VELS is an acronym for Victorian Essential Learning Standards. It is an education framework developed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) in Australia. The VELS outlines the essential knowledge and skills students are expected to acquire throughout their primary and secondary education in the state of Victoria.
The VELS set out the requirements for learning in eight key areas of discipline: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Languages, Health and Physical Education, and Interdisciplinary Learning. Each of these areas is broken down into strands and dimensions that encompass various aspects of knowledge and skills needed for students' intellectual, personal, and social development.
The VELS provide a guide for curriculum planning and assessment, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced educational experience for students. Teachers use the framework to design learning activities, assess students' progress, and report their achievements. The VELS encourage student-centered and inquiry-based approaches to learning, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
The VELS were redeveloped and replaced by the Victorian Curriculum as part of the national Australian Curriculum initiative. While VELS is no longer used in Victoria, its influence can still be seen in the developmental stages of the Victorian Curriculum.
