Teaching and Learning
Early Years
In Early Years we have an enthusiastic team of staff who delight in providing an exciting learning program for our younger students. They focus on establishing routines, expectations and skills that are needed to be a great learner. We follow the Victorian Curriculum in all Early Years classes.
In English all students work on their letters and sounds and are introduced to reading and writing, experiencing a range of text types. We have a strong focus on building speaking and listening skills, with a focus on functional communication.
In Maths students work on skills required for life. They start the session with a game to consolidate number sense, then complete open-ended activities which require them to work both within a group and independently. Classes then reflect on the learning which has occurred and strategies students have used.
Wellbeing is a major focus in Early Years. Students participate in weekly wellbeing sessions including Zones of Regulation and Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships (RRRR).
Classrooms participate in Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship (DIR floor time) across the Early Years to encourage learning through play. Students lead the direction of their own learning by selecting activities of interest. Staff then build on this learning through targeted teaching moments.
Along with these core areas, students in the Early Years are offered a range of other programs including cooking, community participation, swimming, sensory, speech, gardening, Digital Technologies, Science, PE, PMP (Perceptual Motor Program), Art and Music.
Middle Years
In Middle Years we have the most amazing staff who bring together a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to deliver the best possible programs for our wonderful students. We follow the Victorian Curriculum for all Middle Years classes.
In English all students are involved in Writer’s Workshop. This offers students exposure to participate in the writing process in meaningful, authentic writing tasks that they are interested in. Middle Years students also “Get Knowledge Ready” (GKR) in reading. This process gets students’ brains ready to draw out prior knowledge and to take on new information.
In Maths students work on skills required for life. They start the session with a game to consolidate number sense, then complete open-ended activities which require them to work both within a group and independently. Students then reflect on their own learning and the strategies they have used.
Wellbeing is a major focus in Middle Years. Students participate in weekly relaxation sessions and Yoga. All students participate in Zones of Regulations and Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationship programs which assist students to develop skills for life.
Along with these core areas, students in the Middle Years are offered a range of other programs including cooking, community participation, swimming, sensory, gardening, ICT, Science, PE, Health, Art and Music.
Senior Years
In the Senior Years we have a very dedicated team of staff who bring together a wide range of knowledge, experience and passion to deliver individualised programs for our students who are in the final years of their time here. We cater for every student by offering the Victorian Pathways Certificate and a wide range of programs.
The Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) is an inclusive and flexible certificate. It offers an engaging curriculum and additional support for students to develop the work-related skills and capabilities they need to succeed. We offer our students the VPC over three years. VPC can be studied at a student’s individual pace and teachers will assess progress through a range of classroom learning activities.
Study options in the VPC
- VPC Literacy
- VPC Numeracy
- VPC Work Related Skills
- VPC Personal Development Skills
- VPC Science
- VPC Visual Arts
- Spending some time in a workplace as part of your learning. This is known as Structured Workplace Learning.
The VPC can support students to progress to the VCE Vocational Major, entry level TAFE, VET or to gain employment.
The school also offers other programs, such as Hospitality, by teaming up with the Swan Hill College.
Wellbeing is also a major focus in Senior Years. Our Wellbeing sessions continue to build and consolidate on skills learnt in Early and Middle Years.
Along with these core areas, students in the Senior Years are offered a range of other programs including cooking/hospitality, community participation, swimming, sensory, ICT, Science, PE, Health and Art.