“The hands-on learning has given me confidence and I now have career options that I never thought of.” Mel, senior VCAL student
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
Cire Community School delivers the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) at Foundation, Intermediate and Senior levels.
The Senior School VCAL program is offered at both campuses for year 11 and 12 students.
The program
VCAL is a flexible, hands-on program tailored to the specific needs of each student. Our VCAL teachers support each student to identify a suitable pathway based on what motivates them to learn and achieve their goals to get the best from life and work. VCAL challenges traditional approaches to learning by presenting students with applied learning opportunities such as community projects and social enterprises. Students engage in projects such as running the school canteen, looking after our award-winning community garden at Mt Evelyn with its resident animals, sport coaching with local primary students, and making and selling art works. We focus on developing employability skills that will help prepare young people for the workforce.
Students can work their way through the levels of VCAL to obtain their senior secondary qualification or can be supported to return to mainstream schooling at any stage of the program. Students are required to complete 300 hours of Vocational and Education Training (VET) at Certificate II level or above as part of their VCAL. Some students may also choose to undertake a traineeship, apprenticeship, work or further education and training such as TAFE or selected university courses.
The great thing about VCAL is its flexibility. Students don’t have to pass all their VCAL units in the same year. They can complete the VCAL units for each year level at their own pace as they develop their stamina, resilience, attendance and connection to the community.
Why choose us?
At Cire Community School we do things differently.
Year levels are modelled on a primary school structure where students have the one classroom and one teacher for the majority of their core study. This enables the development of strong and positive relationships between the student and their teacher and within their peer group, facilitating a safe and supportive learning environment.
The curriculum is designed to engage students in their learning while maintaining a strong emphasis on key literacy, numeracy and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) skills. Integrated units of work and a project-based learning approach allow students to explore their interests and passions and engage with their community.
We focus on hands-on learning experiences, building partnerships with the local community and providing opportunities for interaction with the natural surroundings. Community partnerships enable students to access unique, authentic and interesting learning that also help develop social, interpersonal, work-related skills and a sense of connection to community.
Wellbeing
We are proud of our comprehensive and proactive wellbeing program designed to positively engage and support our students.
With our team of highly qualified wellbeing officers and external specialist service practitioners, we actively create and foster a sense of safety among our students, providing the best possible foundation for learning. We focus on the individual wellbeing goals of our young people and their recognised strengths.
Our team
We have a dedicated team of qualified staff who are committed to empowering our students through flexible learning opportunities and launching them on pathways for a positive and fulfilling future.
Bus service
To maximise student access to our campuses at Yarra Junction and Mt Evelyn, Cire provides a free bus service from Badger Creek, Healesville, Cockatoo, Chirnside Park, Mooroolbark, Lilydale and Mt Evelyn.
Campuses
Our campuses:
Yarra Junction, Mt Evelyn and Berwick –Middle Secondary Program for years 7 to 9 and Senior VCAL Program for years 10 to 12. Junior years program commencing Term 2021 (Yarra Junction Campus only)
Fees
2020
Middle School – years 7, 8 and 9
$600 (full) or $375 (concession)
Senior VCAL – years 10, 11 and 12
$680 (full) or $455 (concession)
A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required to secure a place.
For more information, please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy
*The published student tuition fees are subject to change without notice and also dependant on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Payment Methods
Cire Services Inc doesn’t accept cash payments. For your convenience we have the following methods available:
Credit or debit card payment
Credit or debit card payment (MasterCard and VISA) via phone, internet banking or in person.
Direct deposit
Direct deposit (all transaction require a reference description to ensure your payment is identified e.g. invoice number or student name).
BANK DETAILS
Account Name – Cire Services Inc.
Bank – National Australia Bank (NAB)
BSB – 083-739
Account Number – 03-785-5491
Centrepay
Centrepay – this service is a free direct bill paying service available to customers who receive an Australian Government Department of Human Services Centrelink payment, Family Assistance payment or Parental Leave pay. This payment option is set up at the enrolment stage, with one of our enrolment officers providing assistance as required.
