Senior School: Years 7 to 12

2012 Years 7 and 8 Curriculum Handbook

2012 Year 10 Curriculum Handbook

2012 VCE Curriculum Handbook

2012 Subject Selection Information for Year 10 and VCE

Westbourne Grammar School provides all students in Year 7 to 12 with a curriculum that is diverse and academically challenging. The School has an enviable academic reputation where excellence is expected and our students achieve outstanding VCE results on a regular basis.

All staff and students from Year 7 have notebook computers and make extensive use of Information Communication Technology with an online learning platform where learning resources are organised, work distributed and handed in and assessment is collated and communicated.

In Years 7 and 8 a traditional core curriculum is compulsory and includes English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, LOTE (Japanese and German), Music, Art, Religion and Values, Physical Education, Education Outdoors and Sport.

In Year 9 all students participate in our unique 'Imagine' program which is specifically designed to challenge and motivate 15 year olds in an engaging and innovative curriculum. English, Mathematics and LOTE are taught as discrete disciplines. All other subject disciplines are conducted with a transdisciplinary focus. A significant feature of the 'Imagine' program is the weekly 'Learning Expeditions'. All students design, develop and complete a year long project of significance. A major focus for all student learning in Year 9 is the concept of Intellectual Character where students develop thinking dispositions so they become more Curious, Sceptical, Strategic, Open-Minded, Metacognitive and Truth Seeking. At Westbourne, students are taught effective study and time-management techniques and how to set realistic achievable goals. The 'Imagine' program is taught by a dedicated team of specialist teachers in a purpose designed building.

In Year 10, students are exposed to more demanding learning in preparation for the VCE years. All students have the opportunity to study a VCE Unit 1 and 2 subject. The purpose of this is to introduce them to the demands and structure of the VCE and allow, for those who are able, to pursue a Unit 3 and 4 subject in Year 11. English and Mathematics continue to hold a central position in the curriculum at Year 10 but students have a variety of electives which can be chosen in Science, Commerce, Humanities, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education and LOTE.

In Years 11 and 12 our students study for the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Students can study a wide range of subjects and are assisted in the subject selection process by a full-time Careers Counsellor offering individual guidance and support.

In Year 11 most students study 5 subjects at Units 1 and 2 level including English or (ESL) and 1 subject at Unit 3 and 4 level.

In Year 12 most students study 5 subjects at Unit 3 and 4 level. VCE students may choose to study their native language as one of their subjects. Students in Year 12 can also undertake University Enhancement subjects in Accounting, Chemistry, English Literature, and

MUPHAS Maths from the University of Melbourne if they have reached an appropriate academic standard.

Further detailed information on the curriculum can be found in the appropriate Curriculum Handbook: