Structure of the VELS
The VELS are organised in three important, inter-related areas called ‘strands’. The content and skills covered in each of the strands are important to the development of well-rounded and confident young people. The VELS emphasise the value of each area and their relevance by providing standards for teaching and assessing each learning area.
The specific learning areas in each strand are outlined in the diagram below.
Learning that occurs within each strand includes:
Physical, Personal and Social Learning
Students learn about themselves and their place in society. They learn how to stay healthy and active, develop skills in building social relationships and working with others, take responsibility for their learning, and learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Discipline-based Learning
Students cover the traditional subjects that help them make sense of their world. To assist their learning, students draw on the knowledge and skills covered in the other two strands. This helps students see connections between subjects and how they can use their skills in different ways.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Students develop knowledge and skills which they use across learning areas. They explore different ways of thinking and solving problems; learn to use a range of technology such as computer software to plan, organise, analyse and present their work; learn different ways of communicating their knowledge; and learn about creativity, design principles and processes.
School programs
Teaching activities may draw on elements from each of the three strands so that learning becomes more meaningful for students. This integrated focus on knowledge, skills and behaviours in the process of physical, personal and social growth, in the disciplines and across the curriculum helps to develop deep understanding which students can transfer to new and different circumstances.
Schools are not required to offer exactly the same programs as each other and not all learning areas will appear as separate subjects on the school’s timetable. The VELS provide a guide for schools to design tailor-made programs that consider their students’ backgrounds and needs. Please contact individual school's for inquiries on how their curriculum programs meet the requirements of the standards.
