Project Refresh- Realising the Vision

Progress Report

This year, curriculum leaders at the school are reviewing the ways we deliver programs at Northcote, and the manner in which we prepare our students to meet the future. We are preparing a Master Plan for curriculum provision in response to changes occurring around us. Part of our work is researching approaches taken in other schools, particularly approaches which increase student choice over learning.

Ten teachers from Northcote headed to Geelong on the 2nd of September to visit Kardinia International College. We have been investigating the benefits of vertically organized timetables for students, and Kardinia has used this system of organizing its curriculum offerings with success for 20 years. In a vertical system, it is easier for students to choose a pathway thorough the curriculum that suits them, rather than following a 'one size fits all' approach. One of the theories of action we have developed is about improving student engagement through providing more pathways for students at all levels.  the At Kardinia, students begin choosing their subjects right from Year 7. The school has a similar profile to ours, with over a thousand students, most of whom continue to tertiary education.

We were welcomed warmly, and the school was incredibly generous in sharing the ways they deal with the logistics of managing a student-centered timetable.   As Neil Hick Kardinia's timetabler said, “It’s not about boxes, it’s about the child’s learning needs."

We left inspired by the school's approach, and with a clearer view of what a vertical approach could mean for us. 

Ms Prue Morris