Curriculum

Allow me to take you on an adventure through the world of curriculum at De La Salle. Hop on board the beautiful creature that awaits. It is a giant insect, lovingly made from wire and brightly coloured tissue paper. Let us take a journey, fly through the halls into classrooms and out of classrooms, into labs and playgrounds, to TAFE and work experience, into libraries and films, Rock Eisteddfod, performances and recitals, music concerts and trivia lunches and even a trip to Sienna. This is the world of curriculum in 2004. This year we continued to promote quality teaching and learning. The questions of when, how and why we learn are the key. As Jacqueline Grennon Brooks states in her book “Schooling for Life”: “It’s only when we acknowledge that there are things we don’t know, that we are ready to learn.” And ready to learn our boys have been. Graphic organizers have popped up in different classes. Teachers are experimenting with Venn diagrams, concept maps and brainstorming activities. A couple more Year 7 teachers have followed up the Learning Styles program and set up their classrooms to meet a variety of needs. Research assignments have been presented giving the students plenty of opportunity to extend their learning in a variety of areas, including knowledge and skill development. We even had a Year 11 Psychology student complete a model of a neuron using starburst lollies, natural confectionary company snakes and animals, much to the fascination of his classmates! The Subject Selection processes at Years 8, 9 and 10 revealed an enthusiasm regarding informed choice. Students rallied, together with their parents and teachers, asked questions and genuinely wanted to ensure that their choices were exactly what they wanted. Their choices included something they enjoyed, something they were good at, and something they might need in later years. The Curriculum Development Team has been steadily working through a charter that will be incorporated within our mission and vision. With the move of Year 10 to the Kinnoull Campus, the College has taken the opportunity of reviewing and opening up discussions for growth. The Year 10s will have easier access to VCE subjects and the idea of various pathways that will open up is amazing. The College has made moves to offer our students opportunities in VCAL as well as the existing programs including VET, Pathways and VCE. The introduction of yet another elective at this year level, Science Mysteries, has attracted a number of students, looking for change and willing to take on a new challenge. The Arts Department continues to make an impact on the boys whose talents lie in design, visual and performing areas. The insect you boarded at the beginning of this adventure was made by a sculpture student, and as you fly through the halls you might see some wonderful painting projects undertaken by Year 9 students. You’ll hear music and laughter and might have to dodge a dancer or two as you wind your way up the Creative Arts building. Now out through the window, down, ‘swoosh’, like Harry Potter in a game of Quiddich and quickly into the Technology wing. In here there is a distinct buzz as students of all ages, hammer and tap, weld and mould using wonderful state-of-the-art technology. Viking ships and knights on horseback, give lead to the Renaissance and the American Civil Rights movement. Boys have been foot soldiers in the greater Melbourne area, focusing on building developments and the homeless trying to find a space. They have boarded modern means of transport and a selected few joined another school to experience the culture and beauty of another country. The LOTE Italian boys showcased their photos at the information nights and if you were not feeling rather jealous at the end, well I wonder. As we draw yet another year to a close, our curriculum once again reviewed and infiltrated with wonderful, innovative technologies, games and ideas I must thank everyone for their efforts and commitment over the year and finish with a thought from Maren Mouritsen… “Most of us will never do great things. But we can do small things in a great way” [TOGETHER].

Jo Prestia Curriculum Coordinator