Ivanhoe Primary School

Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS)

The Victorian Essential Learning Standards have been developed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority as a framework for whole school curriculum planning. The Standards will assist school communities to make decisions about their curriculum programs and inform approaches to teaching and learning and assessment.

The Victorian Essential Learning Standards describe what is essential for all students to achieve from Years Prep to 10 in Victorian schools. They describe what students should know and be able to do at different stages of learning and provide a clear basis for reporting to parents and for planning programs.

The Victorian Essential Learning Standards are set in three main strands or areas. They are:

  • knowledge and understanding from the key subjects of English, Science, Mathematics, The Humanities, Languages and The Arts
  • physical, personal and social skills such as being active and healthy, developing self confidence, managing personal learning and working with others
  • other essential skills that apply across curriculum areas such as thinking, design, problem solving, communicating, and using information and communications technology.

These areas are all important to the development of a well-rounded and confident young person. They have often been part of the school experience of young people, but they have not always been linked closely with traditional subject areas. Bringing them together emphasises their value and relevance in student learning.

At Ivanhoe Primary School the Victorian Essential Learning Standards are considered, in conjunction with the Curriculum Planning Guidelines, the Principles of Learning and Teaching P–12, and the advice on Assessment and Reporting.