Care and Concern
What to expect in the Middle Years in 2019
Year 7
Beginning high school is an exciting and challenging time in all young people’s lives. Whilst the beginning of the year will seem somewhat hectic with the change in environment, different routines and increased demand on personal organisation, it won’t take long before the students settle into secondary school life.
As the first term progresses and the initial ‘transition’ phase is over, the students will need to settle into a stronger focus on their learning and develop a healthy work ethic and habits for success. We provide the students with many opportunities to meet new friends, including the Peer Support Program, Year 7 Camp, The Endeavour Way days and the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. There are many extra-curricular activities available for students in the areas of Sport, Music and Drama as well as leadership opportunities in areas such as the SAT, and we encourage students to become involved in areas of interest that will bring a fullness to school life.
Year 8
For students new to Endeavour in 2019, the year will be one of transition, supported by both continuing students and staff. For all students, Year 8 will offer a range of opportunities to develop a stronger sense of connectedness and belonging. Two days of off campus activities early in Term 1 will offer students the opportunity to really get to know their peers, as will the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. In Year 8, students will be introduced to a higher number of teachers in various disciplines and will be encouraged to become increasingly independent in their learning and study habits. Again, we continue to encourage involvement in the extra curricular opportunities on offer.
Year 9
Year 9 is a time when a special focus will be placed on personal identity and the choices students make. All Year 9 students are involved in The Voyage, a program that supports the transition from early adolescence to young adulthood. This program gives each student an opportunity to examine their options and choose which direction they want to take. Throughout the year, the students will be reminded to challenge themselves socially, emotionally, physically and academically. The Voyage program will culminate in a week long camp during Term 4.
Middle Years Team
What to expect in the Senior Years in 2019
Year 10
Year 10 is the year where students begin to have greater awareness and responsibility for their future. This is through more flexible choice with respect to subjects and off-campus options like VET courses. The PLP supports students through this process and engages them with research about careers they may wish to pursue. Students develop an awareness of pathways that allow them to achieve goals; subjects for subsequent years, trade and work pathways. The PLP also entails participation in Work Experience.
This is also a year where students approach their school life with increasing maturity and assume greater accountability for their actions. Students build on the relationships they have with staff. These relationships are about cooperative teaching and learning to achieve potential which translates to a productive and successful life at school.
Year 10 students will also be able to seek advice and information on further study and career pathways through the individual course counselling program. This program of one on one subject counselling assists students in making sound choices for their pathway into further study and other pathways; best preparing them for life beyond their secondary schooling.
Year 11
In Year 11 students have chosen subjects that more specifically lead them to their chosen pathways. Students establish goals and pursue future aspirations both in education and beyond. Organisation, planning and time management are all crucial for success as Year 11 students balance school-life, family and work commitments. It is a year of progress and development to ensure students are consolidating positive habits, behaviours and routines as they prepare for their final year of secondary education.
The focus for Year 11 is ‘Emerging Leadership’. They are encouraged to embrace their potential as leaders. Peer Support is an important focus at the beginning of the year. Year 11 students have significant interactions through mentorship of the Year 7 students. The Year 11 students provide a safe and caring environment to assist these younger students to feel safe and supported in their new community. Year 11 students are encouraged throughout the year to take responsibility in a variety of ways to develop confidence and independence.
Year 12
Year 12 focuses on consistent academic application throughout the year and maintaining a disciplined balance of all commitments. Through guidance from teachers and support staff, the Year 12 students of Endeavour College will have every opportunity to succeed in their learning in what is a demanding, but ultimately rewarding final year of study.
The final year of secondary study for students at Endeavour College also involves a number of exciting activities and events. It is a year where students experience their many ‘lasts’ and sentimentally reflect on their time at the College. The Formal and Retreat are unique events on the Year 12 calendar. Students connect and share as a cohort consolidating the relationships they have developed throughout their time at the College. Their leadership of the College through the Student Executive, Village and Extra Curricular Leaders, and the Student Action Team are important in fostering a culture where student agency and advocacy are authentic.
Year 12 students will also be able to seek advice and information on further study and other pathways through the individual Transition Counselling program. This program of counselling, assists students in making sound choices; best preparing them for life beyond their secondary schooling.
Throughout the Senior Years, support continues to be available from the College Counsellor, Chaplain and Youth Worker, who work directly with students and are also involved in our various pastoral and wellbeing programs. Likewise the role of Adaptive Education continues into Senior Years, to support specific student learning needs.
At the heart of our College is the Word of God and the values and worldview that come from it. All activities are underpinned by the message of hope and the reality of grace that comes from Jesus Christ. This informs how we approach pastoral care and wellbeing, and implement programs in the College community, consistent with ‘The Endeavour Way’.
Senior Years Team