Career and Vocational Education
Career and Vocational Education at high school
In high school, Career and Vocational Education (CAVE) is all about the ‘world of work’ and includes learning about what the workforce is, how it works, how to successfully join the workforce, how to choose your career path, hands-on completion of real-world qualifications, and pathway options into the workforce, university, TAFE, and beyond.
At Rossmoyne, the CAVE learning area runs a variety of ATAR and Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses for Year 11 and Year 12 students.
The school’s CAVE courses see students complete accredited certificates, take part in flexi-programs in preparation for university, and study Career and Enterprise. Learning opportunities include exciting educational opportunities within the school, and through external campuses and providers – like local universities, businesses and organisations.
Class structure and opportunities in CAVE
Year 7 to Year 10
Students do not take part in CAVE studies until Year 11.
Year 11 and Year 12
‘VET Three-day Pathway’ students study on campus for three days a week, attend TAFE / workplace learning on the other two days.
Various courses and certificates ATAR and General level are available to all Year 11 and Year 12 students.
VET Three-day Pathway
VET Three-day Pathway: 3 days at school, 2 at external learning
Students enrolled in the VET Three-day Pathway attend school three days per week and spend the remaining two days at tertiary training or in the workplace. Students enrol in this program from Year 11 and continue with the same weekly structure into Year 12. ‘VET Three-day’ students must also enrol in a Career and Enterprise course (ATAR or General) through which their workplace learning is arranged.
This pathway is similarly as challenging as the ATAR pathway, but offers a different learning environment along with the advantage of work placement experience and tertiary level training within school time.
VET Three-day Pathway participants receive a Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) in addition to their TAFE certificate and/or workplace learning experience.
VET Three-day Pathway: university entry and certificate qualifications
The VET Three-day Pathway includes options for university entry.
Certificates included within this pathway can include Certificate IV (ATAR Equivalent of 70), a Diploma (ATAR Equivalent of 80+). Each completed certificate is counted as a contribution to the student’s WACE and high school graduation requirements.
VET Three-day Pathway: Workplace Learning
Students participating in the VET Three-day Pathway are required to complete workplace learning. Workplace learning is a School Curriculum and Standards Authority endorsed program that provides students up to 4-unit equivalents towards their WACE certificate. Workplace learning is arranged within the student’s chosen Career and Enterprise course (ATAR or General).
Workplaces are allocated to students after careful consultation with Rossmoyne’s CAVE staff. These invaluable workplace learning opportunities often lead to the securing of employment or apprenticeships after school.
CAVE courses at ATAR and General level
Career and Enterprise (ATAR) course
CAVE students completing ATAR and aiming to attend university often elect to study the Career and Enterprise (ATAR) course. This course is an ATAR level subject that teaches all about the ‘world of work’ through examining economic, political, and social influences upon the workforce students come to understand the opportunities and challenges that await them after graduation.
Rossmoyne Senior High School students consistently achieve results that place them among the top achievers in the state for this ATAR course.
Career and Enterprise General course
This course is available to all Year 11 and Year 12 students, including those taking the VET Three-day Pathway. Career and Enterprise General course sees students complete certificates across a variety of industry areas and tertiary training campuses, ranging from Certificate II to Diplomas.
Gaining certificate qualifications means students who are not studying in the ATAR pathway can enter university through bridging courses, or by using their certificate’s ATAR equivalent score – a Certificate IV has an ATAR equivalent of 70, and a Diploma an ATAR equivalent of 80+.
Certificate II Community Services
This course is available to all Year 11 and Year 12 students, it takes one year to complete and is taught on-site at Rossmoyne Senior High School.
The certificate provides students with basic communication skills, experience with diverse peoples and time management skills. It can be used as a pathway for entry into the community and health services workforce, and completed certificates are counted as a contribution to WACE and high school graduation requirements.
Specific University and Entry pathways
Curtin Uni-Ready Enabling Program
The ‘Curtin UniReady Enabling Program’ is a two-year course commencing in Year 11.
Students who successfully complete the program are given notional ATAR of 70 at the end of Year 12 and are eligible for many courses at Curtin University.
Murdoch FlexiTrack High
‘Murdoch FlexiTrack High’ is a one-year course commencing in Year 12.
The program focuses on developing academic skills as well as the self-regulation and independent learning competencies needed to engage successfully with undergraduate study. Are supported by two educators: a university academic (contact online), and a school-based facilitator (classes at school).
Students who successfully pass all their assessments will be offered a place at Murdoch University.
More information
Successful VET Alumni
Rossmoyne Senior High School’s CAVE students continually get outstanding results in their chosen pathways and courses. Learn more.
Learning content and opportunities
Read about what content is covered in classes, and what opportunities are available within each Learning Area in the Curriculum Handbooks.
Curriculum in Western Australia
Read more about the curriculum in WA on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s webpages for Pre-primary to Year 10 and Year 11 and Year 12.