OUR CURRICULUM IN THE SPOTLIGHT THE EVOLUTION OF LEARNING
HOLISTIC LEARNING
According to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), the IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world, through intercultural understanding and respect. This is done through inquiry and supported through explicit teaching and contemporary pedagogy. We support the IB philosophy and deliver this through the Australian Curriculum from Prep to Year 9, supported by the PYP and MYP followed by the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Our curriculum in the Junior Years is led by Jessica Clark, as our PYP Coordinator. Jessica leads the teaching, supporting and guiding her team leaders. Our Middle Years is led by Erin Bagot and our Senior Years curriculum is led by Sarah Di Stefano. They have the support of our Learning Enrichment Coordinator, Christina Jasem and her team and Digital Learning Leader, Rhys Gannell. Richard Baird, Deputy Principal Good News Lutheran College’s holistic approach to learning starts in Junior Years. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) engages students in authentic, real-life learning, while fostering their development of key transferable skills. Students, in partnership with their teachers, set learning goals with high expectations, seek excellence, and have a clear understanding of the learning intentions and success criteria to achieve their personal goals. Jessica Clark, PYP Coordinator
When it opened in 1997, Good News Primary School’s curriculum aligned with the Victorian Curriculum Standards Framework and met the requirements of the Victorian Registered Schools Board. It was described in the school’s first prospectus as “the best education in a Christian context where the whole person can grow and develop.” By 1999, Good News Christian School was delivering an integrated curriculum that included Art and Craft, Computer Studies, Drama, General Studies, Handwriting, Language (oral and written expression), Library and Research Skills, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education and Sport, Reading, Scripture Studies, Science, German, Studies in Society and Environment and Swimming. Reading and Maths recovery programs provided valuable support for students, an Extension and Enrichment program was introduced in 2002 and Slovak lessons were offered from 2003 (in addition to German). German was briefly replaced by Auslan (Australian sign language) in 2003 and the 2002 and 2004 musicals were even presented in Auslan. German was reintroduced in 2007. EXPANDING TO SECONDARY As the College transitioned to secondary learning, new curriculum was required to meet the requirements of the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. The appointment of curriculum expert Christine Taylor in 2013 was crucial to readying the College to deliver subjects in Year 10 the following year. “We had about six weeks, maybe less, to write all the curriculum documentation for our proposed subjects,” recalls Christine. “I received help from other Lutheran schools and called in a few favours from people in order to get this job done.” A BROAD, PRACTICAL CURRICULUM With the opening of many new learning facilities across the 2010s, GNLC expanded its curriculum to include Materials Technology, Design Technology, Food Technology, Media, Product Design, Digital Technologies, Metalwork, Woodwork and Textiles. Philosophy was also introduced, and the College continued its strong record in the Visual Arts. In its first years of offering VCE subjects, the College Council permitted classes with low numbers. Although an expensive exercise, this proved to be a wise decision as it enabled the College to run a full range of VCE subject offerings.
Moving into Middle Years, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) promotes the development of the entire person. Students develop and reflect upon the ten attributes found within the IB Learner Profile. Serving the community is an important component of the MYP that aligns with our Lutheran identity. This culminates in students participating in the Community Project in Year 9, which is an opportunity for self-guided inquiry into the needs of a community that individual groups of students have identified. Erin Bagot, MYP Coordinator
In Senior Years. a pre-VCE framework for students in Year 10, and the state-directed Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) for students in Years 11 and 12, both support students to work towards achieving a post-secondary school pathway suited to their strengths and interests. A wide variety of subjects is offered across the domains of English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science, Health and Physical Education, Technology and The Arts. In their final years of schooling, students are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning and, ultimately, their futures. Sarah Di Stefano, Acting VCE Coordinator
The Learning Enrichment team includes 15 staff who support students and colleagues across the College to reach their potential, using a coaching and mentoring model. With students learning at different paces, the team provides intervention, extension and extracurricular support, as well as activities to meet the academic and social and emotional needs of students. The team uses standardised assessments and evidence-based programs and approaches to support the teaching and learning programs across the College. The work of the Learning Enrichment team has evolved over the years to keep up with increasing student numbers, the diverse needs of our students, and current best-practice research. Christina Jasem, Learning Enrichment
BECOMING AN IB SCHOOL
Under the leadership of Principal, Simon Hughes, GNLC began investigating the International Baccalaureate in 2017. After several years of planning and work on its application, GNLC began delivering the IB PYP and MYP under candidacy status in 2018. After several years of gradual implementation, the College was granted accreditation status, which enabled us to identify as an IB World School for the PYP in 2020 and MYP in 2021. “The IB is a global leader in international education, which suits the diverse backgrounds of our students. It promotes the development of inquiring, knowledgeable, confident and caring young people. The programmes empower students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that’s forever changing.” Principal, Fiona McAuliffe
Alongside the knowledge students are equipped with to succeed in the world, we prepare global citizens with the skills and tools for the modern workforce. Staff are provided with training and professional development to enable the up-to-date application of digital learning technologies. This is complemented by systems and processes that ensure our students’ online safety and security. Modern collaboration and communication tools unlock peer teamwork opportunities and
teacher instruction like never before. Rhys Gannell, Digital Learning Leader
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