Middle School News

Introduction to Senior School Pathways

Dear Year 9 parents/guardians,

As you will all be aware, students in Year 9 will start to make some significant choices about their future Senior School pathways. With this in mind, all Year 9 students were addressed this week at their year level assembly to discuss the importance of their studies this year and the impact that their efforts and achievements will have on their choices for next year. 

We specifically explored with students the criteria that they will have to meet if they would like to undertake a VCE subject in Year 10. In addition, their Year 9 Maths results and Science results will also inform the Maths and Science pathways open to them in Year 10. These early discussions have taken place so that students understand the impact their semester 1 results will have on these choices.

The criteria for a VCE accelerated subject in Year 10 is as follows:

• Excellent Academic Results  (This will include Year 8 Cycles 1-6 and most importantly Cycles 1-3 in Year 9)
• 80+ across Cycles 1-3 in Year 9 in the subject area where a student wishes to accelerate
• 80+ across Cycles 1-3 in Year 9 in four other related subjects including English

** Please note that other Year 8 subject data may also be referred to as part of this process.

• Work Practices – Attitude and Effort on cycle reports will also be taken into consideration.
• Attendance - a minimum of 90% attendance, excluding approved absences.

Decisions will be based on the extent to which the criteria have been met, as well as the number of places available. Year 11 students will always have priority placement in a Year 11 subject.

At the assembly the common misconception with students that undertaking an accelerated VCE subject will allow students to have a reduced Year 12 workload was addressed. This is not the case. Students will still be expected to complete 5 studies in Year 12. The extra subject completed simply allows for students to have a bonus subject for their ATAR calculation.

Students will be provided with further information and guidelines regarding course selections and VCE acceleration applications late in Term 2. This will be followed by extensive course counselling for every student early in Term 3.

Regards,

Jarrod Sturnieks

Acting Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning

Student Lunches

Just a reminder to parents that we are unable to deliver lunches to students during school time.  If your student has forgotten their lunch, it can be dropped in to the General Office but it is the student’s responsibility to come and collect it. 

Hot food is not suitable to be left at the office.  PLEASE NOTE:- Take-away food is not allowed during school hours.

Under no circumstances are students to be ordering take-away food to be delivered to the College.

Student Compass ID/Library/PTV  Cards

Please remind all students that they must carry their Student Compass ID/Library/PTV  Cards with them at all times.

ALL students must sign in with their card at the Middle School Office when they are arriving late and sign out at the General Office when they are leaving early for any reason. 

The cards are also used for any student photocopying that is done at school. The EDSC Student Compass ID/Library card can be used as ID for student PTV (Public Transport Victoria) travel. They are required to carry this card as student identification while travelling on public transport.

If a student loses their card, parents/guardians are able to re-order a replacement card via the Compass parent portal.