Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program

The Accelerated Learning Program initiative was implemented in 1996 and is part of the Lyndale Secondary College differentiated education priority which caters for all students, including those with special needs. Each year one class of students is specially selected to participate in the six year program which is designed to enhance intellectual potential and development. Accelerated courses involve a combination of a faster paced curriculum and, in particular, complex and abstract material. The acceleration process is designed to cater for the needs of the highly academically talented student.

 Lyndale Secondary College is one of a small number of Department of Education Schools in the state which is accredited to provide select entry programs for gifted students.

 The initial three year compacted program allows students to work as a form group for their core accelerated subjects, English, Mathematics and Science while joining other students for all other studies and co-curricular programs. The Lyndale Secondary College Accelerated Learning Program also provides flexibility in the senior school by allowing additional academic credits to be achieved e.g. TAFE certification, first year university subjects and/or providing opportunities for students to increase the range and depth of their VCE studies. In both cases, students’ Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Ranks (ENTER) should be enhanced to provide opportunities for higher levels of entry to tertiary studies.

 Learning is encouraged and stimulated within the classroom through a faster pace of learning with less repetition. There is much emphasis in the program on higher thought processes such as problem solving and analysis. Students are encouraged to pursue topics of interest arising from their work and have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of competitions.  The program also emphasises the college’s strong belief in pastoral care and ensures that all students are effectively guided through their secondary years of schooling.

VCAL

The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12.

The VCAL gives students practical work-related experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. And like the VCE it is a recognised qualification.

The VCAL’s flexibility enables students to design a study program that suits their interests and learning needs. Fully accredited modules and units are selected for the following four compulsory strands:

•  Literacy and Numeracy Skills

•  Work Related Skills

•  Industry Specific Skills

•  Personal Development Skills

Students studying VCAL attend a TAFE course weekly, as well as a one day per week work placement, both of which are designed to direct students towards their chosen pathways.  

University Enhancement Studies Project

The University Enhancement Studies Project provides the opportunity for our very able students to extend their learning in a particular subject area by completing the first year of a standard university subject as part of their Year 12 program.

 Students complete their university enhancement study by attending classes at a variety of university campuses. Classes are held in the afternoon or after school hours for one to three hours per week for normally two 13 week semesters. Alternatively, students may complete their enhancement study without attending classes by studying via distance education. 

Lyndale Secondary College teachers will provide support to Enhancement Studies students in a mentoring role.  Mentors monitor student progress and are not expected to provide academic assistance, although this is well within their capabilities.  The program is endorsed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). If a student successfully completes the program and meets the VCAA eligibility guidelines, the university study can be counted as the student’s sixth VCE study and can be included in the calculation of the student’s ENTER (Tertiary Entrance Ranking).  Obviously, the university study will also count towards the university degree.

 The major aim of the project is to assist schools to maximise the learning experience of their very able students whose needs may not otherwise be met by the normal VCE program.  Along with the intellectual benefits gained by the students through further extension in a particular subject area, students are also able to gain an insight into the demands of university study. We believe this may later assist students in what is often a difficult transition from school to full-time university study.  Students who have successfully completed enhancement studies will be placed in a special category by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Commission (VTAC). This will highlight to university selection officers that the students have undertaken tertiary level studies in addition to their VCE studies.  

Pathways into TAFE

The success of VCE programs at Lyndale Secondary College are further enhanced by students' participation in VCE/VET programs with TAFE.  Our students enhance their ENTER (Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank) scores when completing courses in Hospitality, Electronics, Automotive and many others.  They will receive not only their VCE but also a nationally recognised TAFE Certificate. 

Literacy Development

Year 7 students complete a number of diagnostic literacy tests in approximately week 4 of the school year.  These tests target sight-reading, spelling, vocabulary and comprehension.

Students' needs are identified and activities are designed to address those needs as much as possible within the classroom setting.  Programs are planned to enhance English literacy across all Key Learning Areas.  Learning tasks provided in various subjects aim to develop literacy as well as skills within the specific subjects.

Individual spelling programs, vocabulary studies, reading and comprehension are particularly focused upon in Year 7 Integrated Studies and Year 8 English.  A home reading program is also encouraged.  This is a vital component for enhancing sight-reading and comprehension skills.

Post-testing of Years 7 and 8 students is completed in November and improvements are communicated in the end of year reports.

Mathematics Support

Mathematics is a major discipline in secondary education.  We are constantly expanding our Mathematics curriculum so that it is meaningful and relevant to our students, especially those in need of support and enrichment. 

The Mathematics Support Program provides advice, remediation and extension resources for classroom teachers, and encourages teacher initiatives that will enhance the quality of student learning experiences in the college.

All incoming Year 7 students are tested and the results analysed to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses.  All Years 7 and 8 students in need of specialised support to increase their skills and understanding of Mathematics learning are assigned to groups of no more than 6 students for one period per week to receive more individual assistance.  We strive in the small groups to create the strong pastoral care program needed for slower learners.

Student Wellbeing and Support

Students come under the immediate supervision of their Year Level Coordinators and Form Teachers.  We have a caring and supportive approach to discipline which is applied with consistency to all students.  In situations where extra assistance is needed we have the services of a Student Wellbeing Coordinator and Psychologist who are also available to assist and advise parents, teachers and students.

It is the responsibility of the Student Wellbeing Coordinator to assist students with various aspects of their lives which affect their education.  Students can be referred by their Year Level Coordinator, their parents, or they can refer themselves.  Areas of concern where the Student Wellbeing Coordinator might be involved include:  social and emotional problems, peer relationships, financial difficulties, conflict resolution and time management/study skills.  In addition, the Student Wellbeing Coordinator acts as liaison with outside agencies such as specialist Education Department staff, family mediation centres and medical services who offer specialist assistance. 

Integration Program

Our policy, and that of the Education Department, for students with impairments, disabilities and problems in schooling, is to attempt to provide the resources and facilities to enable the students to develop and achieve at their highest possible levels. 

To assist in the provision of this program we have Integration Coordinators and Integration Aides.  They work collaboratively with teaching staff aiming to provide the most appropriate education for each child. The Integration staff encourages the development of supportive relationships for all students.

Careers Program

The formal Careers Program at Lyndale Secondary College commences early in the first term of Year 10 where students are invited to undertake our Managed Individual Pathways Counselling program. This is a very thorough career tool that looks at a variety of issues affecting students. The student spends a considerable amount of time with a counsellor and together they explore and put together a plan to ensure that the student understands what they need to do to accomplish their career goals, VCE/VCAL subject selection, what courses are available to them and all the pathways associated.

Students are also referred to outside employment providers and receive assistance in a host of employment/training related issues.

All students are also assisted in accessing work experience during our Year 10 block release in June of every year. They now undertake Occupational Health and Safety Certification prior to their Work Experience placement.

Senior students have the opportunity to listen to guest speakers on a range of interesting issues and also visit Tertiary institutions.

Lengthy counselling and follow up is conducted with VCE students who are assisted with:

• VCE course selection

• VTAC applications

• Change of preference

• Employment placement including Traineeships and Apprenticeships

• Follow up six months after leaving Lyndale Secondary College

Lyndale students have the opportunity to attend a large variety of VET courses such as Hospitality, Automotive, Child Care, Electronics, Building and many others. They receive nationally accredited TAFE Certificates as well as VCE credits and bonus ENTER points.

Our students are also given the opportunity to access University subjects offered by Melbourne and Monash which enables students to gain credits for courses when they enter university.

At Lyndale we strive to ensure that all students have positive outcomes and we celebrate with them when they receive offers of employment in apprenticeships/traineeships or further education at TAFE and university.

Managed Individual Pathways Program

• This program was instituted in 2001 to assist students in the post-compulsory year levels to develop "action plans" for their futures.  The program objectives include:

• Increased participation and successful completion of post compulsory education and training programs.

•  Improved employment outcomes and other education outcomes by young people".

• Greater cross-sectoral integration of programs and provision of support for young people

• Improved tracking of young people and monitoring of standards and outcomes for young people against local and statewide benchmark.