DreamCatchers (Year 12)DreamCatchers is a support program for Year 12 students who have demonstrated that they are likely to achieve highly (in the top 10 – 20% of the state. We acknowledge that these students will want to aspire to and achieve outstanding study and ATAR scores at Year 12 in preparation for tertiary study. The DreamCatcher program provides a focused approach to personal development and study management. The program is conducted over a number of lunchtime meetings (meals provided) during the course of the year, providing opportunities for students to build a cohesive group who will motivate and support their peers. Teacher Mentors provide individual support to each student in the DreamCatcher program.

A unique aspect of the program is the relationship between Year 7 students and DreamCatchers, which focuses on academic development through a mentoring process.

Year 11In Year 11 a selected number of high achieving students participate in the Monash University (Peninsula) High Achievers’ Program. Selection is based on academic results. A number of students have also been selected to join the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program at Melbourne University.

Year 10Year 10 students are encouraged to enrol in at least one Unit 1/2 VCE subject and a large percentage of students take up this offer enabling them to complete a Unit 3/4 subject in year 11.

Years 7-9Accelerated English, Mathematics and Enrichment Programs are offered to students in Year 7-10, enabling them to develop their interests and talents and academic rigour.

Gold StarGold Star badges are awarded each year to students in year 7-11 who have

achieved academic excellence in their studies in both semester one and semester two. Gold star students are supported by DreamCatcher mentors as well as teachers to assist them in their goal of becoming a Year 12 DreamCatcher.

Top Up!Top Up provides students in years 7--9 with extra assistance outside the classroom. Students may need help to get on top of homework or may be aiming for a gold star. Expert teachers from all disciplines assist at Top up. Top Up! is held after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Inspirational Learning on the Mornington Peninsula

Curriculum

Enrichment ProgramsWhole School LiteracyThe whole-school approach to literacy focuses on reading and writing strategies, to allow students to improve their skills in all subject areas. School-wide policies for reading include the explicit teaching of comprehension techniques, such as summarising, questioning and clarifying. Key words are displayed to reinforce the learning in all classrooms. This year, the key emphasis is on the enhancement of reading skills. In addition to active reading strategies which students already use, they will be encouraged to interpret texts and reflect on their meaning. Therefore they will consider the audience, purpose and writer’s intentions, as well as the meaning and style of a passage or article.

Students in Years 7-9 English lessons also participate in CAFE (Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expand vocabulary) activities, and VCOP (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers and Punctuation). These are delivered via starters at the beginning of lessons, and the direct teaching of skills throughout.

Whole School NumeracyThe benefits of focusing on school-wide literacy has resulted in the development of a whole school numeracy program. Research tells us that early intervention is of paramount significance to improving numeracy. The college has implemented a specialized numeracy program called GRIN (Getting Ready in Numeracy). This program uses data derived from NAPLAN, On Demand Testing and teacher judgements which identify student Numeracy needs. Expert tutors then work with students and their Maths teachers to best support their progress.

Monash University Immersion ProgramThis exciting program is a partnership with Monash University designed to implement a new model of teacher education, which focuses on student literacy, numeracy and sport. Over a term, the program brings into the college approximately 100 Bachelor of Education (Honours) students to work alongside classroom teachers to deliver a numeracy, literacy curriculum via small group work to students in year 7 and 8, as well as deliver a range of sport programs, inside and outside the classroom.

Some of the High Achiever’s Programs

• Melbourne University Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars

• Monash University - Access Monash Program

• Australian Mathematics Trust - Mathematics Competition

• Rotary Science Experience

• Rotary Model United Nations Assembly

• Australian Olympic Committee Pierre de Courbetin Award

• Lions Youth of the Year