New combinations of work experience, vocational training and school studies are finding a foothold in schools.

Since the disappearance of technical schools, senior students have been poorly served for technical and vocational education. But last year more than 1300 students in Years 11 and 12 were studying one or more subjects recognised by both the TAFE system and the Board of Studies that controls the VCE.

This year, although still a drop in the VCE ocean, that figure has more than doubled to almost 3000 students.

About 40 per cent of these are enrolled in office administration, which is the easiest course for schools to set up and staff. But schools are gradually venturing further afield.

Banksia Secondary College, a small school in Heidelberg West, has been taking advantage of the VCE's flexibility.

The school began looking for alternatives to the standard VCE in 1993 when 32 of its students dropped out before the end of Year 11. This year it has 21 of its 120 VCE students studying TAFE subjects as well as the VCE.

It is wrong to assume that all dual recognition students are those who would otherwise be at risk of dropping out. Many consider getting two certificates plus technical expertise and experience a smart move.

Year 11 student Matthew Tate, 15, hopes to study engineering at university.

He is studying five subjects at school which will prepare him for engineering design work. In addition, he spends one day a week at the Northern Institute of TAFE doing applied engineering subjects. "I thought it would help me to know more about stuff like robotics and using computers," says Matthew.

When dual recognition students reach Year 12 they can still do common assessment tasks and get a Tertiary Entrance Ranking if they choose. In addition, their TAFE subjects can, in certain circumstances, result in a 10 per cent bonus towards their TER.

At Banksia Secondary College, dual recognition students who are struggling with the VCE or who intend to get a job rather than go on to tertiary study, can give CAT's a miss. They still come out with their VCE, but not a TER, by fulfilling all the set work requirements.

Banksia's innovations go further than dual recognition. The school also arranges for a handful of VCE students to have work experience one day a week at local businesses. And it has arranged for some students to do a TAFE building course - even though it is not yet part of the dual recognition scheme.

Banksia teacher Neville Batty says his school broadens students' options while ensuring they leave with their VCE.