Celebrating Successes: 2024 in Review
Monday 25 November 2024
As the academic year comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible strides made across all year levels at the College.
Our classrooms have evolved into dynamic spaces where creativity, technology, and inclusivity thrive. This year stands as a testament to the adaptability and ingenuity of both educators and students as they embrace the future of learning.
Early Learning Centre?
This year, the children in the Early Learning Centre (ELC) inspired us with their boundless curiosity, resilience, and accomplishments. These achievements reflect a shared commitment to nurturing a love for learning and fostering meaningful connections.
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ELC3:?Children embraced First Nations perspectives, deepening their understanding of culture and heritage, while building strong friendships and emotional regulation skills through the?Zones of Regulation?program.
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ELC4:?Celebrating diverse cultures fostered pride and belonging, and explorations of friendship taught kindness and cooperation.
Highlights of the year included excursions to Chesterfield Farm, the Moorabbin Air Museum, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as visits from?The Drama Toolbox?and?Puppet Kerfuffle. Celebrations like Mother¡¯s and Father¡¯s Day, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and the end-of-year concert encapsulated the joy of learning and connection. As Loris Malaguzzi said, “Nothing without joy!” –?a philosophy that resonates deeply in the ELC.
Junior School
In the Junior School, the?Programme of Inquiry?fostered authentic learning by connecting classroom concepts to the wider world through engaging provocations and meaningful action.
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Prep:?Parents shared cultural backgrounds as part of the inquiry into how?Culture connects us.
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Year 2:?Students visited Rippon Lea Estate to explore the concept of?Nothing stays the same.
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Year 4:?Guest speakers joined discussions during their Exhibition inquiry on?Meaningful action builds and supports community.
Experiences like these encouraged students to take ownership of their learning and apply their understanding in real-world contexts.
Years 5 and 6
The Years 5 and?6 program empowers students to take charge of their learning, focusing on goal setting, reflection, and preparation for secondary school. Teachers specialise in up to two subjects, ensuring deep and interdisciplinary understanding.
Experiential learning played a pivotal role, with trips to Sovereign Hill, Canberra, and Camp Ibis, as well as cocurricular opportunities like debating and public speaking. These experiences nurtured independence, curiosity, and resilience, equipping students with essential skills for lifelong learning.
English
Our English curriculum evolves to meet the demands of university studies and the world beyond. In Year 10, students explored the concept of humanity through screenplays, poems, and short stories, culminating in creating their own text in a chosen form. Comparative writing encouraged students to make text-to-text connections, preparing them for VCE and IB pathways. Through themes like justice, transformation, and discovery, students developed a deeper appreciation of literature¡¯s power to reveal truths about ourselves and the world.
Visual Art
Year 8 students explored the role of public art in addressing social and political issues. Through research and creative expression, they developed collaborative murals that were displayed within the College. This unit not only introduced students to contemporary art practices but also encouraged them to engage with meaningful topics in a community context.
DigiSTEM
In Year 11 Applied Computing, students designed innovative solutions, including a collaborative puzzle game that combined creativity, inclusivity, and programming skills. This project demonstrated how technology fosters both individuality and teamwork, showcasing the power of creativity in computing.
Health and Physical Education
Video analysis tools revolutionised PE classes in 2024, providing students with personalised feedback on skills like netball shots and running techniques. This technology fostered inclusivity and self-awareness, enabling students to track their progress visually while teachers offered tailored guidance.
Commerce
Year 8 students participated in the new?Law and Order?elective, learning about democratic rights through interactive activities like mock elections with the Australian Electoral Commission. Year 11 Legal Studies students visited the County and Supreme Courts, gaining firsthand insights into the legal system and jury processes.
Drama
The inaugural Drama Soir¨¦e celebrated the achievements of senior Drama students. Alumni Joshua Gordon shared how his experiences at the College shaped his career in musical theatre, inspiring students to pursue their passions. Additionally, Year 7 students combined Drama and History studies in the?Night of the Notables, embodying historical figures and presenting their research to families.
Humanities
Year 8 Geography students honed fieldwork skills during excursions to Melbourne Zoo, collecting qualitative and quantitative data on visitor interactions. This hands-on approach prepared them for IB coursework while deepening their understanding of human and environmental dynamics.
Science
Students brought creativity to science by pitting pathogens against each other in imaginative formats like animated battles and video games. This interdisciplinary project fostered deep engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration, sparking enthusiasm for microbiology.
Library
Our Library continues to thrive, not only as a resource for reading and research but as a vibrant hub where students engage with activities, crafts, games, after school homework, and?weekend study with the support of Student Study Assistants.
