For a group of students at Banksia Secondary College in Heidelberg, VCE included tractor driving, cattle drenching and chainsaw lessons.

The students are taking part in the Dual Recognition - Cerificate Two in Agriculture, which was introduced at the start of the year. The Certificate is designed to provide students with as much real life experience as possible while staying at school to complete their VCE.

Aside from their regular studies, the students make regular visits to a 500-acre farm at Yan Yean (north of Melbourne) to put theory into practice. Tasks so far have included tractor driving, artificial insemination, fencing and crop-sowing - and the students aren't just standing around watching.

Reports from the farm so far have been positive. Lecturers have been impressed by the students' enthusiasm and the students are quickly learning the tasks necesary to keep a farm running all year round.

It's the hands-on nature of the course that has most impressed their teacher, Neville Batty.

"Traditional VCE isn't always for everyone," he said. "It's a great way for these students to achieve their goals - it's an alternative to the classroom and everyone's thoroughly enjoying themselves, but it is still seen as a valid and valued accreditation."

"Three of the students have hearing impairments, yet they're learning at exactly the same pace as the others. The best way to teach is to let the students go out there and try everything for themselves."

The certificate is the result of an agreement between Banksia Secondary College and the Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE at their Epping campus. As one of the only courses of its type in the state, it has enticed students from as far away as Park Orchards to make the daily journey to Banksia to be part of the program.

Northern Melbourne TAFE have shown their commitment to the program by guaranteeing places for students until at least 1999. The practical component covers the farm's entire annual cycle, and ensures that all aspects of crop-growing and animal husbandry are included. In addition, students are trained in all manner of modern farm equipment.

But the certificate isn't just about farming. Students finish the course with a number of career options - among them the chance to advance to an Associate Diploma and even a Degree. By narrowing the subject choices down, students may pursue a career in anything from Stock Agentry to Agribusiness and Agricultural Science/Research.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Certificate Two in Agriculture can call Banksia Secondary College on (03) 9497 3822.