By Laura Michell
More than 60 students at Gladstone Park Secondary College will have to rethink their education plans for next year, after missing out on a place in the school’s popular VCAL program.
The school received about 90 applications for the hands-on program for 2019, but only 25 were accepted.
The VCAL program is an alternative to VCE for students in years 11 and 12 who are eager to pursue vocational education and trade-based employment.
The shortage of VCAL places prompted an online petition, which has been signed by more than 300 people, calling for the school to expand its program.
Mum Angie Zaccardelli, whose son Antonio missed out on a spot in the program, said she wanted the school to address the demand for VCAL classes.
She said Antonio, who has always wanted to be an electrician, will likely have to change schools next year to complete the VCAL program, with Gladstone Park Secondary College only able to offer him a place in its VET or VCE program.
“I think it is very unfair that he will have to find a new school,” Ms Zaccardelli said
. “I know there is VET but it isn’t as structured as the VCAL program and I don’t feel my son is ready to be going to TAFE. I am worried that some students will drop out of school because they are not equipped to do VCE.”
Ms Zaccardelli said she felt the school was trying to position itself as an academic school.
“There’s a lot of frustrated parents out there. The feedback to the petition has been overwhelming,” she said.
Gladstone Park Secondary College did not respond to Star Weekly’s request for comment.
