How can we develop a program for Year 11s who are finding courses difficult which satisfies graduation requirements but does not need students to study set subjects/courses?

Changes to the WACE requirements provide opportunities for students who find courses too difficult to prepare for a range of post-school options and achieve a WACE. There is a broad range of subjects, courses, endorsed programs and vocational education and training that students can undertake to achieve a WACE.

Endorsed programs widen the curriculum significantly for all students, but many lower achieving students can reap the benefits of these programs that encompass workplace learning, VET stand-alone, university studies, community organisation and personal development programs. The link here will take you to the bank of programs that have been endorsed by the Curriculum Council to date.
http://newwace.curriculum.wa.edu.au/pages/teachers_courses_councilunits.asp

Schools may apply for endorsement of programs they have developed for students by completing an application form and submitting it to the Curriculum Council. For further information about this, please contact Leanne Meldrum (leanne.meldrum@curriculum.wa.edu.au or phone 9273 6746)

Workplace learning and vocational education and training provide further options for students. For information on the ways students can be awarded credit for workplace learning, please contact Carole Veith (carole.veith@curriculum.wa.edu.au or phone 9273 6379)

Where can I find a list of endorsed programs?
Endorsed programs can be used to count toward the WACE from 2007. Each category has its own assessment structure, which is different from assessment structures for course units. The five categories of endorsed programs are briefly described below. More information about each of these and programs endorsed within each category can be found on the WACE website at http://newwace.curriculum.wa.edu.au/pages/teachers_courses_councilunits.asp

Workplace Learning There will be two modes of work-based learning – Workplace Learning: On-The-Job Training (Mode 1) and Workplace Learning: Employability Skills (Mode 2). The current Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) D and E code subjects will be replaced by Workplace Learning in 2008. VET stand-alone Students engaging in vocational education and training (VET), in which they demonstrate units of competency leading to a nationally recognised qualification, will be able to use their program to fulfil WACE requirements. The Curriculum Council publishes a list of approved competencies. This list is a composite of competencies that schools in the State and across Australia have delivered, and is updated regularly as schools register new competencies with the Council. Schools are required to apply to the Council if they wish to add competencies to the approved list. University studies Students will be able to use learning gained through participation in a university course where they achieve a result for a university unit toward meeting the requirements to achieve a WACE. Community organisation programs In this category of endorsed programs, students work through a structured curriculum and assessment programs to achieve a recognised award or certificate. Personal development programs Students enrolled in personal development programs develop skills, knowledge and attitudes for achievement of personal goals, civic responsibility and/or improved health or fitness.

Where will structured workplace learning (SWL) fit in the new system and course structure?
Students may continue to enrol in SWL in 2007 and 2008. A new workplace learning course will be implemented in 2009.
From 2007, there are also two workplace learning modes through endorsed programs: Mode 1 Workplace Learning: On-The-Job Training and Mode 2 Workplace Learning: Employability Skills. It should be noted that this mode is similar to the E code SWL subjects (110 hours/20 skills).
Council has approved the development of a graded course model of workplace learning. This will include an evidence portfolio.
The model will be developed in consultation with SWL coordinators. While schools were initially informed that SWL subjects would no longer be accredited after 2007, the transition year will now be extended to 2008.