PADUA College’s year 10 students from Tyabb and Rosebud will be based at the school’s Mornington campus from 2019.
The move comes amid a series of curriculum changes outlined in the school’s educational strategic plan, launched last week by principal Anthony Banks.
“The plan will mean greater flexibility for subject choices for year 10 students, including making year 11 and year 12 VCE and VCAL subjects available a year earlier and offering more VET courses on-site,” he said.
“It also outlines a revitalised, stand-alone year 9 program and a streamlined year 7-8 curriculum to be rolled out in 2018.”
Mr Banks made the announcement following a six months of consultation with education professionals, staff, students and parents, and a review of several educational models.
“The changes have been overwhelmingly well received by our school community and we’re pleased to be moving forward,” he said.
“We’re adopting exciting new programs and restructuring the campuses to best meet the challenges and needs of our students into the future.”
A new building at Mornington will cater for the extra year 10 students, with plans being released in October.
Mr Banks said Padua would also receive “significant investment in upgrading current facilities as well as new IT programs and learning spaces designed to complement and enhance our new curriculum”.
“Engaging year 9 students and meeting their educational needs is critical in ensuring these students stay in school,” Mr Bankss aid.
“We know there is a strong link between those in year 9 who intend to complete year 12 and those who go on to do just that.
A new director will research the various programs around the state to develop a stand-alone year 9 program across all three campuses.
This will provide opportunities for campuses to come together in learning clusters under the current house system.
“It will encourage greater opportunities for leadership and equip every student with a better understanding of how they learn and a true desire to do the best they can.”
Mr Banks said the years 7-8 curriculum would focus on science, technology, English, arts and maths “which will see students learn through problem solving and inquiry-based learning, tapping into their particular interests. It will also provide students with opportunities to extend their learning. I am confident that the improvements outlined in our educational strategic plan will equip all students with the social, entrepreneurial and life skills they need to have a positive impact on the world in which they live.”
First published in the Mornington News – 16 August 2016
