Instructional Model
Whittlesea Secondary College has always taken pride in delivering exciting, diverse, and innovative curriculum and has established a strong identity and tradition in fulfilling lifelong learning. Our curriculum has a high academic focus and we not only challenge our students, but we encourage and reward persistence and good work ethic. Our students are empowered in their learning by choosing their subjects based on interest and curiosity.
Approach to Teaching
At Whittlesea Secondary College, we aim for a consistent and predictable lesson structure, that is, our teachers run lessons in a consistent way across different Domain areas of the College. Our lesson structure, or Instructional Model has been crafted using an evidence-based approach, including the Berry Street model for trauma informed practice. By having a consistent approach to our lesson planning, students are aware of the expectations of behaviour and our teachers can plan for different learning styles of our students. The research states that student engagement and behaviour improves as lessons become more consistent.
Differentiation
Intervention at WSC
Whittlesea Secondary College is committed to ensuring every student achieves success in their learning. Whittlesea Secondary College runs literacy and numeracy targeted programs designed to meet the specific needs of the students involved and are in line with the Victorian Curriculum.
Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Initiative (MYLNS) – Year 8 – Year 10 Intervention Program
Whittlesea Secondary College is committed to assisting our students develop the literacy and numeracy skills they need to succeed in their senior school years and prepare them to thrive in future work and study.
The Victorian Government, ‘Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support Initiative’ commenced in 2019 to provide intensive literacy and numeracy teaching support towards achieving these goals. Students are identified by the Department of Education via their NAPLAN results. WSC has inducted additional students in need into the program to ensure all students have the literacy and numeracy skills necessary for life beyond school.
The literacy and numeracy programs involve a mixture of withdrawal and in class support. These sessions focus on improving core literacy and numeracy skills and understanding. We conduct regular diagnostic testing that informs Literacy and Numeracy Intervention Teachers of the best way forward for each individual student.
