs a policy to ensure that students participating in these programs are able to do so without risking the health and safety of themselves or those around them.
Aims:
· To assist in providing students with the opportunity to participate in vocational and adult learning as part of their educational program at the college.
Implementation:
Curriculum:-
· Vocational courses offered at the college will be the decision of the Curriculum Committee, in consultation with the relevant sub-school.
· Courses held by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in an Adult Learning Environment will be co-ordinated by the VET/VCAL Coordinator.
· Courses provided by the college will be developed and delivered by the relevant Key Learning Domain, however the VET/VCAL Coordinator will work with the KLD to assist in coordination of students.
Application Process:-
Participation in Vocational Education and Training is at the discretion of the college. Students can be refused the right to participate if concerns exist regarding suitability of candidates. Students can also be removed from Vocational Training programs at the discretion of the college.
Any student wishing to apply to participate in a vocational subject will need to apply in writing. They can do this by completing the application form (Appendix I).
Applications will be processed in the following manner:
1. Applications should be received by end of Term 3 in the year prior to subject beginning.
2. A list of students who have applied for VET will then be distributed to staff for feedback.
3. Staff feedback will be considered by the VET Coordinator* and suitable students will be selected for participation.
4. Students will be advised in writing by week 4 of Term 4 of the outcome of their application.
5. Any student refused access to vocational learning will be asked to select another subject or subjects for their program.
* The VET Coordinator will work with the relevant Year Level Coordinator and MIPs/Pathways Coordinator in deciding on suitability of candidates.
Payment for Vocational Learning Programs:-
Students will be charged an additional fee to participate in Vocational Education and Training programs. This charge is not related to instruction, however covers such items such as transportation and specialised tools and equipment. The charge may vary, depending on the subject and location of the course.
· The charge for VET subjects will be determined in the year prior to commencement of the course. This will be approved by school council.
· Students are asked to pay a 25% deposit by the end of November in order to secure their place in the course.*
· Final payment of the full amount must be processed by the college no later than 15th February in the year of course commencement.*
*Families can make arrangements via agreement with the College Principal where special circumstances exist.
Withdrawal from Vocational Learning Programs:-
Students may choose to withdraw from Vocational Learning Programs at any time, after negotiating with the VET Coordinator.
Students who withdraw within the first two weeks of the commencement of their course will receive a refund of some of their VET payments. This does not include any amount paid for bus transportation.
Students may be withdrawn from VET programs at the college’s discretion, due to disciplinary or performance reasons. Where this occurs, no refund of monies paid will be provided.
Transport:-
Students who are required to travel in order to undertake their coursework will do so by bus, arranged by the college.
Students will be required to complete TR701 Bus Form before they are able to commence the course.
Bus travellers must conduct themselves within the college guidelines regarding bus travel (Appendix II).
Any student who is denied access to buses for disciplinary reasons will need to arrange travel at their own expense to attend VET.
The college will not be able to refund transportation costs, as these are paid at the commencement of the year to the providers.
Attendance and Disciplinary Matters:-
Students who participate in vocational learning are subject to the disciplinary and attendance policies of Maffra Secondary College.
Where poor behaviour or performance is a concern, raised by either College staff or training providers, the VET coordinator will work with the relevant Year Level Coordinator to address the issues with the student.
There is an expectation by the College that all VET students will fully utilise any study sessions that are provided within their MSC Timetable to enable them to to stay up to date with all other school based subjects.
Attachments:-
Ratification: This policy was ratified by School Council on Tuesday, 20th October 2009
Evaluation: This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s review cycle.