Curriculum
Transition
Hampton Park Secondary College has a strong tradition of transition processes that are individualised and nurturing. We have a variety of processes in place to allow for a smooth transition of students on their journey to, and during their time, at the College.
We pride ourselves on the strong collaboration we have with feeder primary schools. In Terms 3 and 4 of the year before students begin at the college, our staff visit with primary school staff of upcoming Explore students to ensure that each child’s learning and social needs are well understood when we are allocating classes.
Year 6 students complete learning tasks that assist Explore (Year 7) teachers in gauging the learning needs of all our Year 6 students transitioning to the College. Specific Learning Programs are then designed for the students, with the students, as they enter their Explore year.
At the beginning of the Explore year, students and their families are welcomed at a “Meet the Teachers” evening in, as well as the College annual Open Night where we showcase our programs, values and initiatives. Students and families are also invited to attend our annual end of year Awards Night.
Explore Program (Year 7)
The first stage of learning at Hampton Park Secondary College is called ‘Explore’.
The Explore Program has been designed to encourage all Year 7 students to do exactly as the name suggests, ‘explore’ the full range of subjects on offer from the eight key learning areas.
Students will study core subjects and six Taster Electives of their choice. We recognise that all students are unique and different, with individual interests, and as such, we want to empower students with the opportunity to individualise their educational program.
Students are encouraged to think carefully about which Taster Electives they choose and should think about their goals for the future, their strengths, aptitudes and interests and seek advice from their Grade 6 teacher and parent/carer. If a student is uncertain about their pathway and learning direction, we encourage students to select Tasters from all learning areas, enabling the opportunity to experience and enjoy a broad range of learning.
The Explore Course Structure is divided into two main areas: Core Subjects and Student Choice Taster Electives.
CORE SUBJECTS
- English/EAL (2 Semesters)
- Maths (2 Semesters)
- Health/Physical Education (2 Semesters)
- Humanities (2 Semesters)
- Science (1 Semester)
- Literacy Intervention (2 Semesters) for students needing additional support, undertaken in place of Humanities
STUDENT CHOICE TASTERS
- 6 Tasters, each lasting 1 Term
- Options are available from the areas of Arts, Humanities, Languages, Science, STEAM, Technology
Enhance Program (Years 8 to 10)
Students across the “Enhance” years (Years 8-10) are introduced to a wide range of subject choices, but these choices must be made with interests, pathways, and future work and career options in mind. If students have an idea about what they want to do in life, the course selection process is easier. Students should establish goals for the future. Once this is accomplished, courses can be chosen that best help to meet these goals.
In selecting subjects it is important for students to consider the following:
- Advice from subject teachers
- Knowledge of strengths, aptitudes, and interests
- Possible career pathways
- Possible tertiary prerequisites
- Parent/carer advice
To assist students in choosing the most suitable pathways, course counselling will take place and where possible, senior pathways will be discussed. Hampton Park Secondary College aims to prepare students for lifelong learning and the world of work. There are many paths to achieving each goal, with Years 8 – 10 being ‘stepping stones’ along the way. For example, some students may be intending to undertake a university degree whilst others may be intending to choose a TAFE pathway.
Knowing where you are going and how you can get there is important.
Excel Program (Years 11 & 12)
Hampton Park Secondary College aims to prepare students to be lifelong learners who are well-equipped for the world of work. Students studying in the Excel program (Years 10-12) have a range of pathway options available to them which are dependent on their aspirations, interests, literacy and numeracy skills and their preferred mode of learning.
Pathway options available to our Excel students include
- A VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) program offering a wide range of VCE subjects, which can also include VETiS* (Vocational Education & Training in Schools) studies.
- A VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) program designed to develop skills specific to the workplace and include a VET course and Structured Workplace Learning, which provides valuable experience in the workforce.
- A combination of VCE and VCAL studies.
The Excel section of the handbook contains general information and unit descriptions about the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) and Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS).
The Excel focus is on supporting the best possible pathway for each individual student, which may include further education or employment. Led by the Careers Team, Mentoring Teachers and the Course Counselling Team, students develop individualised Career Action Plans to identify their interests, abilities and aspirations for the future. This information is used to select a pathway and subjects which are highly relevant to the individual to challenge, motivate, engage and support them in their transition into their desired career. Students intending to undertake their studies at Hampton Park Secondary College, along with their parents/carers, are recommended to read the information and advice provided about courses and the subjects offered to assist them in making an informed choice about their Excel program and their future prior to attending a compulsory course counselling session.
Subject Handbooks
Teaching and Learning Framework
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