Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Curriculum
focus at Year 7 & 8?
A: In Years 7 and 8 all students study a comprehensive curriculum
designed to give them a taste of most of the areas that the College has
to offer. Subjects are as follows: English, Mathematics,
Science, Humanities (S.O.S.E.), L.O.T.E. (German or Indonesian), Music,
Physical Education, Sport, Health Education, Pastoral Care, Art,
Technology, Information Technology and Drama.
Q: What is the Curriculum
focus at Year 9?
A: Year 9 students study the “Learning For
Life” integrated program in our purpose built Year 9 Centre. This
new program was adopted in 2007 has been highly successful and produced
some significant positive results.
Q: What is the Curriculum
focus at Year 10?
A: At Year 10 students become part of the senior school program. Courses
are selected based on a student’s interests and career pathways. The aim
of Year 10 is to offer students a wide and varied curriculum which will
prepare them for the VCE, VCAL and beyond. Some students may
commence their VCE pathway by studying a VCE subject in Year 10.
Q: What is the Curriculum
focus at Year 11 & 12?
A: Patterson River Secondary College offers a wide range of subjects
(approximately 42) at Years 11 and 12 in all eight Key Learning Areas.
This allows students to follow one of three pathways or a combination of
the three.
VCE: (Victorian Certificate of Education) offers a certificate that is widely used by students as a pathway to tertiary education such as University or TAFE courses.
VCAL: (Victorians Certificate of Applied Learning) is an alternative to the VCE where students concentrate on acquiring work related skills. Students who study VCAL are more likely to be interested in going onto training at TAFE, beginning an apprenticeship or going straight to the workplace on completing Year 12.
VET: Students also have the opportunity to enrol in Vocational Education and Training (VET) or Part-time Apprenticeships. These courses are offered through partnerships with TAFE Colleges and other providers. Students receive a National Certificate II qualification at an industry standard.
Q: What learning support
facilities do you offer?
A: Patterson River offers
Literacy and Learning Support programs for students from Years 7 – 10
who require support to further develop basic skills.
Q: Do you have any
accelerated learning or enrichment programs?
A: At Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 we run a selected entry “Excel” class. The
Excel program is aimed at students who are self motivated, academically
high achievers, well organised, possess a sound work ethic and have a
strong desire to succeed. Further information regarding the Excel
program can be sought through the college.
Q: What are your
computer facilities like?
A: The College has six computer labs available for classes.
Students use these computers at all year levels in a variety of
subjects. The Year 9
Centre and the Photography Department are equipped with laptop
computers. The Art
Department has Apple computers and the Music Department runs Sibelius
music software on their own computers. We have recently received
federal funding to allow us to purchase laptops for student use.
Q: What about the
sporting program at the College?
A: The College competes against five other schools in the local area, in
a range of sporting activities. In addition, there are the House
Swimming and Athletics Carnivals and many other opportunities to play
sport both within the College program and against other schools.
Q: Are there any camps
for students to go on?
A:
Outdoor and Environmental Education studies is currently offered at Year
10, 11 and 12. It aims to
stimulate, challenge and encourage students to experience the outdoors,
through many different activities, some of which include camps.
The Year 7 camp to Phillip Island is an annual event. We have a
sister school in Lorch, Germany. Every second year, students from our
school visit Lorch, and in the alternate year, students from Lorch visit
our school. During 2008, students undertook study trips to
Canberra (Year 9) Malaysia, and to the Kalahari school in Africa.
A group of students also walked the Kokoda track.
Q: What about the music
program at the College?
A: There is an extensive music program. In addition to the classroom
subject of Music, the College offers tuition in many orchestral
instruments by qualified staff through the Instrumental Music program.
Students who learn an instrument must practice daily and participate in
the College Band. The annual Musical Soiree is a highlight of the year.
In addition, one of the VET subjects offered at the College is Music
(available to senior students).
Q: What performing arts
activities do you offer?
A: Each year there are a variety of music and drama performances that
students can become involved in.
These are of a high quality and involve students from all year
levels. Students at the College regularly participate in plays,
productions, the Rock Eisteddfod and dance and drama performances.
Student leadership and responsibility are emphasised in all of these
areas with a large number of students being involved.
Q: How much homework is
expected?
A:
A regular program of home study is essential for all students.
Students need to learn to work by themselves in their own time so
that they may develop a degree of independence as well as ensure that
they complete all their allotted work.
At most year levels a homework club operates after school for
three days each week to assist students. As a rough guide,
Years
7 and 8:
1 hour per week night,
Years
9 and
10:
2 – 3 hours per week
night, and VCE - at least 3-4 hours per week
night.
Q:How do I know what is
happening at the College?
A:
The College is committed to keeping parents informed
of what is happening at school.
Channels exist to promote better communication between the
College and home. These include end of term (interim) and
semester reports, parent teacher nights (at the end of Term 1 and Term
3), the fortnightly newsletter (every second one is mailed home), and
through the College intranet site, Sharepoint. Newsletters are
also available on the News link.
Q:
What happens if there
is a problem at school?
A:
At each
year level there are level co-ordinators who are experienced teachers
with responsibilities for counselling, discipline, attendance,
monitoring academic progress and where necessary, referring students for
special guidance. Parents
should normally contact the Year Level Co-ordinators first over matters
of concern.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: More information be obtained by contacting the Office during business hours, or by sending us an Email.