Katrina King

Background

About Katrina King

I have lived and breathed vocational and applied learning for the past 20 years. Commencing my career at St John’s Regional College in Dandenong as the VET Hospitality trainer I learnt how to blend teaching theory through applied leaning in the college’s fine dining restaurant. In 2008 I started at Carrum Downs Secondary College, a relatively new school, just commencing the first year 11 cohort. Across 10 years I led the development of the first VCAL program with 22 students to a program with over 100 students each year and 8 on-site VET programs including cafes open to the public, a hair salon and a fitness centre. Across many years the program, staff and students were acknowledged at state level as best practice including VET Provider of the Year in the Victorian Training Awards and a personal award as VCAL Teacher of the Year in the VCAA VCAL Achievement Awards. As the winner of the 2011 Victorian Education Excellence Award for Pathways and Transitions I travelled to the UK to research best practice in applied learning programs which culminated in the college implementing applied learning across the school, which I led. The program was one of the most outstanding VCAL programs in the state and I was often asked to present at conferences and share the school’s journey.At Wantirna College I continued to build understanding of the value of applied learning with students, staff and the community. The program doubled in size under my leadership and the team of outstanding teachers were acknowledged in the VCAL Achievement Awards.I also have experience in building professional learning at a network level. I was a member of the Peninsula VCAL Association (PVA) from 2009 to 2018 and President from 2011-2012. Over 2 years as president of the PVA I led 3 regional professional development days, led regular network meetings and acted as a support contact. The importance of the achievements of the PVA network is evidenced by the acknowledgement in receiving the Chair’s Award in the VCAA VCAL Achievement Awards in 2012.In addition, I have completed the Masters of School Leadership with Monash University and participated in the Bastow Unlocking Potential program where I completed the Graduate Certificate of Principal Preparation and an 8 week internship with Debby Chaves at Beaumaris Secondary College. I have a commitment to building understanding of the value of vocational pathways across the state and developing the capacity of teachers to implement applied learning pedagogical practices in their classrooms.