The college provides each student with a comprehensive curriculum across each of the 8 learning areas

MIDDLE SCHOOL

At Pakenham Secondary College our staff and students work in teams to ensure that the current and future learning needs are catered for.
The college recognizes the importance of providing a variety of programs to cater for student neeeds. At year 7 to 9 there is a High Achievers Program as well as a unique Boy's Education program.
The "Challenge" Program at Year 9 provides students and teachers with an opportunity to work together on a curriculum specifically designed to cater for student's interests and better engage them with their learning.
The middle years program builds strong foundations for future student pathways by emphasizing literacy and numeracy across the curriculum.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Pakenham Secondary College provides it's students with a broad range of study options in the senior years. The schools is commited to meeting the needs of the indivudual by providing each student with the opportunity to achieve their personal best and enhance the options available to them upon leaving school. Students can elect to study a traditional VCE program or the vocationally orientated Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). The school offers a range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs for students to choose from. With courses in Building and Construction, Hospitality, Sport and Recreation and Hairdressing being offered on site.

CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT AND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Cultural and Artistic
Instrument tuition, band, production, exchange program, school magazine, competition in local shows and the Melbourne Show, annual Art Show, Performance by the School Band and a Rock Estiford.
Sport and Leisure
Inter-house sport, inter-school sport, region/state competition, senior formal, junior disco, lunchtime activities etc
Educational Enrichment
Extra tutorials to meet individual students. Competitions in Science, Chemistry, English, Maths, Essay, Poetry, English and French. Science Summer School. Visiting speakers, drama groups. Student Writing Festival. Special Education Programs: Making a Difference, Direct Instruction, Integration, Cross-age tutoring. Year 12 Orientation: study skills, social support, relaxation techniques. Homework Club at Junior and Middle School.
Careers and Work Experience/Work Placement
All Year 10 students undertake two weeks work experience during the year and some Year 11 students completing VET in Schools Program undertake work placement. Careers teacher are responsible for the individual course counseling at Years 10/11, Careers teacher organises visiting speakers, Year 10 excursion to Monash University, Tertiary Expo for Year 12 etc.
Pastoral Care, Counseling
Form Teachers, Year Level Co-ordinators, Student Welfare Co-ordinator, Guidance Officer, Social Worker and visiting consultants
Transition
The College maintains regular contact with Primary Schools including:

  • Regular meetings with Primary Principals
  • Regular meetings between Primary and Secondary school teachers
  • Students in Grades 5 & 6 visiting the College.

    VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING (VET) COURSES

    Pakenham Secondary College is aware that all students must be given every opportunity to acquire skills that will enable them to find employment and increase their chances of gaining entry into the University/TAFE course they wish to pursue after Year 12. The VET In Schools programs allow both of these to occur. Whether students wish to find employment at the end of Year 12 or continue on to University, the VET In Schools program offers many benefits.
    Below are some of the advantages:

  • Most VET In Schools programs provide students with units towards their VCE.
  • Satisfactorily complete Year 12 and acquire two Certificates - VCE and TAFE Certificate or TAFE modules.
  • Students acquire industry skills that will make them more attractive as an employee to future employers. Most VET certificate courses are assessed according to competencies (skills) gained by the student.
  • Students acquire industrial experience that will give them an insight into their future career if they wish to complete further studies after Year 12.

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