The curriculum offered at Templestowe College is delivered with a focus to academically meet the requirements of the Victorian ELS and the National Curriculum as well as delivering the vision of the college "to be a dynamic and caring learning community, recognised for future focused personalised learning."
We recognise that all people learn differently but most of us have a preference for how we learn best. Understanding how we learn is sometimes referred to as "metacognition” and is very important if we are going to get the most out of education.
Years 7 and 8
In Years 7 & 8 the keys are settling in, making friends, building a learning support team for each child, identifying and developing each child's strengths, working on areas needing additional support and getting those essential literacy and numeracy skills embedded.
In 2011 there are three Year 7 classes based on Direct Instruction, Collaborative Learning and Independent Accelerated Learning which will then flow on each year up to Year 9. Prior to entry at Year 7 students will complete a brief questionnaire, their Year 6 teacher will be consulted and then a preliminary allocation will be made to best meet student learning preference. The final decision on class placement will always rest with the school and will be subject to change as required.
Students will undertake the following core units:
Enhanced Literacy (includes English and History);
Numeracy;
Science & Environment;
Health & Physical Education;
plus
Four choices (two per Semester) from a wide selection of electives based on their personal interest and educational needs. It is highly recommended that Year 7 students select Italian for Semester 1 unless they are already enrolled elsewhere studying a Language other than English (LOTE).
Students will be issued with interim and end of semester reports. They will also present a folio of their work in each subject as their "Student Led Presentation” at the end of each semester to celebrate success in learning, reflect upon progress and share with parents and learning mentors their learning journey. This fosters and strengthens relationships leading to enhanced communication, personalised goals and students having a greater ownership of their learning.
Year 9
In Year 9, the keys are reframing their self-perception as a young adult, relating to others, who are they and where do they "fit in". It is widely recognised that students in Year 9 are developing rapidly physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. At Templestowe College, Year 9 is seen as a critical part of the learning journey from child to adult learner and a final year of preparation and skill development before students make the transition to young adults and go on to join the senior school.
Students will be given a list of core competencies that the school believes are required to be able to operate successfully as an adult in the future. This will form the basis of each student's special program on their path to young adulthood.
Programs and activities designed specifically for Year 9 students are run throughout the year.
Years 10 to 12
In Years 10-12, the keys are developing a plan for a future that is exciting and relevant to each young adult, maximising their future educational opportunities consistent with their dreams and educational capabilities.
Students at Year 10 begin their three year VCE or VCAL program, a school-based apprenticeship or VET options. They continue to study electives in their chosen area as well as beginning their Unit 1 and 2 subjects. Please refer to the Senior Student Handbook for more specific information.