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All Year 9 students study the following compulsory subjects for one year:

   

    English

    Health  & Physical Education

    Mathematics

    Science

    Social Studies

    Technology

Students will also choose option subjects from the Essential Learning areas below to study for 1 trimester (approx 13 weeks).

 

A total of 3 x 1 trimester subjects will be studied: – 2 x from the Arts and 1 x Language:

Junior Assessment and Reporting

Within our junior programmes we are developing units that differentiate learning and provide opportunities for all to achieve in a range of assessment tasks.

In line with this, our assessment and reporting has evolved.  Assessment judgements are made according to criteria for Basic achievement, Proficient achievement and Advanced achievement relative to the curriculum level individual students are currently working at.  This will enable students to see how they personally are going and how they compare to the expected national standard.

Targeted Learning

Where it is required, students will be given extra tuition to build up skills in a particular area e.g. reading and writing.  Some students are taken out of class for a short time while others might do Targeted Learning instead of a second language.  Students are selected for this help on the recommendation of their teachers and/or parents.  Those parents who feel Targeted Learning may be necessary should mention it either at time of enrolment or during the period of time leading up to start of the school year. e.g. on the Course Choice form in the space provided.

Peer Support

All Year 9 students take part in an orientation programme, on the first day of school, aimed at supporting new entrants in their new school.  At this time, Year 13 students, trained in leadership skills, guide the Year 9 students through a range of activities to help make the introduction to high school life easier.

Tutoring

Trained Peer Tutors (Senior students) offer their time to tutor Junior students in a range of subjects co-ordinated through Mrs Dunbier and Mrs Driver who are in charge of learning support, and the Peer Tutor Training Programme.

New Entrant Interviews

Senior staff will visit Primary schools in Term 4 to meet our 2009 new entrants and to liaise with their Primary teachers.  They are very happy to have a personal interview with students and parents at this time, if they wish.  Please make arrangements for this through the Primary school or by contacting our school office (03  448 8595).

New Entrant Evening

On Wednesday, 29 October 2008 students and their parents/caregivers are invited to attend a New Entrant Evening.  On this night students, with parents/caregivers, will be given an opportunity to see what the school offers in the broader sense and in particular curriculum areas.  Courses will be clarified and staff will be available to answer questions.

Homework and Learning Commitments and Expectations

Please help your son / daughter to manage the requirements for each class.  This includes how to manage and organize their time.  Learning must be a priority.

It is expected that students will complete homework in most subjects once they get to high school.  This is necessary for reflection, research, practice, and sometimes for gathering information or other resources for coming lasses.

When students apply for leave, or have a major commitment to a show/festival/tournament it is expected that they will take their leave approval form (available from House Executive – see page 120 School Diary), to each teacher and discuss what is possible to be achieved before leaving, while away, and the time frame needed for catching up.  This is especially important for formative and summative assessments which might be scheduled and therefore missed.

Staff appreciates the educational value of overseas travel and commitment to team sports and events, but they also know that when a person is away from their job the work still has to be done.  So we see an important life lesson in taking responsibility for preparing or catching up.