As part of a reform of senior secondary school pathways, legislation was introduced into Parliament on Tuesday to deliver two new options for students in their final years of school from 2023.

A Girton Grammar School spokesperson said while the school currently had six VCAL students, they were still keen to give heir pupils more options.

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"Girton welcomes the changes to the delivery of the VCAL in schools, which will result in a range of choices for the senior secondary years through Years 11 and 12," they said.

"Our students on a VCAL pathway can already access, with support if necessary, the mainstream Australian Curriculum, especially in numeracy and literacy, so in a sense, we are already implementing what the new model intends to support.

"That is, a pathway that seamlessly combines practical work-related experience with a high standard of literacy and numeracy skills that are important for life and work.

"We aim for each student to graduate with choices about their future, including those who enjoy applied learning and wish to go to TAFE or university."

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The Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major is a new two-year vocational pathway program that will replace intermediate and senior VCAL and will be embedded in the VCE system.

Students enrolled in the course will also have access to an enriched curriculum as well as relevant workplace experiences based on their career goals that will develop their real-world knowledge, and technical and transferrable skills that will set them up for further education and employment.

The Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace Foundation VCAL and is designed to support students to transition either to the VCE or to entry level VET or employment - particularly focusing on vulnerable students at risk of leaving education or students with additional needs.

"We're excited to introduce these new vocational certificates, offering young people the best chance to pursue their goals and to develop well-rounded skills to succeed in further education, work and life," Minister for Education James Merlino said.

"These reforms mean students will have better support and flexibility to study what they want, alongside key academic skills that will prepare them for the jobs of the future."

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Students undertaking this qualification will see a revised and enriched curriculum with more subjects and support to develop the skills, capabilities and qualities they need after their school years - whether that's going onto further education or straight into the workforce.

The new certificates will provide all senior secondary students with access to the best aspects of both VCAL and VCE - delivering high-quality vocational and applied learning opportunities to more senior secondary students.

The new courses have been developed after extensive consultation with students, employers, educators and education experts, reflecting the aspirations and perspectives of students for excellence in all senior secondary education pathways.

Consultation will continue as the new certificates are implemented.

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