The Vertical Curriculum

The philosophy that students have control and ownership of their learning underpins our Vertical Curriculum. The curriculum has been built so students can undertake learning that is commensurate with their ability and interest. This flexibility ensures that learning is always relevant, targeted and differentiated, while also mindfully preparing students for either the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) pathways offered in Years 11 and 12.

The Vertical Curriculum offers semester long units across all key learning areas in the College. During the middle years, any reference to year levels is replaced by five sequential levels known as A to E, which indicates a unit’s level of difficulty. This means that students can select units appropriate to their ability and not their year level; the result being that a class at Kardinia could be made up of students from a number of year levels.

Each semester, a student is required to undertake seven units in total. By the end of Year 10, student must have completed a minimum number of units in each key learning area, which is shown in the table below:

The Vertical Curriculum gives students the opportunity to:

• Complete secondary education over six years having studied all units at an age appropriate level

• Accelerate in one or more key learning areas

• Consolidate, if necessary, in one or more areas

• Specialise in some key learning areas where there is a particular interest or talent

• Complete one or two VCE units in Year 10

• Opt to complete the VCE or IBDP in Years 11 and 12

• Are not locked into a specific and prescribed year level (horizontal curriculum)

Assessment and Reporting

At the beginning of each semester, teachers provide students with a written statement of the assessment requirements of the unit. Normal expectations are that students will satisfactorily complete all units before proceeding into VCE or the IBDP. Students are required to complete at least 48 units.

Reporting is undertaken on a progressive basis. As assessment tasks are marked by teachers, feedback will be uploaded to the student’s Progressive Report, which is available to both parents and students. In addition, parents have the opportunity to meet with teachers in Terms 1 and 3 during scheduled Parent/Teacher Interviews.

Computers

All students enrolled at the College must participate in the tablet computer rental programme. No other computers are permitted. The tablet computer programme is central to the delivery of the vertical curriculum.

Minimum Requirements in the Vertical Curriculum

During their time in the Vertical Curriculum, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

Students are also required to:

• Complete HPA13 – The Bare Necessities in Year 7
• Complete HPB16 – Fit for Life in Year 8
• Complete HPC13 – Life’s Essentials in Year 9
• Undertake 4 units of Language (Japanese or French) in Years 7 and 8