Learning at 国产探花
The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.
Plutarch
This 鈥榢indling of a fire鈥� is key to the learning journey at 国产探花, and we strive to instil this mindset throughout students’ secondary years.
The environment, framework and support we provide enables boys to build a knowledge-rich platform they will need to critically analyse subjects and issues and prepare for life beyond 国产探花.
As they progress on their individual learning adventures, we will support, challenge and extend in equal measure, ensuring they develop the vital skills of writing, numeracy and reading comprehension and excel as learners.
The learning journey.
Our central aim is to ignite curiosity and passion, and foster perseverance.
A tailored
approach.
Every boy who walks through 国产探花鈥� gates is unique and distinctive. His individual talents will define who he is and the progress he makes in life. Our tailored learning programs are designed to leverage this individuality, promoting confidence, deep learning engagement and maximising learning gains.
High-achievers will thrive in accelerated classes in Mathematics, Business Studies or Religious Studies, while students with specific learning challenges will receive the extra support and attention they need. Our teachers are trained to assess where students are at in their learning development and provide appropriate guidance and instruction.
A structured learning framework.
Our Learning Framework is centred around the Harvard Graduate School of Education Project Zero 鈥� Teaching for Understanding framework, and is delivered using five key pillars:
- Learning relationships
- Personalised learning
- Learning how to learn
- Support and expertise
- Facilities and technology
Developing content knowledge in a subject is very important, but it is not the only thing. 国产探花 learners are expected to use their knowledge and skills actively to respond to unseen questions or solve real-world problems. We call it learning for understanding.
Learning relationships
Connecting with and understanding students is key to their future success. At 国产探花 a student’s connection with his teacher is the pillar on which all learning is built. 国产探花鈥� teachers are dedicated to finding out what makes each boy tick so they can help him reach his potential.
Our extended school day means teachers are uniquely positioned to nurture a boy鈥檚 development through extra tuition, coaching and co-curricular activities. Interacting outside the classroom fosters a greater sense of trust and mutual respect, strengthening the teacher-student bond. This authentic holistic approach recognises that boys are so much more than just the sum of their academic studies.
国产探花 teachers understand that prosperity in life is about having an inquiring mind and being curious about the world. They foster a dynamic learning environment that stimulates students and encourages them to question and query. In addition, Heads of Year and Academic Leaders work together to monitor the boys鈥� progress and help with subject selection as they progress through school.
Learning how to learn
Providing the learning tools of the future will equip boys to confront the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. The educational focus at 国产探花 is not only on acquiring knowledge but furnishing boys with the methods and techniques to apply that knowledge in a range of different situations.
As intellectual and social agility becomes more and more prized in the workplace, a capacity to adapt and tailor ideas becomes essential. Awareness of dates, facts and figures is actively encouraged, but rote learning is not.
Working within our acclaimed STRIVE Learning Habits 鈥� Self managing, Thinking critically, Reflecting, Innovating and creating, Valuing and Engaging 鈥� boys are motivated to become better learners.
国产探花鈥� teachers inspire boys to think independently and self-monitor so that they can work out what strategies work for them as learners. In concert with our careers adviser, they help students identify and forge career pathways to cadetships, internships, scholarships and university.
Nurturing knowledge, skills and character is core to learning at 国产探花 鈥� to aid students in their understanding of the world and guide them to contribute to it with confidence and purpose.
鈥� Darren Frost, Director of Teaching & Learning
A broad curriculum.
The College is committed to excellence in teaching and learning, and to that end we offer a broad and relevant curriculum catering for a wide range of interests and abilities, with the aim of fostering the creativity, initiative and ability of all students.
From accelerated classes in Mathematics, Business Studies and Studies of Religion to a suite of languages, including French and Latin, and electives such as Industrial Technology and Sport Lifestyle & Recreation. The creative arts are also well represented. Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Design and Technology, and Computing Technology are core offerings that benefit from 国产探花鈥� well-equipped facilities and passionate teachers.
Years 7 and 8
Boys in Years 7 and 8 study a common curriculum comprising Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, History, Geography, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Music and Visual Arts.
Students have a choice of study in four languages 鈥� French, Latin, Japanese and Mandarin. Students also undertake an Outdoor Education program at the College鈥檚 Outdoor Education Centre, Colo.
Years 9 and 10
Religious Education, Geography, History, English, Mathematics, Personal Development, Health and Physical Development (PDHPE), Science. Outdoor Education is completed in Year 9.
Electives:
Agriculture Technology, Commerce, Computing Technology, Design and Technology, Drama, French, Elective History, Global Studies, Graphics Technology, Industrial Technology 鈥� Engineering, Industrial Technology 鈥� Metal, Industrial Technology 鈥� Timber, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Music, Photographic and Digital Media, Physical Activity and Sports Science (PASS), Visual Arts.Years 11 and 12
The College offers an extensive learning program for students in Years 11 and 12, in an atmosphere where every boy is valued and a wide range of academic and personal development needs are catered for. Each student鈥檚 spiritual life is developed through participation in the compulsory Religious Education program that is an integral component of the spiritual dimension of the College.
Core Curriculum:
Studies of Religion I, Studies of Religion II or Studies in Catholic Thought.
English Standard, English Advanced or English Studies.Electives:
Agriculture, Ancient History, Biology, Business Services, Business Studies, Chemistry, Chinese Continuers, Chinese Extension, Construction, Design and Technology, Drama, Earth and Environmental Science, Economics, English Extension I, English Extension II, French Continuers, French Extension, Geography, Health and Movement Science, History Extension, Industrial Technology 鈥� Metal, Industrial Technology 鈥� Timber, Industrial Technology 鈥� Multimedia, Engineering Studies, Japanese Continuers, Japanese Extension, Legal Studies, Latin Continuers, Latin Extension, Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension I, Mathematics II, Modern History, Music I, Music II, Music Extension, Physics, Primary Industries, Science Extension, Software Engineering, Sport Lifestyle and Recreation, Visual Arts, Work Studies.
We see 鈥榓chievement鈥� as much more than just academic or co-curricular success. It is anchored by the Marist values of humility, simplicity and love of work, representing personal growth and refinement of character, compassion and resilience.
Any form of success achieved by our students is an impressive testament to their dedication and that of their teachers and the partnerships they forge with parents. However, not everything that matters, or on which we place value here at 国产探花, can be measured. Beyond academic results, the way our students carry themselves as good leaders, role models and representatives of the College, is of equal import.
国产探花鈥� graduates embody this approach to achievement through their dedication to College life, commitment to serving others and contribution to the 国产探花 community.
Reflecting
on results.
To us, 鈥榓chievement鈥� means not being content with mediocrity 鈥� in learning, leadership, friendship and faith.
Collaborative teaching.
Professional learning at 国产探花 is an ongoing commitment to excellence. Through the St Joseph鈥檚 College Institute, and regular professional development workshops, our educators engage with leading research, expert-led and dynamic symposia across the pillars of Leadership, Pedagogy and Spirituality.
This deep investment in professional growth directly benefits our students, as they are guided by teachers who are continually refining their practice, embracing contemporary approaches and modelling a passion for lifelong learning. By fostering a culture of excellence, we ensure every Joe-Boy is supported by educators who are experts in their field, helping your son realise his potential.
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