Question 1

Religious Education

Accepted Answer

The Religious Education curriculum at St Joseph’s College is designed to foster the holistic development of students within a supportive learning environment. It provides students with the opportunity to delve into the rich history of St Joseph’s College, exploring our Brigidine heritage, the evolution of the Church, and the stories of our House patrons.

Throughout these courses, students engage in a comprehensive study of the Bible and contemplate the life and teachings of Jesus. They delve into what it means to actively participate in Mass and integrate the significance of prayer into their daily lives.

A central objective of the Religious Education curriculum is to guide students in understanding how to lead a good life in accordance with Gospel principles and to make well-informed moral choices. Additionally, students are exposed to themes related to social justice and participate in acts of service, allowing them to become proactive advocates in their community while developing leadership skills.

Question 2

English

Accepted Answer

English studies at St Joseph’s College are thoughtfully crafted to cater to each student's unique place in their learning journey. Informed by a variety of data sources, including NAPLAN and PAT testing, and classroom observations, our teachers gain valuable insights to tailor their support for students' development in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language skills.

Throughout Years 7-9, our teachers collaborate to offer students the utmost flexibility in learning opportunities and assessments. Our specially designed programs and assessment tools are designed to challenge everyone while ensuring that no one feels overwhelmed. Each year level employs a multi-level approach, allowing every student the space to continuously progress and experience a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Upon reaching Year 10, students embark on their pre-VCE preparations. The Year 10 course closely mirrors the structure of VCE commitments, providing students with a clear understanding of VCE expectations before they make their educational choices. Here, students can also opt for Literature as an additional course alongside English or pursue the Literacy Program, which offers a vocational English pathway that paves the way for a smooth transition to VCE VM.

At the VCE level, students are granted the freedom to choose from English, English Language, and Literature or any combination of these, based on their individual strengths and interests. For those students undertaking VCE VM, Literacy develops students' everyday literacy skills through thinking, listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing to meet the demands of the workplace, the community, further study and their own life skills, needs and aspirations. This wide range of choices in the Senior Years equips students with a diverse set of opportunities for future pursuits in both university and the workplace.

Question 3

Maths

Accepted Answer

At St Joseph’s College, we place a high value on nurturing a genuine enthusiasm for mathematics and promoting a growth mindset in all our students. We believe in providing every student with the opportunity to explore and learn, irrespective of their current maths proficiency. Our approach ensures that students are appropriately challenged, striking a balance between pushing their boundaries without overwhelming them.

We actively encourage students to embody several key characteristics. We aim to create an environment where students are not only engaged but also curious and excited about mathematics. We foster a culture where students are unafraid of making mistakes, knowing that it's an essential part of the learning process. Our teachers and peers provide support, and we embrace feedback as a means to continuous improvement. Most importantly, we instil in students the confidence that they can grow, no matter where they begin their mathematical journey. These qualities empower students and presuppose a mindset of open-mindedness and a genuine desire to learn.

In Year 10, students have the opportunity to select from three distinct strands of mathematics, each tailored to prepare them for the corresponding VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) subject. To complement their senior maths studies, students benefit from cutting-edge graphing calculator technology, specifically the Texas Instruments CAS Calculator. Our VCE maths course offerings at St.Joseph’s encompasses Numeracy, Foundation Maths, General Maths, Maths Methods, and Specialist Maths, ensuring that students can choose a subject that aligns with both their ability and interests.

Question 4

Science

Accepted Answer

At St Joseph’s College, our approach to science education is engaging and interactive, involving students in discussions, hands-on experiments, research, and inquiry-based tasks.

In the junior levels, students are introduced to a wide array of scientific fields in accordance with the Victorian curriculum. Here, they learn not only the fundamentals of each discipline but also how to think like scientists. They acquire skills in scientific planning, data recording, analysis, and effective communication of their findings.

Upon reaching Years 9 and 10, students have the opportunity to follow their personal scientific interests by selecting specific streams of science. As they progress to the senior level, students can choose to specialise in one or more core science disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, and Psychology, as part of their VCE program.

Throughout their scientific journey, students' learning tasks are designed to nurture their skills and knowledge. We place a strong emphasis on their ability to critically analyse, evaluate, question, and actively contribute to scientific discussions. To accommodate individual learning needs, both skills and content are progressively scaffolded and built upon. Across all year levels, we prioritise the development of essential scientific literacy in all topics, ensuring a strong foundation in science education.

Question 5

Languages (LOTE)

Accepted Answer

At St Joseph’s College, we introduce all Year 7 & 8 students to Italian in an engaging and accessible manner, blending basic Italian grammar with conversational skills in enjoyable ways.

Studying Italian as a second language offers numerous advantages:

• Many Italian words are easily recognisable due to their similarity to English.
 • As Italian shares many similarities with other Romance languages like Spanish, French, and Portuguese, learning Italian can make it easier to pick up other languages in the future.
 • Italian is largely phonetic, with words often pronounced as they are written. This aids the development of essential speaking and listening skills that enhance overall literacy across the curriculum.
 • In our Italian studies, we place significant emphasis on both language and culture. This approach encourages students to not only reflect on their own culture, but also embrace the richness of other cultures.
 • As students progress to years 9 and 10, Italian offers the exciting possibility of travelling to Italy, offering an authentic cultural experience that complements their learning. Continued Italian language study also allows students the option to select Italian at the VCE level.
 • At the VCE level, Italian studies empower students to communicate effectively in Italian across various text types and themes while comprehending grammar both theoretically and practically. VCE Italian opens doors to diverse career opportunities in tourism, media, social services, commerce, banking, translation and interpreting, among others.

Question 6

Humanities

Accepted Answer

Humanities equips students to become well-informed global citizens. They gain valuable insights into global issues, international relations, and the intricate interplay between societies, arming them to confront complex global challenges with confidence.

Humanities encompass a diverse array of subjects that delve into the intricacies of human experience, society, and culture. These disciplines provide students with a comprehensive understanding of our world, its historical narratives, and the complexities of human societies.

In the early years, spanning from Year 7 to Year 8, Humanities takes centre stage as a core subject. It invites students to explore Australia’s Indigenous History, Ancient Civilisations and Medieval History while delving into Geography, which encompasses both natural and human environments. These engaging topics also provide students profound insights into how these elements have shaped the economic, civics and citizenship aspects of various regions.

As students advance into Years 9 and 10, they undertake a diverse range of Humanities subjects, opening the door to a multitude of interests and setting the stage for a rich selection of Humanities subjects at the VCE level.

Question 7

Materials Technology

Accepted Answer

Materials Technology is accessible to students from Year 7 through to Year 12, offering a versatile platform for their creative exploration. This field empowers students to conceptualise and craft projects across various mediums, including wood, metal, textiles, and robotics, fostering skills that extend far beyond their school years. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse future needs, whether that involves home-based projects or serves as a stepping stone toward a trade-based career path.

Beginning with foundational knowledge, students receive an introduction to technical procedures and are encouraged to master the proper use of tools, with a keen focus on adhering to Occupational Health & Safety practices. They cultivate an appreciation for design principles and professional practices, emphasising sustainable material usage and building competence with a wide array of tools.

At the senior levels, students in the woodwork domain are inspired to craft exhibition-grade, custom-made fine furniture pieces, showcasing their artistry with both Australian and exotic timbers.

In the metal-based realm, students adopt an engineering design approach to devise solutions for specific tasks. They delve into the world of mechanisms and control, combining these insights with metalworking skills to construct functional systems. Students hone their abilities in shaping, joining, and finishing practical metal projects. By designing while gaining a deeper understanding of material properties, limitations, and possibilities, students are encouraged to explore innovative solutions and bring them to life.

Question 8

Foods Technology

Accepted Answer

In a world where fast food has gained increasing popularity, and our health has suffered from excessive consumption, we recognize the importance of rekindling the art of preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals. At St Joseph's College, we are committed to equipping students with the fundamentals of food preparation, emphasising both health and the joy of cooking.

Our journey begins with Year 7 students, who get a taste of various foods while learning essential food preparation techniques, as well as kitchen hygiene and safety practices. As students progress through their education, they expand their knowledge of food and refine their culinary skills, gaining a deeper understanding of the foods we consume.

In VCE Food Studies, we aim to build upon practical culinary skills, apply the principles of nutrition, foster informed food citizenship, promote an understanding of food origins, cultures, and customs, and facilitate comprehension of global and local systems of food production, distribution, and governance. Through these endeavours, we strive to empower students to make healthier food choices and appreciate the significance of food in our lives, both individually and within our communities.

Question 9

Performing Arts

Accepted Answer

In the Performing Arts, there is a strong emphasis on fostering collaborative and cooperative teamwork among students, encouraging the creation of a supportive environment that nurtures confidence through active participation.

Students are not only urged to take personal and creative risks but also to engage in self-reflection, observing and contemplating their creative processes. They are encouraged to openly discuss and share their perspectives on their own and their peers' skills, thereby becoming active and discerning audience members.

Our courses in the Performing Arts are designed to stimulate imagination, cultivate confidence through spontaneity, and empower students to discover their identity as creators and, most importantly, as unique individuals.

At St Joseph’s College, both Music and Drama are available to students from Year 7 through to Year 12. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in our Instrumental Music Program and take advantage of a wide array of performance opportunities throughout the year. Our "St Joes on Show" showcase not only highlights the talents of our performing arts students but also provides an avenue for the broader community to appreciate their creative abilities.

Question 10

Visual Arts

Accepted Answer

In a world that increasingly values creative thinking, problem-solving, and cultivating an inquisitive mindset, Visual Arts assumes an ever more significant role.

At St Joseph’s College, students actively participate in a diverse range of Visual Arts experiences throughout their educational journey. They hone their skills in traditional artistic forms, including painting, drawing, and sculpture, while also embracing contemporary practices that involve working with mixed media and digital technologies.

As students progress into the senior years, they are presented with opportunities to refine and specialise in their artistic endeavours. Courses such as Arts Making and Exhibiting, Visual Communications, and Media enable them to delve deeper into their creative practices.

In all Visual Arts units, the central focus remains on cultivating visual literacy, encouraging inquiry, nurturing technique development, and fostering creative thinking. These are skills that not only enhance artistic expression but also hold immense value for the jobs and challenges of the future.

Question 11

Health and Physical Education

Accepted Answer

Health and Physical Education (HPE) plays a pivotal role in promoting the overall well-being of students, encompassing their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions

Our HPE curriculum at St. Joseph’s College spans from Year 7 through to Year 12, aligning with the Victorian Curriculum and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). In the early years (Years 7-9), students engage in core HPE programs that offer a blend of practical and theoretical learning experiences.

In Year 9, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into their interests and abilities through elective courses, fostering a deeper passion for physical education. They also partake in an exhilarating Outdoor Education camp, encouraging outdoor activities and team building among peers.

Year 10 students can tailor their learning program by selecting either Health and Physical Education,  Sports Science or All About Health allowing for greater personalisation. Additionally, they have the option to accelerate into various VCE/VET offerings, such as VCE Health and Human Development, VCE Outdoor Education, VCE Physical Education, VET Allied Health and VET Certificate III Sport & Recreation.

At St Joseph's College, we provide students with access to a wide range of state-of-the-art HPE facilities, both on campus and throughout the Echuca Moama region. Our dedicated facilities include indoor and undercover courts equipped with specialised fitness gear. We have established valuable community partnerships that grant students access to ovals, tennis courts, gymnasiums, indoor pools and athletics fields, enhancing their HPE experiences.

Question 12

Reading Room Program

Accepted Answer

The purpose of the Reading Room initiative is to foster a reading culture within St Joseph’s College, aligning with the objectives of the English curriculum. It seeks to aid students in reaping the well-documented advantages of regular reading.

Reading Room achieves this by immersing students in a diverse array of reading genres, styles, and formats through dialogue, discussions, and multimedia resources. It empowers students to establish reading goals, track their progress, and assess their achievements.

In tandem with classroom instruction, Reading Room exposes students to the profound influence of language. It encourages them to draw connections between various texts and explore a multitude of reading opportunities.

Ultimately, Reading Room aspires to kindle a love for reading even among the most reluctant readers, allowing them to discover the profound joys and benefits of this practice.

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