The Australian Learner Competency Credential at Swan Valley Anglican Community School: Empowering Learners for the Future
After developing their own school-specific Learner Profile based on the eight learning attributes envisioned for all of their students and staff, Swan Valley Anglican Community School was selected to be one of only 20 schools in Australia (and only two in WA) to be authorised to co-issue the Australian Learner Competency Credential (ALCC).
A Broadened Definition of Success
Developed by academics at Melbourne Metrics, a University of Melbourne research initiative, the Credential transforms learning and broadens the definition of success. The ALCC offers a fuller picture of students’ abilities, and equips them for further education, employment, and life in a technology-driven world. This qualification complements traditional measures, such as school reports, NAPLAN or the ATAR, and may potentially be considered for tertiary admissions.
A Successful Trial Run
In 2024, selected Vocational Education and Training (VET) students at SVACS were chosen to be the first group to trial this new initiative. Staff aligned Learner Profile attributes, curriculum and New Metrics competencies to assess students in three domains: Agency in Learning, Collaboration and Personal Development. To be awarded the ALCC, students were required to curate a portfolio of their own work, as evidence of their skill attainment. They then completed a self-assessment of their skills in each competency and nominated a teacher to undertake their final Credential assessment.
Agents of Their Own Education
Elijah Krizogono, a successful SVACS ALCC recipient commented, “New Metrics is an exciting and innovative program that helped me to focus on and recognise my achievements throughout my schooling career, set aside from traditional academic accomplishments.”
Unlike traditional assessments, the New Metrics empower students to evaluate themselves as learners, making them agents of their own education – a philosophy that aligns with the SVACS teaching and learning approach.
Students were able to highlight personal strengths and work in collaboration with teachers, both acting as co-agents in the learning journey. The credentialling process greatly strengthened student purpose and engagement in their final year of school. Teachers played a crucial role as the assessments reflected their knowledge of each student’s development over time.
In 2025, it is intended that all Year 12 VET students at Swan Valley Anglican Community School will be given the opportunity to be awarded the ALCC.
