Senior School Handbook

Senior school at The Lakes south Morang College

SUBJECTS WE OFFER

Whilst we offer all of the subjects on the selection sheet and described in this handbook, if there are insufficient students who select the same subject, then the class may not run. This is at the discretion of the school and you will be notified immediately if this is to occur.  The school will always endeavor to find alternative arrangements especially in Years 11 and 12 for students to undertake the subjects they wish to. Options such as Distance Education will be looked at to source the best possible program for your child. The best possible pathway for your student is our number 1 priority.

VCE, VET & VCAL

The Lakes South Morang College will aim to cater for all students by offering an array of VCE, VET and VCAL options in Year  11 and 12 of schooling. Whilst we may not be able to offer ever subject that is available in the VCE, the school will endeavor:

  • To run subjects that are linked and have a stream
  • To offer an array of subjects to cater for all learning styles and types
  • To find alternative arrangements where possible to ensure students at our school are not disadvantaged by completing their secondary school studies at our school
  • Ensure that correct course counselling is given and if we can not offer a program that suits your child, ensure we find another educational setting that will meet your child’s needs

NOTE – Further information on these 3 areas are detailed more extensively later in this booklet.

BLOCKING

Subjects in senior school program are selected in blocks. There are a total of 4 blocks on the selection sheet.

 

Year 10

  • Students will select an English and a Maths subject which will run for the entire year
  • In all other blocks, students are to select 2 subjects. Each of these will run for one semester
  • Year 10 subjects are a lead in to the subjects we offer at Year 11 and give students vital knowledge and learning to successfully complete the subject in Year 11 & 12
  • For consistency, most subjects are named the same at Year 10 as they are named at Year 11

Year 11 (VCE)

  • Students must select an English subject
  • Students must select the 5 other subjects they wish to undertake
  • Students are allowed to undertake a VET subject as a part of their VCE program (this counts as one of their subject choices)

 

Year 11 & 12 (VCAL)

  • Students must select all of the VCAL subjects
  • They are to select one VCE subject
  • They are to select one VET subject (in an area of future interest for occupation)

 

Year 12 (VCE)

  • Students are to select 5 subjects in total
  • Students must select an English subject
  • It is advisable that students continue with their strongest 4 other subjects from Year 11
  • Students are allowed to change one subject at Year 12 subject if they have not done it in Year 11 but this will only occur after a discussion with the school course counsellor

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Senior students make a valuable contribution to The Lakes South Morang College by leading by example. There are high expectations of behaviour, attitude, work habits, attendance and uniform. It is expected that Senior students display a fine sense of responsibility, care and initiative in all aspects of their school life. While students must remain in education, training or employment until the age of 17, Senior students are, for the most part, enrolled voluntarily and in subjects of their own choosing. Work at school should be treated in an adult manner, as personal initiative is the way to success.

ATTENDANCE

Students are required to have a 90% attendance record at school in each subject to successfully pass any Year 10,11 or 12 subject. This includes any approved absence. There are different requirements on parents/ guardians in relation to length and type of absence that a student undertakes. Please note below:

  • If a student is to be away for only a single day then the parent is required to contact the office to have this marked as an approved absence
  • If a student is away for multiple days in a row, then a medical certificate is required to be given to the school for this to be seen as an approved absence
  • If a student is going asway on a family holiday, it is expected that the parent/ guardian will notify the school prior to the absence and that work for completion will be organized.

Students must not leave the school grounds during the school day without prior written permission from parents and with the approval of the Student Manager or Principal class, who will issue an early leaver’s pass where appropriate. This includes students leaving the school to do studies at another educational setting as a part of their educational program.

 

The Department of Education identifies the following as acceptable Medical Certificates or certificates in lieu:  a Certificate issued by a registered doctor, dentist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, optometrist or psychologist who is a member (or eligible for membership) of the board of the Clinical Branch of the Australian Psychological Society; a patient declaration statement from a medical clinic will not be accepted as a medical certificate.