Learning and Wellbeing
Learning
Learning Overview
Curriculum Years 7-9
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 complete a broad and diverse curriculum that enables them to develop knowledge, skill and understanding across all subject areas and disciplines.
The learning schedule at each year level provides the opportunity for engagement in core, specialist and elective subjects as well as opportunities to build skills associated with inquiry, interdisciplinary and project-based learning.
Academic pathways and learning experiences exist to suit the needs and interest of each individual. As such, various opportunities and programs that facilitate acceleration, enrichment and learning support operate at all year levels and within all subject areas.
The tables below contain an overview of the subject areas that are included in the learning schedule at each year level. The design of the curriculum within each subject area is informed by evidence based best practice and the Victorian Curriculum.
| Year 7: | Year 8: | Year 9: |
|---|---|---|
Religious Education |
Religious Education |
Religious Education |
English |
English |
English |
Mathematics |
Mathematics |
Mathematics |
Science |
Science |
Science |
Humanities |
Humanities |
Humanities |
Health and Physical Education |
Health and Physical Education |
Health and Physical Education |
Languages (Indonesian/Italian) |
Languages (Indonesian or Italian) |
Languages (Indonesian or Italian) |
Design Technologies (Food/Textiles) |
Design Technologies (Food/Textiles) |
Enterprise Skills |
Performing Arts (Drama/Music) |
Performing Arts (Drama/Music) |
Elective Program:
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Visual Arts |
Visual Arts |
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Programs associated with the following also operate within each year level:
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The following resource provides further information:
Learning and Teaching Program Quick Guide
Read NowCurriculum Overview
Curriculum Years 10-12
A wide range of core, elective and specialist subjects operate at Year 10. These aim to complement the learning schedules offered across Years 7-9 whilst laying a foundation for student success within Years 11 and 12.
Within Year 10, significant resources are devoted to student pathways planning and the development of assessment capable learners who own and navigate their learning whilst knowing their preferred learning style and individual strengths.
Students have the opportunity to commence their senior pathway in Year 10, having access to the wide selection of subjects and modules that form part of the VCAA Senior Pathways.
The table below provides an overview of the Year 10 Learning Schedule. The curriculum offered within each subject area is informed by evidence based best practice, the Victorian Curriculum and key elements of the VCAA Senior Pathways.
| Year 10: | ||
|---|---|---|
Religious Education |
Elective Program: STEM Food Studies Design Thinking Digital Technologies Textiles CHAOS Lab Drama Indonesian Italian |
Media Music Performance Outdoor Environmental Studies Art Visual Communication Design Literature |
English |
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Mathematics |
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Science |
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Humanities |
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Health and Physical Education |
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Community and Careers |
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Programs associated with the following also operate within Year 10:
Options also exist for students to pursue senior studies not listed above. Further information associated with this is available via the Executive Deputy Principal (Learning and Operations) and the Director of Learning and Pathways. |
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The College offers a range of Senior Pathways across Years 11 and 12. The VCAA Guidelines are used to tailor pathways to suit individual student needs and interests, providing them with access to a wide range of subjects and courses that link them to their post-secondary field of choice. The tables below provide a snapshot of the Senior Pathways on offer. Opportunities exist to customise these pathways to suit the needs and interests of each individual.
A full list of the subjects offered within each pathway are available via the Learning and Teaching Program Quick Guide.
Senior Pathways
Year 11 |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Scored Pathway (ATAR) |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Non-Scored Pathway |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) –Accelerated Learning Pathway |
VCE Vocational Major |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – VET Pathway |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – School Based Apprenticeship Pathway |
Year 12 |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Scored Pathway (ATAR) |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Non-Scored Pathway |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – University Acceleration Pathway |
VCE Vocational Major |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – VET Pathway |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – School Based Apprenticeship Pathway |
Tertiary Preparation Program (In partnership with RMIT University and St Bernard’s College) |
The following resource provides further information:
Booklists
To support the learning and teaching programs in operation, students are required to have the resources listed for each subject on the Booklist. These resources have been purposely selected based on best practice research associated with high impact learning and teaching. They aim to maximise student growth whilst also facilitating the acquisition of knowledge, skill and understanding.
Families are invited to use the links provided to access the Booklist for each year level. Specific instructions will be provided to students completing Accelerated Learning Programs.
All orders must be completed via www.campion.com.au using code “GXMK” by Sunday 17 December 2023.
Helene Library
The Helene Library is a contemporary, inviting and functional space for reading and researching along with both collaborative and individual learning. Students are welcome to study in the Library before or after school, at recess or lunch and in their Independent Study Periods.
The Helene Library is also a popular venue for Co-Curricular activities such as Book Club, Writers Club, Creative Spaces etc.
The Helene Library provides a wide open-plan space used for group meetings, private study or browsing the shelves of our diverse collection of books and resources.
The Library is also home to our Learning Diversity and Careers teams and nearby are the Student Councillor and Psychologist – who are all available to students to ensure they are supported.
This learning environment is a vibrant hub of information, learning, reading and social interactions within the College community. The Library is committed to fostering and developing information literacy skills essential for life-long learning. Helene Library staff provide a friendly, supportive and resource rich environment for student learning.
The Helene Library webpage, accessed via AveSpace, gives students a range of resources to assist them in their studies, such as subject specific databases and newspaper indexes. The catalogue allows students to search for print and e-books, and reserve or renew books online.
Extended opening hours during the school term as well as most school holiday times are now available.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8.00am – 5.00 pm
(Wednesday Day 8 Closed from 2.34pm)
Friday: 8.00am – 4.00pm
Enquires: libdesk@avemaria.vic.edu.au
Learning Devices
Learning is redefined at Ave Maria College through the 1:1 ICT Device Program. All students and staff are provided with the Acer TravelMate Spin P4. These devices in conjunction with the Charter for Education, provide a foundation for meaningful and engaging experiences that extend learning beyond the boundaries of the physical classroom. The 1:1 ICT Program enables students to engage with the world and learning anywhere and at anytime despite their physical location.
The Acer TravelMate Spin P4 is embedded into the learning design and practice of each course. This tool further enhances the acquisition of knowledge, skill and understanding within each subject area.
Students receive their devices in their first week of Year 7 (or subsequent year levels if commencing at the College throughout Years 8-12.). Upon receipt of their devices, students engage in a strategic skill building program associated with ICT For Learning and are also supported to navigate the College Learning Management System (Ave Learning) and the various curriculum related resources that they have access to.
Learning Enhancement and Acceleration
Various pathways, programs and opportunities exist for acceleration and enrichment at Ave Maria College. Built on a foundation of best practice educational research and the Charter for Education, learning experiences are tailor made to suit the needs and interests of each individual, ensuring growth is facilitated, strengths are celebrated and students are supported to perform to their full potential.
Access to learning enhancement and acceleration is facilitated from Year 7 through to Year 12 with students having access to specialist programs, learning opportunities and an individualised curriculum where required.
Students have the opportunity to commence their VCE, VET, Vocational Major and university studies early, completing a subject and/or programs that link with their pathway of choice.
Horizons Program
The Horizons Program is also available to students. This provides challenging educational experiences to stimulate critical and creative thinking whilst providing opportunities to develop skills in collaboration. Our Learner Attributes- Compassionate and Respectful; Creative and Critical Thinkers; Innovative and Independent; Determined and Resilient; Happy and Confident; and Courageous and Curious – are central to the thinking behind all activities and strategies implemented throughout the Horizons Program.
The College also hosts several co-curricular programs that extend opportunities for acceleration and enrichment beyond the classroom. These enable students of different year levels to collaborate and form connections based on common interests. These programs provide students with access to the world beyond the classroom to build networks, experience authentic settings and develop knowledge, skill and understanding.
Further information about the programs and pathways for acceleration and enrichment is available by making contact with the College.
Careers and Pathways
Ave Maria College aims to provide students with all the latest information that will help them make decisions about their future career and life beyond the College.
The Careers and Pathways Program operates from Years 7-12 in the form of specific courses and subjects, interdisciplinary units and various modules, immersion opportunities and community based experiences.
The College Careers and Pathways Department is available for students and families at all times. These staff work in partnership with students, families, staff and the community to ensure all students are supported in their academic journey and have options to pursue their pathways of choice.
The Ave Maria College Careers website can be used to locate Universities, TAFE and any other types of courses across Australia. Students can collect information about their studies, search for job vacancies and much more.
Students and parents/carers can also use this service to book an appointment with members of the Careers and Pathways Team.
Careers Website
