By the time you are reading this 130 Year 12 students would have completed the two days of their QCS tests. The students have been well prepared, and they understand the significance of these exams and the importance of performing well as a cohort. An individual’s specific grade will not affect their individual OP score and it is important that we perform well as a group. I am confident the students have worked to the best of their ability, and I thank them for their persistence and drive over these days.

 

 

Restructure of the Junior Curriculum

On Wednesday night this week the Junior Curriculum Evening outlined changes to how curriculum will be structured in Years 8-10 in 2011. The impact of the National Curriculum over the next three years will be significant and it is important for the College to position itself to be able to respond to these changes. There has been significant discussion and work dedicated to this area over the last six months. The reality is that the next three years will be a time of great change, not only in the subject offerings, but also what is taught and learnt in various disciplines.

 

Time and space does not permit me to repeat all of the information disseminated at the evening, but a summary of the restructure is as follows:

• Year 8 - The Core subjects of English, Maths, Science, Religion will be studied as year long subjects. The subjects of History and Physical Education will be compulsory and taught as semester units, alternating each semester. The other elective subjects will offer ‘taster’ units of approximately 8 weeks in duration, so that students are able to sample all the electives we have on offer at the College, and to identify areas they wish to study more of in Years 9 and 10.
• Year 9 - The same structure applies for the core subjects, History and PE. For the elective subjects, students are to choose four elective semester units, two in each semester.
• Year 10 - The same structure applies for the core subjects, History and PE. For the elective subjects, students are to choose two elective subjects of a year in length, although it may be possible for students to change electives at the end of the semester. This is dependent on being able to accommodate such a change within the timetable. Many subjects also have feeder subjects into senior which operate in second semester and this structure complements and feeds into the Year 10 Careers program and SET Plan process.

 

Essentially the restructure allows the College to respond to changes as they unfold at the national level over time. Unfortunately it also means that student subject choice is more restrictive. It is simply not possible for all students to study all electives throughout Years 8-10. This has always been the case with a large college offering many subjects, but the restructure still allows for students to experience a range of subjects, identify their strengths and create a sound foundation for study throughout their college life.

 

Should you wish to discuss this matter further, please feel welcome to contact me at the College.