Teaching and Learning Program for 2025

In 2025, BYCS will be piloting a new approach to the teaching of physical education and of music. In acknowledging that the school has several students who find the significant noise and movement of traditional physical education overwhelming and, similarly, find the enthusiastic clamour of a traditional music class. In response, students will be able to select between the standard PE class and 'Quiet' PE. Quiet PE will focus less on sport and more on individual physical and mental health activities in a quieter classroom environment. Similarly, 'Quiet' Music will be available for those students who need to explore music and music production in a quieter and calmer space.

The Advance Program will be replaced with Future Ready. Through Future Ready, our students will take part in opportunities to understand their potential, develop their skills, reach their goals and be confident in their unique identity. The sessions, timetabled for Wednesday afternoons in 2025, will involve a wide variety of activities including work placement or volunteering, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning opportunities, to support students on their path to higher education or employment. Furthermore, Future Ready will provide leadership opportunities, supporting students to develop practical skills in teamwork, decision making, communication and project management.

The afternoon electives program for Years 7 to 10 will continue at Richmond in 2025, shifting to Tuesday and to Friday afternoons. There will be a process at the commencement of the 2025 school year for students to select their elective classes.

As mentioned in the Principal's Message, the school's four VET workshops (Cookery, Furniture Making, Building and Construction, and Automotive) are all up and running again at BYCS Coburg in 2025. As the core of our Coburg program, we are excited to start the new year with each of our workshop facilities in full use. Additionally, 2025 will be the first year we have provided a full twelve-month Year 10 program at our Coburg campus.

Student reports in 2025

In 2025, student reports will continue to be available digitally, via Compass. Printed reports will still be available upon request. To determine which student reports require printing, Home group teachers will be in contact with families before student reports are finalised teach term.

End of Year Camp

What an unforgettable week it was at our Walkerville School Camp! Over the course of five sun-soaked days, our students displayed incredible resilience, teamwork, and positivity as they embraced every challenge and opportunity that came their way.

The camp was filled with a variety of activities designed to engage and challenge our students. From the thrill of surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding to the quiet focus required for fishing, there was something for everyone. Our scenic hike offered beautiful beach views at Wilson’s Promontory and a chance for students to test their endurance, while the survival challenge saw them working together to problem-solve and put their outdoor skills to the test. The camp culminated in a heartwarming and highly entertaining talent show, where students showcased their unique skills, creativity, and confidence in front of their peers and teachers.

One of the most memorable aspects of the camp was seeing students overcome personal challenges and step outside their comfort zones. New friendships were formed, existing bonds grew stronger, and the laughter shared throughout the week was infectious.

A big thank you to our dedicated staff who supported our students every step of the way. Your encouragement and guidance helped make this camp a success. We are so proud of every student for their enthusiasm, courage, and kindness toward one another. Walkerville School Camp 2024 was certainly a highlight.

Camp was a very enjoyable experience we did many fun things like walks, surfing and many team-building experiences. I watch as many new friendships started. Walkerville campground was gorgeous. I think at some point or another all the students had fun because the teachers were so amazing and all the students are very thankful they gave up there time to come on camp with us. - Bronte, Year 8

Staff vs Students basketball

On October 31 Thursday, there was a Students vs Teachers Basketball game. The starting five were: Peter at C, James at PF, me (Liam) at SF, Harley at SG, and Eli at PG for the students and for the teachers it was, Noah, Jo, Fiona, Belinda, and Ralph. It was an amazing game but it didn’t start that way. At the end of the second quarter I ended on 0 points 0 rebounds and 1 foul. I was obviously mad at myself due to the performance - so mad that I accidentally broke my headband! But I knew that I could do better and, no matter how many misses, defeats, or fouls, I'd strive to be better.

I’ll never forget this moment: it is the fourth quarter, with 1 minute left to go we are down by two. I get the ball, passed to me and over two defenders, and I do a step-back three pointer, 100% contested, and make it! The crowd and my teammates goes crazy, so now we’re up by 1 with 30 seconds left on the clock, someone shots and unfortunately misses then Noah gets the rebound ... but from out of nowhere I strip him of the ball, drive in and do a reverse layup.

The adrenaline I got from that was so uncontrollable that I yelled full of passion and fulfilment knowing that we have an actual chance to win. When the timer ran out we were unsure of what happened but, once we realised we had won, it felt like the NBA championship. Everyone had their role and exceeded it and it was a great game from all; the teachers and students, the umpiring and score-keeping. - Liam (Year 11)

Visit to McClelland Sculpture Gallery

I enjoyed our visit to the McClelland Art Sculpture in Langwarrin was amazing because the sculptures were all different and had their own story and characteristics. Just walking around the place was incredible, the weather was perfect and the scenery was exquisite. - Liam (Year 11)

Term 1 (date)	Activity
28 Jan 2025	Student-free day (school staff return)
29 Jan 2025	First day of Term 1, 2025 (students return to school)
4 Feb 2025	Welcome BBQ & Parent Information Evening (Richmond campus)
5 Feb 2025	Welcome BBQ & Parent Information Evening (Coburg campus)

Dates to Remember