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College Curriculum

The curriculum provided by the college ensures that students study as broad a range as is possible. This assists in achieving our goal of producing students who have a well-rounded education and are ready to take their place in society. As students progress through the year levels, the degree of choice offered correspondingly increases. In addition, the flexibility of the structure facilitates student access to an advanced level of study. The College uses forms of assessment that promote the development of a positive attitude towards learning that encourage the pursuit of excellence and contribute to the success of all students. Assessment tasks could include essay writing, practical work, creative activities, poster presentations, tests and a variety of ICT-rich presentations. Each domain of learning determines the types of assessment best suited to effective student learning. Assessment is based upon the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) and therefore provides parents with an indication of student’s performance in comparison to normal expectations of students in his/her level.

“INSPIRE” PROGRAM
The “Inspire” program is designed to increase the students’ responsibility for their own learning, to make their education more relevant to their everyday lives and experience, and to improve their learning skills. In this way, current research indicates that they are better engaged in achieving at school, and their preparation for post-compulsory education is improved. The “Inspire” program integrates the core subjects in Year Seven. The learning domains of Maths, Science, English, Health & Humanities are woven into an “integrated” model which encourages and supports individual learning and work towards improvements in their competencies such as teamwork and flexible thinking.

LEARNING DOMAINS:


ENGLISH
The study of English develops students’ confidence and competence in the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students learn to analyse and appreciate a variety of texts in a range of literary forms. The English program aims to enrich students’ understanding of themselves and the world around them and to enhance their ability to explore and use language for enjoyment and practical purposes.

MATHEMATICS
At the College, a range of abilities in Mathematics is catered for within the regular classroom programs. At each level the students are catered for in a mixed ability learning setting. Capable students are given the opportunity to complete extension topics and courses. Within the Senior School the complete range of Mathematics subjects is offered to students.

SCIENCE
The Science Learning Area is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to become aware of the physical and biological world through the following strands: • Chemical Science • Physical Science • Earth & Space Sciences • Biological Sciences

LOTE
All students study a language other than English as a part of their learning at the College. Maroondah offers two key languages: French and Japanese at each level. Chinese Mandarin is offered as First and Second Language at VCE. The primary goal of the program is for students to develop knowledge and skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing the LOTE. Maroondah utilizes native speaker assistants to maximize student outcomes. As a part of the LOTE program, the college has a sister school relationship with Itami S.H.S near Osaka. Maroondah students are given the opportunity to visit Itami S.H.S as part of our exchange programme.

HUMANITIES
This domain focuses on investigating people’s interaction with each other in different places at different times. It also considers society’s interaction with its physical surroundings. Humanities will expand students’ knowledge and understanding of their own society, other societies, local and global environments and relationships between the world’s societies and their environments. Studies in this learning area provide students with the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and values, which enable them to participate as active and informed citizens in a democratic society and a global community.

PHYSICAL, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL LEARNING

Physical, Personal and Social Learning promotes understanding of physical activity and movement, food and nutrition, health, safety, human development and human relations. Within this context the area examines personal actions, beliefs and attitudes. Values held by families, cultural groups and wider community are also investigated.

THE ARTS
The Arts learning forms an important and exciting program at Maroondah, with Art, Drama, Music, Media and Visual Communication being offered. Students are encouraged to experience the arts through creating, making and presenting their original ideas. The programs at Maroondah aim to foster an appreciation and enjoyment of the arts. The College celebrates the achievements of its students with visual art exhibitions, musical performances and theatrical productions that make the college life engaging and interesting for all.

TECHNOLOGY
Technology involves the purposeful application of knowledge, skills, experience and materials to create useful products. The school program involves students generating ideas and acting on them, as well as using and developing processes and products that satisfy human needs. Students develop their skills in using technology equipment, their knowledge and understanding of past and present technologies and examining possibilities of emerging technologies through involvement in learning areas such as Textiles, Wood and Foods. ICT The College has an ongoing commitment to developing skills in Information and Communications Technology. As a part of our involvement in the Leading Schools Fund, an extensive laptop program has been established and introduced across the College, and will continue to be developed in the future.
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