Learning @ OLMC



The Head of Learning at OLMC is Ms Patricia Sweeney.

The Curriculum Coordinator is Mr Andrew Gibson.

OLMC Learning and Teaching Charter

The Charter sets out the principles under which all our learning and teaching programs operate.

Learning And Teaching Charter November 2015 Learning And Teaching Charter November 2015 (37 KB)


Years 7-10

The broad curriculum at Years 7 and 8 allows for the acquisition of essential knowledge and skills. Students undertake subjects from all strands of the Victorian Curriculum. Students study two languages in Year 7 (Japanese, Italian and French are offered) and one language in Year 8. The Outdoor Education camps in Years 7 and 8 focus on providing girls with new challenges within a safe environment.

A unique component of the Year 9 curriculum is the Horizon Program, which provides multiple and extensive opportunities for students and the College to engage with the wider community through inquiry-based learning, weekly community engagement activities and ‘trail’ days. All Year 9 students are involved in this program for a full term, on a rotational basis.

At Years 9 and 10, students are developing mastery of skills for independent learning and they make choices in some of the subjects they study. The core curriculum includes Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages (French, Italian or Japanese) and Health and Physical Education. The optional studies include Graphic Design, Music, Humanities, Mathematics, Drama, Dance, Visual Art, Food Technology, Textiles, Information Technology and Media.

The Year 10 curriculum enables increased student choices. VET units are also available for students who wish to pursue areas of special interest. All students in Year 10 undertake Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Civics and Health and Physical Education.    

                  


Years 11-12

Pathway 1: VCE – Victorian Certificate of Education

OLMC offers a comprehensive range of VCE units in the key learning areas. Students develop individual programs of study after a thorough selection process supported by staff and parents. At OLMC students will normally undertake 24 units over two or three years. The actual subjects offered are listed separately.

Pathway 2: VCE Including VET – Vocational Education and Training
Our College is a member of the Northern Melbourne VET cluster, a group of 30 secondary schools that share resources in the organisation and delivery of a wide range of VET certificates. Students may undertake one or more VET studies as part of their VCE or VCAL course. Students may use the cluster, the school or local TAFEs to access VET subjects.

Pathway 3: VCAL – Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning
OLMC is committed to developing diverse pathways for students and VCAL is one of these pathways. Like the VCE, it is a recognised Year 11 and 12 qualification certified by the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority. VCAL students will undertake studies in literacy, numeracy, work related skills and personal development skills. They also undertake a VET course and spend one day a week at a related work placement.


Curriculum/Subject Handbooks

Years 7 - 10 Curriculum overview

Year 9 2020 Subject Handbook

Course Guide 2020 Senior Programs

                           



Learning Support

We are committed to ensuring that each student has the support she needs to achieve her full potential. Ms Claire Feain is the Coordinator of Learning Support  and she leads a team in providing direct support to some students, either on an individual basis or in small groups.  She also supports staff to plan programs and targeted teaching strategies for improved student learning outcomes.


Information and Communication Technologies

The College is a technology-rich learning environment, with students benefitting from digital whiteboards in every classroom, total wireless coverage and a ratio of 1:1 provision of student notebooks/desktop computers. Parents and students have access to regularly updated assessment and reporting information via the College Portal. All Year 7–12 students regularly use notebooks to maximise their learning experiences. The College is committed to providing high quality contemporary learning, therefore its investment in new learning technologies remains a high priority.


Languages

Language studies are a dynamic area of learning within the College, which provides a myriad of opportunities for students. OLMC offers three languages from Year 7 to Year 12: Japanese, French and Italian.

The College runs overseas tours every year for students in Years 10 and 11.  College tours feature language immersion classes, cultural studies and visits to important tourist sites.

VCE numbers for languages are strong, reflecting the popularity of these studies at OLMC and the value of language learning to future career choices and lifelong learning. Our highly experience teachers ensure that all students are provided with every opportunity to succeed.


Learning Commons

The Learning Commons (library) is an exciting centre for learning. Ms Anna Apfelstedt, the Coordinator of the Library, and her staff are highly skilled in promoting and advancing reading and research skills, with both students and staff benefiting from their services. There are book clubs, after school study programs, good access to web resources and an-up-to date book collection to encourage reading.


Promoting Excellence in Learning

        

Our staff aim to promote excellence in learning in all their interactions with students through encouragement and setting high expectations. We also affirm excellence through our recognition and celebration of achievement. This is done through:

  • Certificates for academic excellence and endeavour in all subjects in Year 7-10 at the end of each semester

  • Academic Prizes for the highest achievers in Years 7-11, presented at end-of-year assemblies

  • The opening of the School Year Assembly, where we welcome and acknowledge our College Dux and the top 10 VCE students from the previous year.


Careers Program

Careers Education at OLMC occurs in classes, Assemblies, seminars and on Work Experience. Ms Kelly Bregantic, our Careers Coordinator, is available to work with individual students and parents. Her role includes increasing students’ awareness of possible careers and their understanding of the requirements and realities of differing occupations. She also assists students to evaluate alternative pathways. There is a well resourced careers library of texts, vocational DVDs and e-learning resources to support students in their career research and decision making.

Delivery of the careers program at OLMC includes the following:

  • One-on-one careers counselling

  • Careers and Futures Expo

  • Parent and student information sessions

  • A Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) and Work Experience opportunities

  • Regular communication to parents and students via communication portals such as the school newsletter and Careers website <www.olmcheidelbergcareers.com>

  • Administration requirements and procedures of the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) for Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) and Work Experience. 


 

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