Teaching and Learning

Have you found your way?

What do you want to do when you grow up? I am sure you remember being asked this question as a child. You may have replied farmer, police officer, nurse, doctor or teacher.

For our young people at The Hamilton and Alexandra College, the world of work is being transformed by technology, artificial intelligence and automation. For example, the idea of moving into Agriculture now requires young people to be abreast of the latest technology and have a clear entrepreneurial mindset. It is not enough to use old ways of thinking to prepare for a future world of work.

Whilst deciding on a future pathway can be overwhelming, I would suggest that students at College are well placed to prepare themselves for life outside of school. A combination of our excellent Careers program, a focus on Positive Education and developing knowledge of our strengths and skills enables each young person to get that one step closer to a purposeful and meaningful life. The College is excited to launch the EMERGE program in 2021, a Pre-VCE pathway that is designed to prompt students to question, investigate and develop their areas of interest and add depth to their learning program. Students will have time to ask questions like: Who am I? What are my strengths and talents? What problems would I like to solve? What did I learn when a project failed? Who do I work best with? What contribution would I like to make to the community?

William Damon from the Stanford Centre on Adolescence argues that purpose is: “A stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at the same time meaningful to the self and consequential for the world beyond the self.” At The Hamilton and Alexandra College we aim to Learn Life, to understand our purpose and find meaning in all that we do. Whether it is completing a Science report, playing in a new position on the hockey field, supporting someone in a Mentor group or participating in a new community service activity, we want students who are committed to lifelong learning. In an age of uncertainty and rapid change, we are committed to supporting our young people to emerge as confident, connected citizens who have found their way in all of life.

Course confirmation for 2021

Courses have now been finalised for Emerge, Years 10-12 and EXPLORE, Years 8-9 2021. We look forward to our Emerge students taking part in our Step-Up Program at the end of the year.

Mrs Susan Bradbeer

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

End of Year Examinations 2020 Years 7-11