CURRICULUM & PROGRAMS

OUR COLLEGE CURRICULUM

Junior School Years 7 & 8

Students undertake a program based on the Victorian Curriculum, which involves a core curriculum in Years 7 and 8.  The Year 7 curriculum includes studies in ‘GEMS’ Program (Geography and Mankind and Society – English, Geography, History).  This program has been well established at Year 7 to assist with the transition from Primary School.

Junior School students study all eight key learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health & Physical Education, Technology, Arts and Languages (LOTE).  At the College, all students study one language other than English, and select either Chinese, Italian, Japanese or Spanish.

Students also participate in a weekly session called Respectful Relationships and Pathways (RRP), focusing on pastoral care, exploring important social issues, as well as considering their future pathways and career options.

High achieving students may be eligible to enrol in our exclusive Select Entry Program, offering a more challenging advanced level curriculum.

Middle School Years 9 & 10

All students undertake studies in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History, Geography and Economics) Information and Communications Technology, Health and Physical Education, based on the Victorian Curriculum. Elective studies may be chosen from:
– The Arts
– Technology (& Information Technology at Year 10)
– Languages, either Chinese, Italian, Japanese or Spanish

Students also participate in a weekly session called Respectful Relationships and Pathways (RRP), focusing on pastoral care, exploring important social issues, as well as considering their future pathways and career options.

Students in the Select Entry Program at Year 10 are able to begin undertaking VCE studies. Students aiming to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma in senior years are encouraged join the Year 10 IB Link program.

Senior School Years 11 & 12

Our senior school program offers multiple options to set students on the best path to their future studies and careers.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Our College offers a wide selection of studies within the VCE and it is the suggested program for those looking to undertake university studies and employment within Australia.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) – Enables students to gain valuable, practical skills in a specific industry while undertaking the VCE or VCAL. Some units run in house with others taking place across a cluster of local schools.
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) – This practical pathway prepares students for further studies, training or employment, providing work-related experience, literacy and numeracy skills, combined with personal development.

Further details on Senior and VET subject selections/ course information can be found below.

Alternatively, senior students may choose to join our worldwide International Baccalaureate Diploma Program – details below.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

We are a proud international school, authorised to offer the worldwide recognized IBDP as an alternative to VCE. The IB focuses on creating global thinking, inquisitive citizens.

Beginning with the IB Link program at year 10, progressing into the diploma program at year 11 and 12, the IB diploma enables students to learn a diverse range of pre-tertiary study skills, environmental knowledge, language and tolerance.

With 3 core areas (Extended Essay, Theory Of Knowledge and Creativity, Action, Service) as well as 6 academic subjects, the IB program sets students on track for further studies near or abroad.

Further details of the IBDP curriculum can be found below, or see additional enrolment information both for the IBDP and IB Link.

Learn more:
IBDP Brochure | IBDP Learner Profile | Visit the IBO | Enrolment

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

Army Cadet Unit

Since 2007, formalizing with the AAC in 2010 and inaugurated by the Hon. Julia Gillard in 2012, our College operates one of only three Army Cadet Units in government schools in Victoria. The Australian Army Cadets is a youth group run by the Department of Defence offering valuable leadership skills and personal development highly regarded by employers. Involvement in the Australian Army Cadets is also a great advantage for students seeking to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the future.

Activities undertaken by cadets include bush survival, first aid, field craft, abseiling, navigation, marksmanship, military history, field engineering, ceremonial drills and participating in community events (ANZAC/ Remembrance Day parades). Through these activities our cadets develop confidence, practical skills and greater sense of community. The unit parades once a week, led by Unit Commander, LT (AAC) Thomas Nguyen with further events throughout the year.

Instrumental Music Program

Enabling the experience, benefit and excitement of music, our program develops student discipline, concentration, refinement and performance skills. Our highly qualified musicians provide tuition for: Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Double Bass, Percussion, Piano, Voice & Guitar with many instruments available for hire.

Instrumental music students will also participate in one or more of the College’s ensembles: Choir, Concert Choir, Year 9 and 10 Choir Junior Band, Senior Band, String Orchestra, Year 7 Strings, Year 8 Strings, Jazz band, Percussion, Guitar or advanced Latin Guitar. Four lunchtime concerts per term showcase our smaller ensembles and soloists, while our larger ensembles have the opportunity to rehearse. Our ensembles perform at functions in the community as well as at our annual College concerts:
Term 1: Beginner Concert | Our amazing first term Year 7 band & string students
Term 2: Showcase Concert | 300+ ensemble students perform to a large public audience
Term 3: Arts in the Round | Soloists, duets & ensembles perform alongside other arts
Term 4: Twilight Concert | A Junior & Middle School performance, concluding the annual music program on a high note.

Drama & Performing Arts

A great opportunity for students to develop self-confidence and empathy through embodying different characters from a variety of time periods and cultures. Participating in Drama Club develops teamwork, communication and problem solving skills. Students learn skills in voice projection, body movement, focus and creative thinking as well as the opportunity to perform onstage in full length or one-act plays and skits. Each year a Drama Club Student President is appointed, developing leadership and organisational skills. Student roles are also available in publicity, costume design and props, staging and lighting. Many Drama Club students have gone on to join theater companies or industry employment. Drama Club meets every Wednesday, 3.15pm – 4.30pm, led by Alaine Beek of Essence Productions, who is a local Wyndham producer, director & actor.

Drama as a subject is undertaken by all students in Year 8. At Year 9 & 10 Drama is offered as a popular elective. Year 9 learn body, voice and improvisation to create internal and small group performances. Year 10 develop a class play and their stagecraft skills as well as attending a professional theater performance. VCE are introduced to six theatrical styles, producing a play performed to the school community and develop a monologue to perform for the class. In Unit 3/4, students produce a performance specialising in acting or stagecraft areas.

Sporting Opportunities

As well as a varied PE program covering foundational skills and fitness, our College offers students the opportunity to learn and compete in various house, inter-school and regional sports competitions. Our annual house Swimming Carnival and Athletics days are thoroughly enjoyed by students, dressing in house colours and creative costumes as they compete or cheer on their peers in friendly competitions. These activities also provide our house captains an opportunity to develop their organizational and leadership skills as they assist in the running of the day and leading their house to victory.

Our students are also able to join our school sports teams including cricket, netball, volleyball, basketball, soccer and table tennis, competing against other local schools. Successful teams then go on to compete in regional finals. All sports are conducted in a supportive environment encouraging strong teamwork and sportsmanship.

Cafe Club

Café Club is an optional extra-curricular group open to all year levels, designed to increase hospitality skills and experience in a fast paced, fun and energetic environment. Students gain barista, food preparation and customer service skills through preparing and serving a wide range of beverages and breakfast items to staff members every Thursday Morning before school.

The club also caters for major school functions and fundraising events such as The Biggest Morning Tea, Arts in the Round, Parent Teacher Interviews and Theatre Restaurant Night. Senior Students can aspire to become a Café Club leader in a variety of front and back of house positions such as Duty Manager, Head Chef and Café Manager.

Students can apply though their Food Technology teacher. Year 7 Students must have completed one Semester of Food Technology to be eligible to apply. Our 2020 Café Club Student Leaders are Simone Neinaber, Chee Lim, Sam Zarafa, Tim Parovenko, Shanika Bagnato, Gina Odion and Rhys Ashley.

Debating Club

Our debating team is open to students passionate about world topics, issues and other controversies in our local and International communities at large. We welcome students at all year levels to join us and voice their perspectives.

Curriculum skills transfer well into debating, including understanding context, presenting and analysing arguments, using literary devices, persuasive language, summarising key knowledge, displaying respectful discourse and body image / confidence. Our Debate team leaders, Mr Aaron Chettle and Mr Lucas Brown work hard to further instill these skills into our students.
 
There are three levels within our WSC Debating Teams: Junior, Middle and Senior levels. With the aim to expand and compete, the club has attended such events as DAV (Debaters Association Victoria) and earlier this year was successful in winning a debate. Many more practice sessions and events are planned for 2020/21 and beyond.
 

TRANSITIONS & CAREERS

A Focus On The Future

At Werribee Secondary College career education and guidance is a very important aspect of student learning, engagement and progress. Whilst at our college our aim is that all students will develop capabilities and skills by engaging in a variety of experiences. They will have the opportunity to investigate and explore future career, post-secondary study and work options. Students will gain skills to develop career plans making choices about their futures.

Our aim is that all students will transition from Werribee Secondary College to work or further education with the required skills and knowledge to manage their careers. Each year, Year 12 VCE, VCAL and IB graduates successfully pathway to apprenticeships, universities, TAFEs and work.

98.5% of our students received a higher education offer in the first 2019 VTAC round

After graduating from WSC I had just completed my VCE and got into my dream course, a Bachelor of Social Work. However after 2 years I decided the course wasn’t for me and I deferred and I continued to work for a year. I later decided I wanted to study a a Certificate 4 of Mental Health and now I cam currently working as a Mental Health Practitioner assisting those whom are experiencing all sorts of mental illnesses. Some advice: Don’t stress, keep calm, and please use your teachers as a support system because looking back now, some of those teachers played a huge part in who I am today and did more for me than I realised at the time.
Stephanie Edwards Class of 2016
After graduating from WSC, I went on to complete my Bachelor of Biomedicine and Doctor of Physiotherapy, both at University of Melbourne. It has been a long, challenging journey and I am currently practicing as a physiotherapist both in a private practice and at St Vincents Private Hospital. I am currently a trainee director and about to become part-owner of my own practice! It is nice to give back to the same community I grew up in. WSC has certainly given me the solid foundation I needed for me to be where I am today.
Amanda De Vas GunawardenaClass of 2011
After graduating from WSC, I went to La Trobe University to study a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Master of Nanotechnology. In this degree I was able to perform experiments at the Australian Synchrotron (particle accelerator), fabricate micro/nanocircuits at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, perform astronomy on the physics building rooftop, and use lab-based electrolysis to fabricate cubic metallic nanoparticles which were imaged using an electron microscope. In 2020 I started my PhD in Biophysics at Swinburne University and CSIRO, focusing my research on the photothermal imaging of 3D cell cultures.
Emma G Class of 2014
After graduating from WSC I have gone on to study a five-year course on Aerospace Engineering and Business Management at RMIT, where I am still completing this course.
Alan NguyenClass of 2015
After graduating from WSC I was accepted into a Bachelors of Law at Victoria University. I moved to Deakin University in 2019 to commence a double Bachelors degree in Law/Arts. I am currently in my fifth year of tertiary study. Since graduating, I have worked in various government legal roles, community legal centres and private legal practice. The areas of law I have worked in include criminal, migration, human rights, travel, maritime and aviation law and medical negligence. I am currently employed in a medium sized national law firm, specialising in medical negligence and malpractice. My future career and study plans include completing a Masters Degree in Health Law and sitting the Bar Exam. It was not easy getting here, it required a lot of hard work in VCE. My time at WSC played an influential role in where I am today. The support of my teachers and the staff at at WSC assisted in developing the skills I will need as a lawyer and skill that I took with me into tertiary studies.
Brittany ReinerClass of 2015
Since graduating from WSC in 1998, I now hold a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Honours, Graduate Diploma of Education and a PhD in Science Education. I spent a few years teaching after graduation then worked overseas for seven years. I have been back in Australia now for five years and worked as a senior policy officer for the Department of Education, followed by raising my young family and working casually in education.
Nadine Khalil Al NacharClass of 1998

Careers Events

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STUDENT SUPPORT & WELLBEING

OVERVIEW
At Werribee Secondary College, we do our best to ensure students are supported at all stages of their education.
We have a wide range of teams and programs that we offer to accommodate students’ individual needs.
We know that school and life can provide challenges and times and thus take a holistic approach with regards to the pastoral care of our students.

Respectful Relationships

A once-a-week class for years 7-10 focusing on Resilience Rights & Respectful Relationships.
Exposing students to social issues, it considers scenarios at a deep level preparing students for future community interactions and careers.

Individual Support

Multicultural and integration aides provide individualized support to our students. Integration aides assist students with funding under the Program for Students with Disabilities, while our Multicultural aides assist with English language.

Student Management

Year level coordinators assist students in managing their day-to-day activity at school.
Coordinators and support staff are always on hand to answer a question, assist with problems or point a student in the right direction.

Student Wellbeing Services

Werribee Secondary College’s Student Wellbeing Services primary responsibility is to promote the academic, personal, and social development of all our students. Werribee Secondary College works with the school community as well as other services and agencies to support our students in being responsible and productive citizens. We pride ourselves on having a positive and supportive learning environment which focuses on the development of the whole student. We are able to offer support to students and their families through involvement in a range of individual, group and family support work.
 
Student Wellbeing Services has a dual focus, addressing both educational support as well as therapeutic needs. Student Wellbeing Services are provided by professional staff with qualifications and expertise specific to the area of wellbeing and service may include a range of group-based and individual support, student capacity building and the provision of specialised services.
 
There are numerous services in our community that are available to assist families, many free or low cost. Through consultations with Werribee Secondary College’s Student Wellbeing Services, allied health professionals can be accessed such as doctors, paediatricians, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, behavioural optometrists, counsellors, and specialised educational services. Additional supports also include mental health services, family support services, parenting assistance, financial assistance, legal information and advocacy, and disability services. Access to Werribee Secondary College’s Student Wellbeing Service is a free service and the information provided is kept private and confidential.

URGENT SUPPORT
If you need urgent support, or need to talk to someone outside of school hours, we recommend for you to access a crisis service (details below).
A lot of crisis services have phone lines, as well as online-chat options.
If you or someone around you is in an emergency situation, please call 000.

Lifeline

Lifeline

13 11 14
24/7 Crisis services and support

Visit Lifeline
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800
24/7 Help and advice for kids and young adults up to 25 years.

Visit Kids Helpline
Beyond Blue


Beyond Blue

1300 224 636
24/7 Crisis services and support

Visit Beyond Blue
Headspace


Headspace

1800 650 890
Youth Mental Health Support Services

Visit Headspace
ReachOut
ReachOut

Online Services
Youth Mental Health Support

Visit Reach Out
SANE Australia

SANE Australia

1800 187 263
Mental Health Support Services

Visit SANE


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Werribee Secondary College is a proud international school, providing the highest standards of excellence and engagement in learning, in a diverse and supportive environment.
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CONTACT

Tel: +(61 3) 9741 1822
45 Duncans Road, Werribee
werribee.sc@education.vic.gov.au
8.30am – 4.30pm | Monday to Friday
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