Learning

It is no secret that a good education has the power to change a life. In an ever changing digital & technologically rich world in which we live, it is essential that we develop key learning skills for our students that enable them to be responsible global citizens that can contribute to our wider community.

These key skills include:

• Critical Thinking
• Citizenship
• Communication
• Character
• Creativity
• Collaboration

These areas are incorporated into our whole school learning program within all subjects that are taught.

This is underpinned by our values of Respect, Trust and Pride.

Our school caters for a diverse range of student needs and provides a safe, modern learning environment that allows all students to reach their potential. We believe that all students can learn, teachers provide a challenging and engaging curriculum and the school offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Our students are exceptional young people that are able to achieve their goals in an environment that supports their development in all areas: Physical, Social, Emotional, and Academic. Students are encouraged to have a voice in their education. Teachers are all qualified and value learning and are skilled in supporting all students.

We are proud of the strong focus on literacy that all or our staff possess across all curriculum areas in the college and our staff professional learning frequently focuses on learning and sharing best practice.

Along with providing quality teaching and learning in every classroom Mirboo North Secondary College have some key focuses across the college.

Literacy and Numeracy

Mirboo North Secondary College have a focus on literacy and numeracy across the school. It is well known that students with strong literacy and numeracy skills will be able to achieve to their highest potential. We are strongly aware that in spite of the ever-changing and technologically rich world that we live, communication, almost always comes in as the most, or one of the most important skills that employers look for when recruiting.  Keeping in mind that communication is both written and verbal, it is why we provide lots of opportunities for our students throughout their time at the college to practice, receive feedback and improve their skills in these areas.

All staff regularly include literacy as part of their teaching in all subject areas. Students undertake a weekly word study to help improve their skills.

The school is committed to resourcing Literacy as a priority area for all students.

Language and Cultural Exchange Programs

German Language Exchange

This program has been operating for the past 15 years. Our students visit our sister school in September for 4 weeks, allowing our students to develop their German Language skills in a rich diverse opportunity to live with native German speakers. The German students visit Australia in March for the same period of time. Lifelong friendships are formed and student learning of the wider world in which we live is enhanced. More details are available on the German page.

China Cultural Exchange

In 2014 a sister school arrangement was made with Changshu senior high school in the Jiangshu province of China. Students are invited to apply through a rigorous selection process in order to participate in the program that runs every two years. This is an opportunity for students to live with a Chinese family, attend school in China and visit culturally significant areas of China.

South Gippsland Trade Training Alliance

The South Gippsland Trade Skills Alliance is a partnership of schools and Registered Training Organisations which offers students access to VETiS programs in; Agriculture, Horticulture, Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical and Plumbing at Certificate III level.

Students undertaking any of these programs at the South Gippsland Trade Skills Centre will follow a ‘blended learning model’ which will include access to training via a combination of on-line learning materials, video conferencing learning sessions and direct tuition with ‘hands on’ activities.

This combination of experiences offers a significant shift in approach and the capacity to target students learning needs whilst reducing time students are out of their base school.

Schools in the Alliance:

Foster Secondary College, Mirboo North Secondary College, Korumburra Secondary College, Leongatha Secondary College, Wonthaggi Secondary College, South Gippsland Specialist School, Chairo Christian School and Mary Mackillop Catholic Regional College.

Registered Training Organisations in the Alliance:

Federation Training, Apprenticeships Group Australia (AGA), Community College Gippsland (CCG).

Given that each of the targeted industry areas has been identified as offering strong employment opportunities in the South Gippsland economy, this is a significant program opportunity for students in this area.

For more information on individual subjects please refer to the course handbooks, linked to below.

Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Head Start Apprenticeships and Traineeships gives students a “head start” in their chosen pathway.  As a Head Start Apprentice or Trainee you will attend school part time to achieve your VCAL or VCE, earn a fair wage while you work part time as an apprentice/trainee and undertake accredited training in a trade qualification.  Our local Head Start coordinator gives you one on one support for the life of your apprenticeship/traineeship.

Head Start’s objectives are to:

• allow students in years 10, 11 or 12 to spend significantly more time training on the job, while still completing senior secondary qualifications
• increase the number of qualified apprentices and trainees in growing trades and industries, aligned with local economic and social needs
• give employers the opportunity to train and mentor young apprentices and trainees who are ready for work, and who have appropriate literacy, numeracy and employability skills
• ensure students undertake high-quality apprenticeships and traineeships with genuine employers
• provide continuous and dedicated support for all parties to help students progress to completion
• develop best practices to improve the delivery and experience of apprenticeships and traineeships for school students.

Contact Nicole Hobson, our local Head Start Coordinator on 0477 990 802 or see the Careers team for more information.

Click here to watch a 3-minute Head Start video

https://player.vimeo.com/video/543441634?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479

Click here to watch a Girls in Trade #GTU video featuring Head Start students

https://player.vimeo.com/video/543448431?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479