Key Learning Areas
Download a printable copy of the Overview of Key Learning Areas: KLAFlyer.pdf (PDF 2 MB)
All curriculum is delivered in an environment where the welfare of each student is paramount. Every student is given the opportunity to experience success and achieve potential.
- The teaching and learning environment caters for and promotes the different learning styles and abilities found in the classroom and beyond.
- Literacy and numeracy are key foci for all year levels, ensuring students are well-equipped to achieve their best possible outcomes
- Co-operation with Sacred Heart College and Clonard College enables co-instruction for boys and girls, offering a wider choice of learning opportunities at Years 11 and 12.
A Balanced Curriculum
Refer to General Teaching Programs
St Joseph’s College Geelong provides the opportunity for all students to participate in a broad, innovative and well-balanced curriculum based on the nine Key Learning Areas:
- Religious Education
- Arts – Creative and Performing
- English
- Health and Physical Education
- LOTE (Languages Other Than English) – Italian and Chinese
- Mathematics
- Science
- SOSE (Studies of Society and Environment)
- Technology – Information, Materials and Systems
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
St Joseph’s College Geelong was founded in 1935 by the Christian Brothers, providing a comprehensive education for boys within the Geelong region.
The College’s motto Ad Alta Virtute translates as “strive for the highest in a manly way”, reminding us that we are born for higher things – testimony to which is found in the life of St Joseph, our patron Saint.
Aim
Our aim is to provide a secure, caring learning environment where all students are given the opportunity to develop their God-given talents to their highest level in order to lead informed and meaningful lives considerate of the needs of others. It is through the development of the whole person - the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional and social dimensions - that this potential can be best realised.
Religious Education
RE is an integral part of school life. Whilst it permeates all aspects of the Curriculum, RE also comprises part of the core curriculum for all year levels.
Gospel Values
Gospel values are intended to permeate the curriculum. They should be used in conscious and varied ways so that they are reflected in both content and methodology of the courses offered. They include: justice, freedom, compassion, respect for self and others, particular respect for the marginalised, honesty and love.
Pastoral Care and Personal Development
Personal development includes education in living skills and study skills, understanding personal relationships and learning about body function, sexuality, health and nutrition. These are taught across the curriculum with different subjects being responsible for various aspects of the program.
Personal development opportunities are also provided at each Year Level. These include Camps, special excursions, visiting speakers and social occasions.
Pastoral Care is provided as an integral part of all aspects of school life, including a teacher's approach in the classroom. In particular:
- students at Year 7 have Year 10 students who provide assistance through the Peer Support Scheme
- we conduct "Seasons”, a program involving peer and adult support for students who have suffered from family break down or other personal grief
- all classes have a Class Teacher who is concerned with their overall welfare
- there are Student Counsellors who are available for those students with on-going or more acute problems
- a School Chaplain is also available to assist students in times of need.
Students are given access to a wide range of learning opportunities
These opportunities cover the main areas of learning described by VCAA as well as Religious Education.
In Years 8, 9 and 10 students choose subjects, apart from Religious Education, in a vertical curriculum, according to their achievements and interests.
Year 10 students have the opportunity to select some VCE units if their achievement is at a satisfactory level, undertake courses in VET.
Senior students also have the opportunity to select VCE subjects offered at Sacred Heart College and Clonard College and VET providers such as the Gordon TAFE and VCAL subjects. These provides important avenues of choice for students.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to be relevant to the needs of students and to enhance the growth of each student. It is regular and involves a range of strategies, including examinations as appropriate. Some assessment is cumulative.
Reports
Reports to parents are issued at a specific time each Term. They recognise the level of achievement in relation to VELS or VCE outcomes, the quality of Assessment Tasks and the nature of student attitudes and behaviours. Teacher comments attempt to highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of student performance and offer ways that these can be enhanced or overcome.
Careers
Learning opportunities are provided within the Careers Education Program, VCE Unit 1 Industry & Enterprise, and other programs. Courses are organised for students to become acquainted with job-related and leisure skills to enable them to critically appraise possible options. Students are provided with opportunities for Work Experience as part of the Curriculum at Year 10. Vocational Education and Training and VCAL provide career paths for students.
Extra-curricular activities
Students may participate in various cultural, academic, sporting and leisure activities arranged by the school. These include: choir, bands, stage performance, debating, public speaking, Science Summer Schools, various academic competitions, football, cricket, athletics, tennis, basketball, golf, cross-country running, badminton, cycling, surfing and chess.
Facilities
College facilities include: a Chapel; Learning Technologies Centre; Peter Cannon Centre (Auditorium); specialist band and music rooms, including a classroom of keyboards; Gymnasium/multi-purpose centre; Library, Darkroom; Science laboratories, Food Technology laboratory, Art rooms, Graphics rooms, Technology Centre, Woodwork Centre, Weights/exercise room, Ovals, Tennis courts, Basketball courts and Cricket nets.
Curriculum Decision Making
The Curriculum Committee is comprised of the Director of Curriculum and the KLA Leaders. Others can be co-opted when required. This group meets twice per term to review, plan, organise and implement curriculum decisions and to make recommendations to full staff meetings and to the Principal. Faculties meet to deal with their particular Learning Areas. Year Levels meet to deal with student progress and curriculum issues across a given Year Level.
The work of the Curriculum Committee is informed by the Curriculum Executive which identifies, discusses and seeks understandings of issues related to curriculum development. Membership of the Curriculum Executive includes: Principal, Deputy Principal, Director of Curriculum, Learning Enhancement Co-ordinator, VCE Co-ordinator, Professional Development Co-ordinator, Faculty Co-ordinator, Year Level Co-ordinator and other co-opted people.
GENERAL ORGANISATION
Year 7 - all CORE, thirty (30) periods per week
Students can choose one LOTE after Year 7.
Years 8, 9 & 10 - Religious Education, three (3) periods a week
- Phys Ed Practical, two (2) periods per week
- Six (6) Pathways subject units per Semester/four (4) periods per week
Year 11 - VCE Units 1 & 2 - four (4) periods per week per subject plus two (2) periods of sport
Year 12 - VCE Units 3 & 4 - four and a half (4.5) periods per week per subject