Peter Lalor Secondary College is a Centre for high quality Vocational Education based on best teaching and learning practice principles for Years 10 to 12.

There are high expectations that students will succeed. Curriculum is strongly connected to the real world beyond the classroom. There are personalised programs and choices that reflect students’ own interests and background.

The learning environment is supportive. Independence, self-motivation and team work are promoted and individual learning styles are catered for. All students are enrolled in a Foundation, Intermediate or Senior Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) course of study. They are also enrolled in Vocational Education and Training (VETis) courses. The college does not offer VCE programs.

An Applied Learning approach provides practical, outcome-based learning and caters for a range of learning styles. It focuses on skill development and measures competency. The approach allows students to learn skills through “doing tasks” that are part of the real world, promoting the development of ‘hands on’ skills. It develops employability skills such as teamwork, communication, self management, problem solving, planning and organising, technology, initiative and enterprise. Finally, it creates an environment where workplace issues such as OHS are relevant.

Literacy is a priority, while the key skills of numeracy, ICT and an on-going interest in learning underpins all courses. Students receive specific support to achieve their potential in these areas.

Vocational Education provides a clear, well-defined pathway to a wide range of further education, training and employment options.

Underpinning the school’s mission to provide its students with the best possible pathways is a commitment to a Positive Education approach. This approach builds resilience and self awareness in our young people and fosters in them a high level of confidence in their capacity to achieve their goals and their dreams.