Later Years Curriculum
The Later Years at Lalor Secondary College are a time when we expect increased maturity and self-reliance from our students. Consequently, our students are able to select from a broader range of subjects. Some parts of the year 10 curriculum focus directly on preparing our students for VCE and VCAL. Our year 10 Humanities, Health and Physical Education and Science subjects include elective components within the core studies that allow for increased choice depending on the interests of students and the career and study pathway they intend to follow.
In year 10, students also begin to make decisions regarding the subjects they will undertake in the senior years. Students may choose to undertake a more traditional VCE course or the Victorian Certificate in Applied Learning (VCAL). In addition, our students are able to study a Vocational Education and Training course through providers outside the school.
Teachers in our school develop a shared understanding of how students learn and what constitutes effective teaching practice. All teachers commonly engage in collegiate activities to improve pedagogical practice and ensure that every student is provided with the right conditions and instruction for optimal learning. VCE teachers particularly focus on preparation for the VCAA Examinations and direct students to appropriate study materials, documentation on the VCAA web site and provide guidance and support for additional home study completion. VCAL teachers promote independent learning and organisational skills to assist students in meeting the requirements of this course.
All students are encouraged to become independent learners and participate in regular self-reflections. Each student is empowered with information about learning and achievement and we aim to build the confidence of students to articulate individual learning needs and engage in learning in the context of the ever changing 21st Century. All students should ask themselves - ‘What can I do to improve my learning?’ Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential for success in the senior years and our teachers promote this through reliable strategies that continue from the Middle Years.
Year 10 – ‘A Time to Choose’
Core and choice elements are included within the curriculum in year 10. As well as electives, students may opt to undertake VCE subjects in year 10, provided their academic results are strong. Students are encouraged to begin considering the pathway they will follow through years 11 and 12 and then on to post compulsory study or employment. Year 10 students complete formal examinations in English, Maths, Science and Humanities subjects.
Year 11—‘A Time to Specialise’
VCE students select six subjects including English or Literature. Subjects should be selected based on interests, chosen educational or employment pathways and ability and academic results. VCE students also complete formal examinations at mid-year and the end of the year. VCAL students must meet the individual requirements of their subjects and complete a vocational component within their course.
Year 12—‘A Time to Excel’
In 2011, our VCE and VCAL results showed outstanding improvement. We challenge our year 12 students to build on this achievement in 2012 through their academic achievements and commitment to learning. The Senior Study Centre is an ideal environment in which our year 12 students can work productively and seek assistance from their teachers.
Student Reporting and Monitoring
All students at years 10-12 participate in examinations throughout the year which form an important component of their assessment. Students are provided with revision materials and strategies by their teachers.
In addition, each year there are four formal reports prepared for parents. In Terms One and Three interim reports are prepared which are also supported with parent teacher conference days/evenings. At the end of Terms Two (Semester One) and Term 4 (Semester Two) comprehensive reports for every subject, are prepared for every student at years 10 and 11. Year 12 students receive their official VCAA results in December.
At all times parents are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s education. If parents do have any concerns, then they are advised to ring to school and discuss any issues with the relevant Student Managers.
Click the links below to the handbooks.
Curriculum Structure
