VCE VM
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Build real-world skills through conservation, community action and zoo-based learning.
This VCE Vocational Major program uses real Zoos Victoria conservation projects to develop personal development and work-related skills through applied, hands-on learning. Through behind-the-scenes experiences, case studies and project-based learning, students explore how communities care for wildlife, develop practical skills and plan actions that support animals and people in their local area.
Students will learn
Unit 2 - Personal Development Skills (Melbourne Zoo):
- Complexities of Victorian community-based wildlife issues
- Different perspectives of key stakeholders within a community
- How to work collaboratively to apply problem-solving strategies to a real-world case study
Unit 4 – Personal Development Skills (Melbourne Zoo):
- How to use Zoos Victoria’s Connect-Understand-Act tool
- How to design and deliver a community conservation project
- Impacts of environmental issues such as litter pollution on local wildlife
- How to take responsibility for tasks required to complete and evaluate a project
Unit 2 - Workplace skills and capabilities (Werribee Open Range Zoo):
- Authentic work-related activities similar to those used recruiting zoo keepers
- Specialist and technical skills for zoo specific occupations
- To collect and interpret information about a number of Zoos Victoria’s community conservation campaigns
- About Zoos Victoria’s mission to fight extinction and how they can contribute
Support for teachers
- Great day at the zoo - access to trails and scheduled keeper talks
- Teacher resources with classroom and excursion activities
- Pre-visit information to support planning and preparation
- Opportunity to celebrate learning and become a Fighting Extinction School
Choose your experience
Each teaching guide includes curriculum links and unique activities for each zoo.
Melbourne Zoo
- Unit 2: Personal Development Skills - Focus on marine conservation, community engagement and planning wildlife campaigns
- Unit 4: Personal Development Skills - Focus on applying conservation strategies, coordinating tasks and taking action to support local wildlife
- Introduction for groups arriving 9:40-10:00am
- Workshop (40 minutes)
Teaching guide - Personal Development Skills Unit 2
Workbook - Personal Development Skills Unit 2
Teaching guide - Personal Development Skills Unit 4
Workbook - Personal Development Skills Unit 4
Melbourne Zoo map and itinerary
Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Unit 2: Work Related Skills - Focus on practical zoo skills, zoo-related careers and wildlife conservation campaigns
- Introduction for groups arriving 9:45-10:00am
- Workshop (70 minutes)
- Safari Bus (40 minutes)
Teaching guide - Unit 2 Work Related Skills
Workbook - Unit 2 Work Related Skills
Werribee Open Range Zoo map
Itinerary for 10:30am workshop
Itinerary for 11:50am workshop
Planning your visit
The Plan Your Visit page has costings, risk assessments, payment information, travel details, sensory maps and social stories.
Your excursion will be outdoors. Please ask your students to dress for the weather.
Book your education experience
Use the online form to book your visit.
Make booking nowWhen you book, please include:
- Name of program
- Preferred date/s
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and year level