Edition 4, July 2010

Welcome back to the start of Term 3. I hope you have enjoyed some Family time over the recent break. 

Parents would be aware of a range of initiatives that have been introduced at the School over the past 12 months which are being implemented progressively across all Campuses.

In particular, the introduction of the Three Years Senior Studies Program during ECP in 2009 and our preparation for the introduction of the IB Middle Years Program next year, together with the common Primary curriculum adopted at the Plenty Campus and in Buckley House, are amongst these critical variations to our academic program and they have been well received.

On the day prior to the first day of term, Staff engaged in a full day Professional Development experience.  Part of the day was devoted to looking at key issues in relation to the Curriculum and Timetable review that is being undertaken at the School, being led by the Director of Senior Academic Programs, Ms Marjorie Supple and the MYP Co-ordinator, Mr Garry Chapman.

Whilst final recommendations are due to be presented early in 2011, for implementation in 2012, as indicated above, a huge amount is already occurring with regards to our academic program, including the introduction of new subject areas which have been previously announced.

The Three Year Senior Studies Program has already had an impact, with many Students studying two or even three VCE subjects at Year 10, increasing the flexibility of their study as they proceed to Year 12.

To complement changes to the academic program, and to continue to provide a breadth of opportunities and experiences for Students, thus assisting them in their broader learning and transition to University and/or work beyond School, significant changes in the Co-curricular program will also be introduced in 2011 and 2012.

These changes arise from the work of the Co-Curricular Review Committee, convened by the Head of The Ridgeway Campus, Mr Gerard Foley.

Whilst I’m sure you will learn more about the details of these changes over time, essential elements include:

• The introduction of the Ivanhoe Grammar School’s IDEALS Round Square Certificate.  From 2012, all Senior Students will have an opportunity to complete this Certificate around the pillars of Round Square -INTERNATIONALISM, DEMOCRACY, ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS, ADVENTURE, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.

• A number of elements relating to this Certificate will be introduced next year with further initiatives anticipated in 2012.

• A number of 'certificate' and/or personal interest courses will be offered to Senior Students (such as Personal Training Certificate Course, Sports Coaching Level 1 or 2 National Certificates, Barista Course and Responsible Service of Alcohol course) designed to assist students in developing work place skills in order to gain part-time work either during their time at School or whilst continuing further study, supporting their transition beyond Ivanhoe Grammar School.

• In support of greater flexibility for Students in their final years of study, a number of changes are anticipated with regards to the co-curricular expectations placed on Students from 2011.
• For all Year 11 and 12 Students, increased choice in their selection of co-curricular activities will occur.

Students will be expected to take a minimum of  one Summer or Winter Sport plus a minimum of one other co-curricular activity from a range of options which may include a second Sport, Cadets, musical involvement (the annual musical production and/or orchestra or vocal groups), Debating and so on.

For Students in Years 7 to 10, the School's expectation of  two seasons of Sport remains in place as we believe the value arising from involvement in a team activity, skill development and the development of lifelong skills and fitness are essential.

It should be emphasised that the changes outlined relate to the minimum requirement. Having discussed these changes over a period of time with a number of Students, the anticipation is that many Students will continue to be as actively involved as they currently are, taking far more than the minimum.

A further initiative will be a change to the timing of the Cadet Program to further increase the flexibility for Senior Students. Following transitionary arrangements in 2011, the Cadet program will run from mid-year to mid-year, thus assisting those Students in Years 11 and 12 studying final year subjects to focus to a greater extent on their studies in the latter part of the year whilst, if they choose, still remaining in the Cadet program.

The School is excited about the introduction of these new initiatives as we see it as another means of supporting Student endeavour both in and beyond the classroom. They complement the academic initiatives contained within Vision 2015 and I know that students attending Ivanhoe Grammar School will welcome them as they are introduced over the next two years.

With best wishes

Roderick D Fraser

Principal