Secondary School

Years 7-10

The High School Program is responsive and appropriate to the developmental needs of young adolescents. Students experience a range of physical, intellectual, emotional and social change which impact on them daily. The teaching and learning cater to the full range of needs, interests and achievements of students in formal and informal schooling contexts.

Made by Ayush Kasiparsad (Year 9),Noah Stoddart (Year 10),Jaxson McLeish (Year 9),Sonam Penjor (Year 9)

Years 9 and 10 Senior Program

The theme for our Senior Years program is Future Pathways. All students are supported to develop their talents and skills to assist them in preparing for their future years beyond Year 10.

Learning and Curriculum

Namadgi Senior School delivers a two-year program that caters for the learning needs of a wide range of students. Students are encouraged to become active learners and to take increasing responsibility for their own learning. Emphasis is placed on students achieving their personal best. Students are supported by quality explicit instruction, relevant and engaging tasks and timely feedback in a caring and respectful environment.

Namadgi Senior School curriculum comprises of core subjects and elective units and is designed to meet the requirements of the Australian Curriculum and the ACT Framework

The core courses studied include English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science and Physical Education and Health. Languages are non-compulsory in the senior years. In addition to the core subjects, there are a number of elective units available to students. Students are required to complete eight elective subjects over two years and are advised to choose a balanced mix of electives, considering their own interests as well as subjects they wish to study at college or CIT.

Extension and Enrichment Learning Experiences

Students are encouraged to extend their specific talents and achieve excellence by participating in a range of available programs. Opportunities offered include, nationally and internationally recognised academic competitions, the Young Writers Workshop, Mathematics and Science workshops, debating, Tournament of Minds, Limelight: Dance, Senior Band and organised school sport competitions and programs. Students also have a range of leadership opportunities: School Captains, House Captains, Leadership Group members, SRC, Peer Support and participation in leadership conferences.

Our school is committed to building excellence in every area of the curriculum so that all students can achieve high levels of skills and understanding across a broad curriculum.

Careers and Vocational Education

Careers and Vocational Education at Namadgi is embedded into the curriculum across the school with students extended in the Senior School through participation in career education programs. These programs enable students to explore their personal interests and strengths and the links they provide to potential personal pathways. Student career development is further supported through the completion of their Pathways Plans ACT and participation in work experience. They can also nominate to undertake an Australian School based Apprenticeship (ASBA) or participate in flexible learning options.

Additionally, individual careers interviews are available to all students in the Secondary School and can be arranged by contacting the Careers Advisor. These interviews allow the student to discuss their plan in more detail and gain specific guidance for their personal pathways plan.

Work Experience (WEX)

Work experience is when students participate in a short-term placement in a workplace of their choice to learn first-hand about a specific career pathway and generally about the world of work. This is an unpaid placement which generally spans the period of one week.

At Namadgi School all students in Year 10 are expected to complete a work experience placement during the year and are encouraged to take responsibility to arrange the placement in the workplace of their choice. Work experience is also available to selected Year 9 students.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses enable students to gain knowledge and skills relevant to the workplace through completion of a nationally recognised training qualification. VET in the Senior School may take the from of short courses, an Australian School Based Apprenticeship (ASBA), flexible Learning options or in school through completion of an elective with VET competencies incorporated.

Australian School based Apprenticeships (ASBAs)

Australian School based Apprenticeships are available to students 15 years and older. They enable students to commence employment and training in particular fields whilst completing their schooling. Generally, students will attend the workplace 1 day, complete training towards achieving nationally recognised vocational qualifications 1 day per week and attend school the remaining 3 days.

ASBAs are available in the following fields, subject to employer availability;

Automotive

Aged Care

Animal Studies

Business

Carpentry

Childcare

Disability Services

Electrotechnology

General Construction

Hairdressing

Horticulture Hospitality

Information Technology

Library Information

Plumbing

Retail

Sport and Recreation

Transport and Logistics

If a student is interested in completing an ASBA they should arrange an appointment with the Careers Advisor to further discuss.

Japan Trip

Every two years, Namadgi School offers an exciting opportunity for Year 9 & 10 students to practice their Japanese language skills and experience the culture of Japan. Students have the opportunity to visit places such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, as well as Nagana in rural Japan. During the trip, visits to temples, shrines, museums, even a supermarket and a ride of a bullet train, will expose students to the richness of Japanese traditions and culture and gain knowledge of everyday Japanese life.

Another highlight of the trip is a visit to a Japanese high school, this offers students a chance to communicate with Japanese students of similar ages in both English and Japanese.

Food Technology

Food Technology is initially studied from primary years and is continued as part of the elective rotations and then is again on offer are a senior school elective. The focus in junior years is health, nutrition and food sustainability. All topics incorporate practical components where students develop their food hygiene and safety skills whilst furthering their understanding of ingredient functions and preparation methods. In senior years student are offered on a rotating basis either World Cuisines or Food Celebrations as a focus of study. In both electives students work towards hosting a food fair where groups are responsible for planning and preparing a food stall.

Year 10 Transition to College

Students and families are supported throughout the year in preparing the Year 10 students for their transition into college. Information sessions are hosted for families and students to provide guidance for the process. All students and their families also participate in a 3-way interview where students’ individual choices are discussed.

Once students have secured a place in college additional transitions are arranged. These vary between colleges but generally consist of a transition day, small group visits, meet and greets with staff members and class triallings.

Electives offered at Namadgi School

Languages

Physical Education and Health

Science

Introductory Wood

Introductory Metal

Information Technology

Textiles

Food Technology

The Arts

Visual Arts

Performing Arts

Humanities

Leadership

Students Recognition

Over the senior years, students earn graduation points. They are recognised for the work they do both in and outside of school. The points are awarded according to the four school values of learning, respect, caring and having a positive attitude. One hour of activity in their own time equates to one point. Successful grades also earn points. When students graduate they are presented with a certificate that includes a breakdown of their points. The Graduation Points system exists to recognise students’ efforts and encourage our students to become well rounded citizens.

Students are also recognised for exemplary academic efforts, community service, citizenship, creativity in the Arts and sportsmanship during regular assemblies and special presentation assemblies.

Assessment

The year 10 Certificate is awarded to students who have successfully completed their studies in years 9 and 10. This certificate details the courses and grades achieved in Years 9 and 10. Students need to meet a number of requirements which include satisfactory completion of courses, attendance and student conduct.