Learning and Teaching

The College’s Learning and Teaching program is described in the Curriculum Handbook. The Handbook contains an overview of the organisation of the curriculum, including time allocations, along with subject descriptions. In 2013 a formal process was introduced for the consideration of variation of the curriculum described in the Handbook. The process included formulation of proposals within College Departments or Key Learning Areas. These proposals were presented to the Curriculum Standing Committee, then, following consideration, a number of recommendations emerged. The recommendations were put to a staff meeting for consultation, before being presented to the College Executive. This process took place again in 2014. As a product of this process the following variations for 2015 have been confirmed: Recommendation: That the College implement three double periods per cycle for all Year 7 to 9 Physical Education classes from 2015.

Year 10

An extensive reworking of the Year 10 curriculum was endorsed. Details are available in the 2015 Curriculum Handbook. Both proposals involved careful consideration, time, thought and debate. There is collective optimism about the benefits of the initiatives, with work underway already in developing ideas for 2016. In addition to the work of these program-level change initiatives, three sub-committees of the Curriculum Standing Committee were convened this year. They were formed with a view to providing recommendations about the way forward in relation to the Year 10 program, assessment and reporting and a committee convened in Term 4 to examine the Year 9 curriculum. The members of these groups have ably supported Mr Stephen Young, Mr Shaun Buckley and Mr David Alexander, who respectively have chaired these groups. I would like to acknowledge all of the staff with responsibilities related to the Learning and Teaching area in 2014:

The Curriculum Standing Committee

David Happ, Key Learning Area Coordinator – Arts Steve Young, Key Learning Area Coordinator – Business Rose Roe, Key Learning Area Coordinator – English Chris Fleming, Key Learning Area Coordinator – Humanities Paul Maxted, ICT & Infrastructure Coordinator Kath Marino, Key Learning Area Coordinator – Languages Kathie Holmes, MMEC Coordinator Cindy Frost, Director of Music Lucy Russell, Key Learning Area Coordinator – Mathematics David Alexander, Key Learning Area Coordinator – Physical Education & Health Graeme Pender, Director of Religious & Moral Education Peppe Di Ciccio, Key Learning Area Coordinator – Science Warren Walker, Key Learning Area Coordinator – Technology Frank Goricanec, VCE Coordinator

Other Positions of Leadership

Carmel Smart, Pathways/Careers Coordinator Gemma Austin, Primary Coordinator Caroline Fitzpatrick, VET Coordinator Kerry Martin, VCAL Coordinator Administrative Support – Tania Allars and Sandy Wreford

Leadership in 2015

In 2015, a brand new arrangement of leadership positions will take place in the Learning and Teaching area. The work in compiling research, designing a model and finally a selection process for filling positions was extensive, spanning Terms 1 to 3. Appointments have been made to 21 new positions, including four new director-level positions and a number of Learning Area Team Leader roles.

Digital Learning

Included in the major projects of 2014 has been the first year of implementation of the College’s ICT Strategic Plan 2015–18. This has included work in redesigning the College’s infrastructure and capacity to deliver reliable and effective digital learning. Significant work has taken place in planning and delivery of sequenced components of the plan, leading to provision over the coming three years for all students and staff with technology to support contemporary learning.

Mr Mark Gustincic Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching