Lakes Grammar Senior School prospectus

PURPOSE VALUES

To educate and enable young people to flourish and achieve their aspirations for life.

Faith Courage Wisdom

Compassion Justice Integrity

WELCOME

Lakes Grammar senior school gives Years 9-12 students the opportunity to develop the skills needed to flourish both while they are at school and beyond.

Our students have access to a variety of learning pathways and numerous cocurricular options that develop a well-rounded student who is ready to face the challenges of the HSC and further study or employment. From access to academic mentors, to study hall and a dedicated and expert staff, our senior school students are supported while they navigate the complexities of adolescence and senior studies, while also preparing themselves for future jobs and study that may look very different to what we see today.

Our senior school is designed to cater for the individual needs of students but also to better engage our Years 9 and 10 students in their learning and school activities. In a typical 7-12 environment, schools can sometimes see a decrease in engagement and wellbeing of Years 8 and 9, however, our middle and senior school structures allow us to deliver an age-appropriate program for students that builds autonomy, maintains enthusiasm and excitement, and prepares students for life.

I encourage you to learn more about Lakes Grammar senior school and join our community.

Mrs Deborah Clancy Principal

At Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School, we believe that the senior years of education are a pivotal phase in shaping young minds, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow and guiding them towards a bright and successful future. As the head of senior school, I am honoured to lead a passionate team of educators dedicated to fostering academic excellence, character development and personal growth in our students.

The ‘THRIVE’ program across Years 9-12 is designed to empower students with knowledge, skills and values they need to flourish in an ever-changing global landscape. With a comprehensive and innovative curriculum, we provide a diverse range of academic pathways, allowing students to explore their passions and talents. Our commitment is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected and inspired to reach their full potential. In partnership with parents and carers, we foster a strong sense of community, including continuous reporting on achievements both in and outside of the classroom.

Senior students will be involved in the Lakes Grammar degree program. This will see students developing their character in the areas of leadership, serving others, the outdoors, connecting with the school and community and challenging themselves in their learning. This credential will stand them in good stead for life beyond school as future leaders, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

We invite you to visit Lakes Grammar to experience our vibrant community and discover the opportunities and experiences awaiting your child.

Mrs Alison MacLarty Head of Senior School

SENIOR SCHOOL: PHILOSOPHY

The senior school provides education for students in their final years of schooling from Year 9 to Year 12. It aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to flourish in their future endeavours, whether it be higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce.

The senior school ‘Thrive’ Years 9-12 program is designed in response to three main drivers:

• Academics: A diverse range of subjects to cater to the individual interests and aspirations of students is offered via a broad range of disciplines: English, mathematics, sciences, languages, humanities, technology, and the arts. We are committed to fostering a love of learning and encourage critical thinking, creativity, and independent inquiry. Our program is shaped by our learning power approach.

• Care: We recognise the significance of pastoral care and the overall wellbeing of students. Our supportive and inclusive environment is one in which our students feel valued, safe and supported. Dedicated teachers and an academic care team offer guidance, mentorship, and pastoral support to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence and develop resilience, self-confidence, and emotional intelligence.

• Character: We place great importance on character development and the holistic growth of students. We promote the values of faith, compassion, integrity, justice, courage and wisdom, encouraging students to become responsible and empathetic members of society. Opportunities for leadership, outdoor education, service, and cocurricular activities are provided to help students develop their interpersonal skills, teamwork, and a sense of social responsibility.

LGS GRADUATE PROFILE

The senior school graduate is independent and demonstrates integrity, compassion, courage and wisdom.

“Sometimes all it takes is having the right people believe in you, which is exactly what I experienced at Lakes. From my teachers’ dedication and commitment across all my subjects to having the opportunity to pursue projects and coursework that aligned with my passions and interests, the school’s community helped me to grow into the person I am today. To me, Lakes truly is a place to discover new paths, unleash potential, and challenge yourself to excel at what you love.”

Austin Kozak (Graduate 2017)

SENIOR SCHOOL: ACADEMICS

The senior school academic program is a four-year learning continuum. As students move into the senior school, they take increasing control over their learning. In Years 9 and 10, students can choose a standard or accelerated pathway to the ROSA and HSC. In Year 9 students choose two electives from a variety of subjects from the areas of humanities, creative and performing arts and technology and applied sciences.

Students who select the accelerated pathway to the HSC can commence a Year 11 course in Year 10. For the HSC (Year 11 and 12) the students can choose from over 25 courses offered onsite to study or from over 40 courses through distance education. Students can also choose to incorporate into their pattern of study:

• TAFE courses.

• School-based traineeships.

• Trade training subjects.

The four-year learning continuum

Standard, advanced/extension and accelerated learning opportunities

Courses within the Year 9-10 program are designed to meet the skills and needs of the students. Students in Years 9 and 10 who are eligible to study the advanced/extension pathway will study English A and/or mathematics A. Students have the opportunity in Years 11 and 12 to choose a standard or advanced/extension line of study in both English and/or mathematics.

In Year 10 students may nominate to commence a HSC course. Accelerated course completion allows students a pathway to early completion of their HSC in their chosen course. Accelerated courses are offered in the key learning areas of science, mathematics, technology and applied science, HSIE and creative and performing arts.

“My teachers were highly motivated and dedicated to the success of their students. They provided thoughtful and individualised feedback, challenging us to improve with each new assignment.

I learnt to think critically and succinctly articulate complex arguments. I developed a love for reading, researching, analysing and most importantly, discovered a passion for lifelong learning.”

Grace Kessling. (Graduate 2015)

Alternative pathways

Students can choose to study a TAFE delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course (online or on TAFE campus) for different interests and industries. A selection of TVET courses are classified as Industry Curriculum Framework courses. These may contribute to a student’s HSC and ATAR result. Through the completion of a TVET course students may be eligible for certificate l-lV in their chosen course.

School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) combine paid work, school and TAFE training. Students who complete a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship receive a TAFE NSW academic transcript which may give credit for further study.

Our local partnerships allow our students to attend a trade training school and to complete a certificate II in one of the four frameworks, in an accelerated setting:

• Construction.

• Manufacturing and engineering.

• Primary industries.

• Hospitality.

“The school’s inherent commitment to enriching our learning, both in the classroom and through unique opportunities and experiences, instilled the confidence I needed to pursue my passion for the law. The support and care shown by my teachers, and comradery amongst students, culminated the perfect environment for my learning and to explore my interests. My experience at Lakes Grammar built the foundation for my career path to becoming a lawyer.”

Chelsea Maish (Graduate 2016)

SENIOR SCHOOL: PERSONALISED LEARNING

The senior school focuses on students setting personalised learning goals within a learning powered framework in their eportfolios on Schoolbox. We aim to understand and know each child’s personal goals and support them to meet these by providing:

• Exceptional teachers who provide varied and differentiated learning experiences.

• Academic care sessions which focus on goal setting.

• Academic mentors in Year 11 and 12.

• Career counselling.

• An online learning platform (Schoolbox) which allows students to visualise and track their progress in real time.

• A student learning profile for each subject each term in Years 11-12.

• After school study hall which is supported by subject teachers.

• Online course outlines and resources for students to access.

• A full-time counsellor.

Academic care classes

Students in Years 9-12 attend academic care sessions each week, where students discuss their goals with their teacher and build strong relationships. Students focus on the core learning powered capabilities:

• Curiosity.

• Attention.

• Determination.

• Imagination.

• Thinking.

• Socialising.

• Reflection.

• Organisation.

Academic mentors

Students in Years 11 and 12 have an academic mentor which they meet with on a regular basis. Students nominate a member of staff to discuss and reflect on their academic journey weekly.

Career counselling

The director of academic excellence works with parents and students to tailor a program suited to their individual career aspirations.

Continuous reporting

Students have access to Schoolbox, which allows them to view real time feedback from their teachers and their progress in their subjects. Students and parents can view relative position in the cohort and achievement of subject objectives and areas of learning.

Learning profiles

Parents and students receive teacher feedback about the student as a learner in each of their subjects. In Years 9-10 this is provided each semester, in Years 11-12 this is provided each term.

Learning management system

Schoolbox is the online platform for student learning. Each course page is designed to support a learning narrative with a scope and sequence and learning objectives. Students can use Schoolbox to set their own personal learning goals, submit work, set their own personal calendar, check assessment due dates and access stored teacher feedback.

Study hall and shared learning spaces

The open plan library allows for a space where students can collaborate and build relationships with their peers, teachers, and academic mentors. Students in Years 11 and 12 have a designated learning area in the library and Year 12 have a dedicated common room to facilitate a community of learning and strong relationships.

Academic diversity team

As a school, we support and facilitate inclusive education. The academic diversity team supports students who need extra support. Students have access to qualified staff who identify individual needs of students and adjust programs to suit a student’s physical, intellectual and wellbeing needs. The academic diversity team helps unlock students’ strengths and offers support to ensure that students thrive on their journey through the senior school.

“I thoroughly valued my time spent at Lakes Grammar, in particular the encouragement, enthusiasm and direction offered by the teaching staff and leadership team. My senior school journey taught me the importance of dedication, teamwork and discipline proving the importance of having goals and working to the best of my abilities to achieve them. The support and recommendations from the teachers ensured an early entry position into my top University preference.”

Kaitlyn De Shannon (Graduate 2019)

SENIOR SCHOOL: CARE

We believe that building better futures for our students is not only about providing them with career pathways, but also about preparing them for the future. Our tailored academic care program focuses on allowing students to flourish through the principles of positive psychology.

FLOURISH

Positive Emotions

• develop resilience and determination

• strive for and celebrate accomplishments

• develop a strong understanding of emotions of self and others

• build skills to grow positive emotions

• build skills to accept and work through negative emotions, focus on hope, grit and openness to learning from experience

Academic care team

Positive Relationships

• develop social and emotional skills

• focus on compassion, respect and gratitude

• seek to understand others

• develop the ability to forgive and move forward

Positive Health

• develop habits for good physical health including nutrition, exercise, and sleep

• develop habits for good psychological health including mindfulness

Positive Connections

• develop purpose through service to others and commitment to community

• reflect on how to use strengths to benefit others

• develop capacity to engage completely in learning

• engage in interests and passions

The students’ wellbeing is overseen by an academic care team. They see their academic care teacher daily and have weekly meetings with their dean. The dean works with students in a personalised, collaborative and supportive manner.

The director of academic care is responsible for the stewardship and administration of students. Working collaboratively with the head of senior school, their role involves establishing a relationship of mutual respect and support with the students and a supportive and guiding relationship with parents and carers.

“The experiences at Lakes Grammar set me on a path towards a fulfilling career, instilling in me a drive to succeed, a willingness to strive for greatness and to respect and value the community I serve. The dedicated teaching staff helped guide me to become the best adult I could be.”

Rosie Collard (Graduate 2012)

SENIOR SCHOOL: CHARACTER

We craft our activities outside the classroom to foster our values:

• Wisdom

• Justice

• Faith

• Compassion

• Courage

• Integrity

Lakes Grammar Degree

Research shows that an employee in the modern world will need to be flexible, adaptable, confident and creative.

Individuals will need a myriad of new skills throughout their life to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

All students in Years 9-12 are involved in the Lakes Grammar degree program. The program is designed to encourage our students to be a leader, serve others, connect with the outdoors, the school community and to set personal goals and challenges.

Through completing the degree students are better prepared for their life beyond school. It provides them with a credential that they can use beyond the school gates.

“During my time in high school I was a part of many programs and roles offered to students, including the debating team, Max Potential, high achievers program, Model United Nations Assembly, Duke of Edinburgh, school captain and many more. Some of the most enriching opportunities during my time, however, came from the support of the teachers. Consistently throughout high school in both the classroom and extracurricular I felt support and encouragement from my surroundings. The Lakes Grammar environment is incredibly unique as it is genuinely tailored to each student. The teachers knew my interests and abilities and suggested or created programs and activities to equip me with the skills I have used and will continue to use throughout my adult life.”

Elyse Hayhurst (Graduate 2019)

“Lakes Grammar, together with its keen and committed staff, provided strong support and encouraged us to embrace the wonderful opportunities on offer. Through this, I was able to forge my own path, develop values important to me and build a core sense of self of which I can be proud.”

Silas Collard (Graduate 2015)

“My time at the Lakes Grammar senior campus was so incredibly formative for my adult years and successful career in news and journalism. Lakes Grammar afforded me a top tier education with exceptional learning opportunities and access to support from faculty members that fostered a love of learning for me. It was the foundation that led me to where I am now and I couldn’t be more grateful! I now get the absolute privilege of enrolling my own children at the school and can’t wait to see where their education takes them.”

Cassandra Clarke (Graduate 2012)

“Lakes has always had a focus on all forms of education, meaning those of us who didn’t have the same academic skills as others were able to grow and nurture our artistic skills and talents. The connection the school has with its own artistic community allowed myself and many others to evolve as artists, pushing me to do more with my talents and giving me a chance to do what I love.”

Andrew MacLarty (Graduate 2020 )

During my time at Lakes I found myself surrounded by teachers who pushed me in areas I found myself lacking confidence in. Because of this I learned the skill of ‘giving things a go’. I call it a skill because as I have moved forward with my life I have noticed that many of my peers do not share that skill. That gift of teachers pushing me has led to many exciting opportunities. Opportunities I would have never had without the belief and reassurance I had from my teachers.

Harrison Clynes (Graduate 2019)