Culture and Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing

What to expect in the Middle Years in 2018

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 SRC, and we encourage students to become involved in areas of interest.

Year 8

For students new to Endeavour in 2017, 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 adolescence to young adulthood.  This program gives each student an opportunity to examine the direction they are choosing and consider whether this is where they want to be going.  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.

What to expect in the Senior Years in 2018

Year 10

This is the year where school and academics begin to get more serious. Half way through Year 10 we will be asking students to begin the process of making decisions relating to what career they might like to pursue. This might involve thinking about what study/job they will do after secondary school, what subjects they will need in 2019/2020 to be able to do that study/job and what grades they need to be allowed to do those subjects or get that job.

It is also a year that we expect all students to approach their school life in a mature and responsible manner.  This year offers all students an opportunity to build on the relationships they have with staff and vice versa.  Relationships in classes become more about cooperative teaching and learning to achieve potential rather than one of challenging established routines and expectations – study just becomes a bit more serious! Students who make this transition during the year will have the chance to experience a new and more productive life at school.

Year 11

The theme for Year 11 is ‘Leadership’ and stepping up to take responsibility. Students are given the opportunity to develop these skills in practising mature adult-like behaviour. Peer Support is one aspect, where Year 11s mentor Year 7 students. They provide a safe and caring environment to assist younger students to feel safe and supported in their new community.

Year 11 is also a time for students to establish goals and think carefully about their future and direction they are taking. Organisation, planning and time management are all crucial for their success and to ensure they are developing positive working habits. It is a busy yet satisfying year as students grow and mature before undertaking their final year of schooling.

Year 12

The final year of study for students at Endeavour College poses many challenges academically, as this is the focus of the year level; however, there are many rewarding activities and events that take place to support the students through what is a very demanding year.

Students have the opportunity to experience and work through their final year of study by becoming involved in many different events such as the Year 12 Formal Committee, Senior Year Jumper Committee and by participating in the Year 12 retreats. Another key event is the Year 12 Orientation, where students, along with many of their Year 12 teachers, have the opportunity to work together and prepare for the year ahead.  They receive advice from inspirational speakers, past students and learn to work with one another through team building exercises. Year 12s will also be able to seek advice and information on further study through the individual course counselling program. This program of one on one counselling, assists students in making sound choices for their pathway into further study; best preparing them for life beyond their secondary schooling.

Year 12 is all about knowing that the amount of work put in throughout the year will be equal to the reward that is attained by year’s end. Through guidance from teachers and support staff, the Year 12s of Endeavour College will have every opportunity to succeed in their learning in what is a demanding, but ultimately rewarding final year of study.

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 implement programs and our approach to pastoral care, all of which we call ‘The Endeavour Way’.

Culture and Wellbeing Team