Korumburra Secondary College

Korumburra Secondary College has been providing Quality Education in a Caring Community for the students from Korumburra, Bena, Loch, Poowong, Nyora, Kardella, Jumbunna, Moyarra and the many surrounding townships for over 50 years. With an enrolment of around 450 students and 58 teachers and support staff, the college provides a diverse range of educational opportunities for our students to eventually enable them to access tertiary education, as well as apprenticeships and careers in local businesses. Throughout its history, the College has a strong emphasis on developing personal and social skills through the encouragement of cooperation, self discipline and caring for others. The college expects that students will be committed to a high level of achievement, to work to the best of their ability, be active in and responsible for their learning and show care and respect for college, teachers, other students and the environment. In 2012 we introduced the Positive Behaviours Program for the explicit teaching of respectful behaviour. Korumburra Secondary College is co-educational and enrols students from years 7-12, aiming to provide a challenging and sequential curriculum that is responsive to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) for year 7-10, National Curriculum, Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). Twice a year students are assessed not only by teachers, but through the On Demand testing provided through the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority). This provides students and teachers with a clear picture of student progress, strengths and areas for improvement or modification. This assessment tool, along with teacher recommendation supports counselling for accelerated learning in Years 7 – 9 and advancement into VCE units early in Years 10-12. 2013 will be the first year that Year 7 & 10 students lease netbooks to support their learning. Classrooms are fitted with interactive data projectors designed to engage students in learning through the use of technology. A Learning Assistance Program (LAP) enabled by parents and community volunteers, is available to students who may have difficulty settling into secondary schooling or may have social needs. The Literacy and Numeracy Intervention Program (LINK) provides intensive instruction for students identified through assessment to need foundational literacy skills. Year 10 students who are seeking a VCAL certificate are introduced to Foundation VCAL Units in Year 10 three days per week, and attend Coal Creek for one day as an employee, as well as one day of theory lessons. The college offers a variety of alternative experiences which include the South Gippsland School Music Program (SGSMP); athletics, swimming and cross country events; interschool sport; Outdoor Education courses; school drama performances; ‘A Night to Remember’ – a display of student performances; community service and many extra-curricular activities at lunchtimes. A very experienced team of Education Support Officers support our students who are funded for extra care. Student welfare is carefully monitored and addressed proactively by our Assistant Principal, Sub School Coordinators, Welfare Coordinator, School Nurse, Chaplain and visiting specialists. Our College will conduct a review of our programs and processes in 2013 and set a new Strategic Plan for the next four years. However, our focus will continue to be on strengthening student numeracy and literacy skills, as well as improving VCE/VCAL results. Integral to this is the development of personal and social skills to enable our students to be active, resourceful and respectful citizens in our local and broader community.