senior school

YEARS 10, 11 & 12

The needs of the individual are at the centre of the Downlands Senior Curriculum. We aim to help students strive for the highest level of achievement in learning of which they are capable. While excellence can be seen as an absolute, there is a relative level at which individuals should be challenged to perform excellently with their respective talents. We encourage all students to attain this level. Serious study is stressed, as well as critical thinking and openness to religious values.

Senior School curriculum program aims to:

 

  •  Implement the Australian Curriculum
  • Infuse teaching and learning with our MSC Pedagogy of the Heart
  • Promote and acknowledge academic excellence
  • Encourage all students to achieve to the very best of their ability
  • Continuously improve assessment and reporting processes
  • Embed Information Communication and Technologies (ICTs) in all learning areas
  • Regularly monitor and report on individual student academic progress

 

Information about ATAR and details of the specific subjects which may be offered are explained in the Years 11-12 Curriculum Handbook. 

Year 10 students, while members of the Senior School program, should refer to the Years 7-10 Curriculum Handbook for details of Downlands Year 10 Academic program.

Curriculum Handbook

SUBJECTS FOR Years 11 & 12 STUDENTS


  • Religious Education
  • English
  • Mathematics

 

In addition to the above three subjects, Downlands students  are required to select three other subjects. Our approach promotes learning excellence and encourages students to integrate faith with life and to develop a love of learning. We engage students in learning processes that will help them to strengthen their learning gifts, talents and abilities. As part of the Digital Downlands Program, each student is provided with a laptop to enhance learning in a digital environment and support his or her individual learning journey.

CAREERS & LEARNING PATHWAYS

There are an infinite number of pathways for careers in the 21st century.

The workplace of the future requires workers with ever-changing skills, necessitating individuals to be motivated and prepared to become life-long learners. No longer will students necessarily have a direct route to further study or remain in one position in the workplace. To this end, Career Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) specifically empowers Year 11 and 12 students as they transition from school to the many possible pathways through work, travel and further studies.


Careers Education

Years 10, 11 and 12 students work towards having a better understanding of the many choices available to them and are guided towards being able to make proactive decisions relating to their career development. Year 10 students implement their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan aided by their Personal Development teacher. All Year 11 and 12 students have a dedicated Career Education class with the College Careers Educator where they investigate, explore and are empowered to plot their transition to beyond their secondary schooling.


Vocational Education and Training (VET)

RTO 30039

Recognised VET programs cater for a broader range of student learning styles. These subjects have nationally recognised certificates, potentially opening up a range of post-school further education, training and employment possibilities and, therefore, fostering life-long learning. Students have the opportunity to gain entry level qualifications to many related traineeships and apprenticeships, affording students a head start towards gaining valuable qualifications. Research consistently reveals a strong relationship between levels of formal schooling and later involvement in further education. A number of other vocational opportunities are available to students at the College as Downlands fosters a close liaison with many other public and private training providers. 


School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Students undertake training with an employer in a structured traineeship or apprenticeship, usually working with the employer one day per week and accessing training, either at the workplace, through subjects at the College, or with a training provider such as TAFE. A Certificate II Traineeship or the first year of a Certificate III Apprenticeship may be completed during Years 10, 11 and 12, while students work towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).


This "hands on" approach is encouraged for both ATAR bound and non-ATAR students as an opportunity to develop a strong work ethic and gain recognition for applied work skills and also to fine tune options, network with the business community and for their own personal growth.


School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are available in over 600 different areas and are limited only by the availability of placement with an employer and a suitable training provider. To date, areas have included: Audio Visual, Automotive – vehicle servicing, Automotive – spare parts, Bakery, Butchery, Cabinet Making, Carpentry, Commercial Cookery, Computer Technology, Electro-technology, Hairdressing, Horticulture, Hospitality – food and beverage service, Office Administration, Real Estate, Refrigeration, Retail and Veterinary, just to name a few. 


Work Experience

Work experience is actively encouraged during Years 10 to 12 and students may take part in work experience throughout the school term.


As part of their SET Planning process, Year 10 students have a dedicated week to undertake work experience in a vast array of work sites. This experience gives students insight into career options for themselves, often clarifying areas of interest for further pursuit, and also opening doors for school-based traineeships and apprenticeships.

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