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The Junior Secondary program at Woodcrest State College is designed around the cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs of students in adolescence. In order to ensure that every student succeeds in Junior Secondary the College has the following commitments into place:
Fewer teachers per class groupings and smaller class sizes to ensure that positive teacher-student relationships are developed and students are supported in their transition to Secondary School
An unrelenting focus on literacy and numeracy
A strong emphasis on quality teaching and curriculum design to ensure that every student is supported, engaged and challenged in their learningRotational activities to engage students in a variety of elective subjects, so students can make informed decisions about the subjects they choose to study in Senior
One teacher who knows the student as a person and a learner who mentors the student and connects with them every day
Relevant and responsive life skills and values education
A strong focus on parental involvement through regular formal and informal interactions.
These commitments and the support that the school offers our students, ensures that every child transitions into the Senior years with the skills necessary for success.
Core Curriculum
The core curriculum is based on Australian Curriculum studies in English, Mathematics, Science and History. Students are organized into home classes in their year level where they generally have one teacher for English, Humanities and Social Sciences and another teacher for Mathematics and Science.
Elective Curriculum
As students progress from Year 7 to 9, they have increasing opportunity to elect to study subjects which suit their particular needs, interests and abilities. In Years 7 and 8, all students participate in an elective program which gives them a foundation in The Arts, LOTE, Technology and HPE KLAs. In Year 9, a number of elective subjects have been designed based on student interests, links to the senior curriculum and the ability of the school to provide appropriate resources. In Year 9, students choose two electives to study each semester.
Literacy and Numeracy
Woodcrest State College is strongly committed to improving the literacy and numeracy levels of our students. We recognise that improved student literacy levels are integral to effective learning across the curriculum. It is expected that every classroom and every teacher will have literacy and numeracy. Additionally, students engage in a specific year level literacy enhancement program.
Learning Support
The Learning Support team of teachers and aides provides learning support to students on a priority basis. A range of data, including school reports and NAPLAN testing, is used to help identify students in need. All students are tested annually in literacy and numeracy (PAT tests).
The Student Support Service Team meets weekly to identify students requiring appraisement or support or referral to other agencies.
The Woodcrest State College Junior Secondary Certificate
Junior Secondary School students will be best prepared for their chosen senior schooling pathway if they accomplish key minimum expectations in each year of Junior Secondary schooling.
Students’ success in meeting these expectations will be recognised with a Woodcrest State College Junior Secondary Education Certificate at the end of year 9.
To be awarded a Woodcrest State College Junior Secondary Education Certificate at the end of Year 9, students must achieve the following:
maintain a minimum of a ‘C’ standard across the four core subjects – English, Maths, Science and Social Sciences on both semester one and semester two report cards.
maintain a minimum of a ‘satisfactory’ effort result across the four core subjects and all specialist subjects on both semester one and semester two report cards.
maintain an attendance rate of at least 85%. Students with evidence of significant medical issues are exempted from this requirement at the discretion of the Principal.
Students failing to maintain a ‘C’ standard across the four core subjects will be ineligible to participate in the end of semester extension activities and will be required to work to achieve minimum standards during a Consolidation Block. This includes ineligibility to participate in the end of year excursion. Special consideration will be given to students with identified learning difficulties or disabilities.