Curriculum

Junior School Program

Year 7 and 8 Laying the Foundations:
Students in Years 7-8 at Numurkah Secondary College undertake an engaging course of study that reflects the principles outlined in the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). The program is designed to facilitate the transition from primary school to secondary school and to encourage the development of independent and engaged learners.

Junior School Program focuses on:
Working in a range of classrooms and contexts to develop a broad range of abilities across the curriculum
Developing skills in literacy and numeracy that can be applied across the curriculum and in later secondary schooling
Building students social and personal skills with a focus on teamwork, resilience, reflection, communication and leadership
Linking students learning with real world experiences and opportunities.

The curriculum structure of year 7 and 8 consists of a core program that is designed to provide students with a broad range of subjects across the two years. Students undertake a course of study that involves English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Health & Physical Education, Art, Music, Visual Communication, Drama and
Technology (Food, Wood, Textiles and Metal) and an innovative ‘Learning to Learn’ program. The aim of the Junior School Program is to provide students with a taste of what Numurkah Secondary College has to offer, so that in
future years of study they are equipped to make choices about their pathways.

Year 9 "Numurkah 9" Program:
During the first half of Year 9 students study subjects based on a core/elective system. The core subjects covered are English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Physical Education and Health. There is a choice of two electives for semester one from the following areas: Art, Food - Bakery, Music, Textiles, Visual Communication and Wood.

In semester two, students move in to our alternative program called ‘Numurkah 9’ in which the number of
compulsory core subjects reduces to three - English, Maths and Science. Students also have an opportunity to
choose one elective from Art, Food and Physical Education. For the remaining 14 sessions of the week students are involved in a learning program which encompasses; authentic project based learning, vocational learning
opportunities, and careers and pathways planning.

Within the Year 9 Program we aim to:

provide a wide range of experiences for each student,
motivate and encourage students to pursue and develop their skills and interests,
provide a curriculum that meets the needs of all students of this very age specific adolescent group, &
provide for the varying levels of personal development for the individual student.

Senior School Program

Year 10 Designing Individual Pathways:
Above state average VCE results in Food Technology, Physical Education, Studio Art and Year 10 students at Numurkah Secondary College study subjects based on a core/elective system. The core subjects covered are English, Maths, Science and Humanities. There is a choice of 3 electives per semester from the following areas: Food, Art, Music, Law, PE, Geography, Textiles, Visual Communication, Metal and Wood.

Year 10 Careers Program:
All Students in Year 10 complete a Careers Program run by the College Careers Counsellor and are encouraged to take advantage of the Work Experience Program on offer. Work experience placement possibilities include:

Several block placements for 2 or more weeks
Placement in the work force for 1 day per week for a term
Placement in the work force for 2 days per week for a term
Regular afternoon work placement

Fast Tracking Opportunities::
Students who have identified a pathway to their desired future by the end of Year 9, or have an obvious passion or strength in a particular subject are provided the opportunity to 'Fast Track' for an early entry into either a VCE or Vocational Education pathway whilst in Year 10. Vocational Education is a direct effort to address the needs of students who are more focused on their future in the work force rather than going on to university studies. This helps to highlight to students the importance of the links between their studies at school and the workplace.

In choosing a Year 10 program we work with families to ensure that planning is not only for Year 10, but for Years 11, 12 and beyond.

Year 11 & 12 Seeting up for Success after NSC:
Numurkah Secondary College is committed to providing extensive programs for all students continuing their post compulsory education.

Course counselling for all students takes place in Term 3, involving Senior School teachers and our Career
Advisor, Parents and Students. Students can obtain advice regarding pathway planning to a particular career at any time and this is encouraged throughout their senior years of schooling. Students are encouraged to make full use of the Careers Centre and to explore all options, discussing any issues that arise with their Home Group Teacher or our Careers Counsellor.

In selecting subjects for Years 11 and 12, full consideration is given to the individual student’s intended pathway
beyond secondary college; this may include University, TAFE, apprenticeships/traineeships or employment. We aim for all students who leave Numurkah Secondary College to do so only after completing either one of the two senior certificate options:

•The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or
•The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).

Our College's senior school curriculum allows students to design an individual program through a comprehensive
range of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) & Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) studies providing real pathways to post secondary opportunities as outlined in the Senior Handbook.

We provide access to Certificate I, II or III credentials through a number of Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses offered in partnership with Goulburn Ovens TAFE. Many of our students also undertake a School Based
Apprenticeship. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and School Based Apprenticeships count as units towards both the VCE and the VCAL certificates.

Year 12 students are provided with a great deal of support in making choices for post-secondary options, particularly with Tertiary applications (University and TAFE) through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) system.