The Later Years at Maffra Secondary College
Later Years philosophy at Maffra Secondary College is based upon maximising all students’ academic and leadership potential, as well as their personal growth and skill development, using the flexibility the Later Years offers, particularly in Senior School (Years 11 and 12).
Two distinct certificated programs are delivered in Years 11 and 12. Most students study the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), completing it within two or sometimes three years. Some students study the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) in which a certificate is completed after each year of study and includes a three-day Personal Development camp. Some students also study a Vocational Education and Training (VET) subject, which is usually delivered by East Gippsland TAFE in Sale, one day a week.
Within the VCE about a third of the Year 11 students study a year 12 subject, many Year 10 students study a year 11 subject and a few Year 12 students study a university enhancement subject. Very capable Year 10 students may complete more than one VCE subject.
Later Years students are encouraged to be involved in a broad range of leadership, curriculum and enrichment activities. Year 10s can be involved in interstate trips, “Keys Please”, Tertiary Tour, Health Day, and a special Year 10 social event is being planned. Year 11s participate in the Debutante Ball and Prom and Year 12s in the year 12 camp, Prom and Valedictory Dinner. All three years are taught study skills and exam techniques, and are encouraged to contribute to their community.
Later Years student leaders represent, and are an advocate for, Later Years students, and participate in the College’s student forum and on school council. Some other leadership groups are the Senior House Captains and Vice-Captains, Future Leaders and Supportive Friends. All extra curricular participation and achievements are recorded on an accomplishment report, which each student receives twice a year. These have contributed to many Maffra Secondary College students achieving jobs, further study placements and scholarships. Several students each year participate in overseas student exchange and enrichment programs sponsored by Rotary and AFS.
To support students we provide Later Years Curriculum and year Level Coordinators, a Careers Coordinator, a VCAL Coordinator, a Managed Individual Pathways (MIPs) Coordinator and a VASS Coordinator, all located in the Later Years area in order to best serve the immediate needs of students. For Senior School students there is a fully self-contained common room with a computer network and printers, photocopier, pay telephone, lockers and a kitchen with hot water dispenser, microwave, sandwich-makers, refrigerator and dishwasher.
All of the Later Years students are guided and encouraged to enhance their personal growth and skill development as well as an awareness of their own learning, styles and talents. Parents are regularly informed about Senior School and careers matters through the weekly newsletter, careers news, letters home to parents, and special information evenings. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to talk to Coordinators about any concerns as they arise.
Support Services
SENIOR SCHOOL COMMON ROOM
This spacious area is the academic and operational centre of the Senior School. This facility continues to be developed to produce a fully self-contained administrative, study and careers unit.
For students the Common Room has:
• Private study facilities.
• A network of computers with printers. Every student has a unique password that enables access to the school network programs, and individual, secure electronic file storage.
• A kitchen equipped with microwave oven, refrigerator, sandwich-makers and tea/coffee making facilities.
• Several separate interview rooms.
• Immediate access to Careers, MIPs and Senior School Coordinators who are based in separate rooms within this facility.
Planning & Information Sessions:
All Senior School students meet with the Senior School Coordinators and the Careers teacher at the beginning of every day for information distribution and discussion in the Common Room. Attendance at daily briefings is compulsory.
Parent Information Evening:
There is a Parent information evening for both parents of year 11 students commencing their VCE or VCAL program and a year 12 session for parents supporting students in their final year of their VCE or VCAL program. It is strongly recommended for all to attend these parents as there is not only discussion about the structure of the VCE and VCAL programs at Maffra Secondary College but also a number of strategies to assist in supporting their children during what can be an extremely demanding year for the entire family unit.