Years 8-10
Mortlake College operates a curriculum model across Years 8-12 which is best described as a ‘vertical curriculum’. The ‘vertical curriculum’ is designed to allow students to choose from elective blocks across varying year levels. In most subjects, Years 8-10 students are able to choose from any of the units, regardless of their age.
Also, depending on their needs, ability and interests, students have a greater access to VCE subjects. This is particularly so for students involved in the FASTRAK accelerated learning program but also benefits students who have an interest or skill in a particular area or older students who don’t want to take on an entire VCE load at year 11.
English and Mathematics remain core subjects but other KLAs (Key Learning Areas) offer units that cover all areas of the new Australian Curriculum for the students to choose from.
Also, depending on their needs, ability and interests, students have a greater access to VCE subjects. This is particularly so for students involved in the FASTRAK accelerated learning program but also benefits students who have an interest or skill in a particular area or older students who don’t want to take on an entire VCE load at year 11.
English and Mathematics remain core subjects but other KLAs (Key Learning Areas) offer units that cover all areas of the new Australian Curriculum for the students to choose from.
Benefits of the vertical system
The ‘Vertical Curriculum’ has been designed to meet the needs of our students in the 21st century by:
o Providing a much greater flexibility for students.
o Fulfilling the need for a broad educational program.
o Allowing students to work at a level appropriate to their abilities and interests.
o Ensuring students have a much greater choice in the units of work they study and so create a learning pathway that meets their needs.
o Providing a much greater flexibility for students.
o Fulfilling the need for a broad educational program.
o Allowing students to work at a level appropriate to their abilities and interests.
o Ensuring students have a much greater choice in the units of work they study and so create a learning pathway that meets their needs.
How does it work?
All students in Years 8-10 must study a unit of English and Mathematics each semester (a total of 6 over 3 years) and a minimum of three units over 3 years from each other Key Learning Areas (KLAs: Science, SOSE, Technology, The Arts, Physical Education/Health, LOTE). Rules vary for some KLAs, specifically Science, Advance and LOTE, however, it is expected that students will choose a wide variety of experiences over the three years.Students from 8-10 will have classes together, with teachers will catering for students of differing ability in their classes.
How are subjects chosen?
Subject allocations are determined by a combination of student choice and teacher recommendation. All students are counselled about their subject selections so that the most appropriate choices are made according to their interests, ability and chosen pathway. Comprehensive records are maintained to ensure that all students meet the prescribed requirements.
Early entry to VCE
In the ‘vertical’ blockings, all units are available for Year 10 students who are considered ready for this option..
In some cases, students below Year 10 will also be able to study VCE subjects, when it’s appropriate to the individual student’s needs and ability. This will be an option for FASTRAK students or those with strengths in specific subject areas. No VCE unit will be undertaken without recommendations from staff and without extensive counseling from House Mentors.
In some cases, students below Year 10 will also be able to study VCE subjects, when it’s appropriate to the individual student’s needs and ability. This will be an option for FASTRAK students or those with strengths in specific subject areas. No VCE unit will be undertaken without recommendations from staff and without extensive counseling from House Mentors.