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What is a ‘Christian education’?
I have made lifelong friends at Northside because the community here is just amazing. Northside is like a second family to me.“
— Ms Natoli, teacher
Inside the Middle School (Years 7-9)
At Northside Christian College, we recognise that the middle years of education are an important stage in adolescent growth and development. The Middle School provides a crucial stepping stone between Primary and Senior Secondary.
Curriculum
In Years 7 to 9, a broad base of academic disciplines is designed to build deep knowledge and delay narrowing of options for as long as possible. The curriculum in Years 7-9 contains a foundational range of subjects that each student undertakes as they prepare for success in education, work and living a Christian life. These are varied as they progress through the years, but in Years 7 and 8 they are: – English – Mathematics – Science – History – Geography – Christian Life Studies – Chinese – Civics and Citizenship – Economics and Business Studies – Health – Physical Education
Discovery Subjects
In addition to the core Australian Curriculum subjects, students in Years 7 and 8 are able to select four Discovery subjects to study, two in each semester. They are: – Design and Technology – Digital Technologies – Graphic Design – Media Arts – Outdoor Studies – Performing Arts – Visual Arts
Discovery subjects allow students to uncover talents and expand and develop interests and passions. While empowering them with practical skills and a chance to showcase their work, students will experience an element of choice and decision-making that is built on in future years as pathways are explored. The Year 9 students participate in the Elective program, choosing subjects with Year 10s as they begin their own transition to the Senior School. The Year 9/10 Elective program supports students as they consider their Senior School pathway.
Transition to Year 7
The transition from Primary School to Middle School can be a challenging and overwhelming prospect for students. We help smooth this transition with a carefully planned Year 7/8 Camp to build relationships and enjoy experiences together. Transition is also supported through a range of other initiatives including an orientation day, information evenings, school tours and standardised testing.
Year 9 Year of Challenge
The Year of Challenge is our program for Year 9 students at Northside Christian College in their final year of Middle School. It provides opportunities for students to challenge themselves, build resiliency, growth mindset, empathy, communication, and develop their ethical framework. It is designed to be a highly stimulating, active and multi-layered program that aims to provide rich learning experiences for students involved. The challenges take place in a range of settings: beach, local community, city, and interstate, and cover many curriculum areas.
Inside the Senior School (Years 10-12)
At Northside Christian College, education is more than just qualifying for entry into university, TAFE or the workforce. It is our prayer that each Senior School student develops their gifts and talents whilst preparing themselves for a life that serves others and honours God.
Our Senior School provides students with an opportunity to carefully select their subjects based upon their areas of strength and future career goals. Students may pursue the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the VCE Vocational Major. The focus of Year 10 is broadening students’ understanding of themselves as global citizens, and preparing them to take their place as ethical and responsible citizens in the world. Increased opportunities for students to exercise autonomy are offered through the provision of a flexible learning space and the chance to choose electives that correlate with their interests and future career paths. An emphasis is placed on careers education and work readiness. As part of the careers component at the College, our Year 10 students also have the option of completing hospitality courses and a first-aid course to help them prepare for employment. There is also an opportunity for Year 10 students to commence their VCE studies in Year 10 by participating in the College’s “acceleration” program. A sample of the Year 9 and 10 electives offered are: – Digital Technologies – Design and Technology: Food Studies – Psychology – Advanced Science – Folio/Photography – Legal Studies – Media Studies – Robotics – Team Development – Athlete Development – Design and Technology: Textiles – Environmental Science – Community Christian Service (Year 10 only) Our Year 11 and 12 students are provided with another layer of support through mentoring opportunities with College staff. Students are paired with a staff member and are encouraged to meet at least fortnightly to discuss how the student is travelling, if they have any concerns or need any support and guidance.
VCE Program
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a two-year certificate awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12. Northside Christian College also provides opportunities for students to apply to accelerate and commence a VCE subject in Year 10. Successful completion of the VCE provides students with an opportunity to pursue tertiary pathways. The College remains committed to offering a varied and flexible program for Senior students each year. The final availability of subject options each year depends on student preferences, staffing and timetable requirements, but most prerequisite subjects required for pursuing tertiary education will be run, even with small class sizes. Below is a sample of subjects offered at Northside: – Biology – Business Management – Chemistry – English/EAL – Food Studies – Health and Human Development – Legal Studies – Mathematics – Foundation Mathematics – Mathematics – General Mathematics – Mathematics – Mathematical Methods – Media – Physics – Psychology – Art Making and Exhibiting – Visual Communication Design
Vocational Major
Northside Christian College also provides an opportunity for students to complete the VCE – Vocational Major, which is a two-year vocational and applied learning program. This program is offered within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) aimed at Year 11 and 12 students (replacing Senior and Intermediate VCAL) and enables successful transitions into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, or directly into employment. Within senior secondary education, vocational and applied learning builds critical and creative thinking, communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, curiosity and innovation. It provides students with real-world knowledge, including about the workplace, and practical and transferable skills. Student work is individualised to incorporate student interests and skills as much as possible.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Students can choose to complete VET studies during Years 11 and 12 as part of their VCE or Vocational Major. Students undertake nationally recognised training from either accredited state curriculum or national training packages which contributes to their VCE or Vocational Major. VET units also count towards the student’s Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). VCE VET courses are delivered externally by different training providers in partnership with the Northern Melbourne VET Cluster and are conducted in venues across the region.
