Woodcroft College Prospectus

WOODCROFT COLLEGE
Prospectus
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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From the Head of College
Statement of Philosophy
Our Staff, Parents and School
Early Learning
Junior School
Middle School
Senior School
The Arts
Outdoor Education
International Programs
Student Services
Extra Curricular Programs
Facilities and Services
Registration and Enrolment
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FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE
Mrs Shannon Warren
Woodcroft College i s characterised by a deep
sense of humility, understanding and tolerance.
When you walk into any school, there is a feel, a
sense, an atmosphere that is very real. Like the
larger social culture, a school culture results from
both conscious and unconscious. At Woodcroft
there is a tangible sense of warmth and belonging.
It is a place where our students feel entirely
comfortable; where they feel happy and safe in
a warm, community environment. Our students
are forthcoming, inquiring, welcoming, engaging,
well-mannered, good fun and great company - and
our staff also echo these qualities.
Educators know that young people learn
best when they feel supported, not made to
feel inferior, restricted, afraid or compliant.
Relationships and interactions at Woodcroft are
characterised by openness, trust, respect, and
appreciation. Staff relationships are collegial,
collaborative, and productive, and all staff
members are held to high professional standards.
And these are the conditions under which learning
thrives.
Mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn and
grow for both students and educators.
Criticism, when voiced, is constructive and wellintentioned,
not antagonistic or self-serving. All
students have access to the academic support and
services they may need to succeed.
Our purpose is to encourage our students to
embrace their education - wholeheartedly; to see
them emerge with vision and optimism, and to
prepare them to take their places as confident and
compassionate young people, driven to make a
difference, wherever they choose to live and work.
At Woodcroft, we don’t just teach students, we
create the conditions where high-quality learning
thrives. We want our students to go into the world
strong in intellect and equally strong in character.
We want your children to understand that being
brave, taking risks, working hard, developing
self-control, showing grit and displaying adaptive
thinking are qualities that will unleash their
potential.
We look forward to welcoming you to our campus
where you will see our philosophy translated into
practice. Walk through our beautiful grounds,
see our facilities, and observe our dedicated staff
and wonderful students immersed in what they
do best – learning together. You will witness how
Woodcroft empowers students for life: secure in
character, confident in their abilities, respectful in
their manner and equipped to make their unique
contributions to the world.
Our boys and girls share in the joy of learning
together, developing mutual understanding for
each other. Our purpose is to prepare young
people for the changing, diverse, uncertain world
they are moving into and Woodcroft College
reflects the diversity and reality of such a world.
Outside the classroom, our girls and boys stand
side by side in leadership positions, valuing
intellect, character, initiative and responsibility
in one another. They play sport together, attend
outdoor education camps, collaborate in the
performing arts through music ensembles and
drama, perform in school productions and share
recreational space.
Girls and boys interact with each other as
contemporaries in all aspects of everyday school
life. In doing so, they build a sound platform
for personal growth, peer connectedness,
relationships with others and the development of
appropriate values systems. One’s understanding
of self is inherently shaped by the relationships
formed with those around them and an awareness
of how they fit into the fabric of their world.
With this in mind, co-education promotes a far
more authentic understanding of one’s self and
one’s potential to make valuable contributions to
society as a respectful, resilient and collaborative
adult.
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STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Woodcroft College is future-oriented, equipping
students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills
they need to gain worthwhile employment, be
responsible global citizens, and model their lives
on Christian values and beliefs.
The curriculum is diverse and broadly based.
It is centred on the intellectual, physical and
emotional needs of students.
It encourages them to:
• Pursue academic excellence, yet caters for
individual differences in learning styles and
abilities.
• Strive in all areas of human endeavour from
the subject-based disciplines to the arts,
outdoor education, sports and leisure-time
activities.
• Become confident, active, resilient, self-reliant
and successful lifelong learners.
• Grow in faith through Religious and Values
Education, corporate worship, and service
to others in school, local community and
international projects.
The curriculum, co-curriculum and pastoral care
program have a global perspective, preparing
students for citizenship in a democratic,
multicultural society.
They are encouraged to:
• Be themselves, showing tolerance and respect
for the rights of others.
• Appreciate social, religious and cultural
differences.
• Grow in self-respect, taking responsibility for
their own actions and conduct.
• Become leaders, experienced in decisionmaking.
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OUR STAFF, PARENTS AND SCHOOL
Students
Woodcroft College is a student-centred
community. It encourages students to grow and
develop in a respectful, success-oriented learning
environment.
Staff
Woodcroft College is a professional community.
It respects staff and encourages them to pursue
their vocation in a collegial setting.
Parents
Woodcroft College is an inclusive community. It
respects parents and encourages them to become
involved as active partners in their children’s
education.
Vibrant
Innovative
Inclusive
School
Woodcroft College is a sustainable community.
It respects the past and builds the future through
prudent, responsible management and sharing of
its resources.
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EARLY LEARNING
Woodcroft College has developed a purpose built Early Learning Centre, ensuring that the child is at the
centre of the learning environment, and the environment becomes ‘the third teacher’.
Our Method of Learning
As an International Baccalaureate school, our ELC is guided by the IB’s Primary Years Program and the
Early Years Learning Framework: Belonging, Being and Becoming. Our educators are also guided by the
Reggio Emilia philosophy. Children learn about the world around them through units of inquiry, developing
questioning skills, exploring their environment and developing relationships within their community.
Early childhood is a time for play, curiosity, imagination, discovery and adventure. We recognise that all
children learn in different ways and at different paces. Our unique tailored learning method is designed
to suit each individual and each family that comes through our doors. Through our play-based learning,
learning potential is maximised and children are able to develop a sense of belonging, being and becoming.
Staff at Woodcroft College ELC are experienced, qualified early childhood specialists who encompass the
values of the college through the tailored programs they plan for children.
ELC Program
Children are welcome to start at our Early Learning Centre from the age of three. At Woodcroft College we
take into consideration the needs of the whole child and our carefully designed program supports children’s
social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical growth.
Our three-year-old program caters for our youngest students by supporting their transition into Kindergarten
and helps them develop a sense of self as both an individual as well as a valued member of a community.
Our four-year-old program continues to build on children’s sense of self and aims to develop social and
emotional well-being as they start their transition into their first formal year of school. With early childhood
teachers running our programs we offer Universal Access to Kindergarten.
Woodcroft College supports those students who are almost ready for school but just need a little bit more
time by running a Reception Ready Program for students who turn five in the second half of the year.
These programs are designed to encourage our youngest learners to reach their full potential by providing
learning experiences in a safe and stimulating environment.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL
The Junior School provides young learners with the opportunity to learn and practise the essential social,
emotional and problem solving skills they will need throughout their schooling. A major focus of our school
is to develop positive self-esteem, helping young children feel confident about who they are, and to encourage
them in their ability to take on the challenges of new learning in a caring and nurturing environment.
Curriculum
Students in Reception to Year 5 complete the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP)
The PYP is an international, trans-disciplinary program which encourages students to:
• Acquire and practise basic skills in Literacy and Numeracy
• Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
• Conduct research into knowledge of local and international significance
• Develop a positive attitude towards learning, the environment and their fellow human beings
• Take part in responsible action and community service.
The PYP aligns with the Australian Curriculum.
Assessment and Reporting
Parent/teacher/student interviews are held in Term 1 and parent/teacher interviews are held in Term 3. Each
child shares their achievements and accomplishments through their learning portfolio and the SeeSaw app.
Together these create a purposeful collection of a student’s work that is designed to demonstrate success,
growth, high order thinking and reflection. Semester reports are provided to parents of students in Reception
to Year 5.
Pastoral Care
Students are cared for pastorally by their classroom teacher.
Houses
Students are assigned to one of four Houses – Hardy, McLaren, Morphett and Reynell – for leadership
opportunities and annual competitions such as Sports Day.
Religious and Values Education (RAVE) and Worship
Students take part in Christian worship in assemblies and at special times during the year such as Easter and
Christmas.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Middle School is committed to supporting young people through their adolescence. It encourages
them to discover, explore and engage in their learning.
Students in Years 6 to 9 develop life skills through our extensive outdoor education and pastoral care
programs; discover the creative and performing arts; explore sporting and extra-curricular opportunities;
investigate science and mathematical challenges; and serve others through their involvement in
community service programs and student leadership.
Curriculum
We cater for a wide range of student learning needs through the benefits of the International Baccalaureate
Middle Years Program (MYP). It offers students a wide range of academic experiences that will help them
develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need for their Senior School years and beyond.
The MYP is an inter-disciplinary program which aims to:
• Provide students with twenty-first century knowledge, skills and attitudes
• Focus on international understanding and responsible citizenship
• Offer a balanced curriculum involving the disciplined study of traditional subjects – Language and
Literature (English), Language Acquisition (German or Japanese), Individuals and Societies, Sciences,
Mathematics, Physical and Health Education, Design and the Arts – linked by the Global Contexts
(Identities and Relationship, Orientation in Space and Time, Personal and Cultural Expression,
Scientific and Technical Innovation, Globalisation and Sustainability, and Fairness and Development).
Assessment and Reporting
The MYP is criterion-referenced.
Students receive a grade for each subject on a scale of 1 to 7.
Written reports are made available through the Community Portal at the end of Terms 2 and 4.
Parent/teacher interviews are held each term.
Pastoral Care
Students are cared for pastorally by their Tutor Group teacher and Year Level Managers.
Houses
Students belong to one of four Houses – Hardy, McLaren, Morphett and Reynell – for leadership
opportunities and annual competitions such as the Swimming and Athletics carnivals.
Religious and Values Education (RAVE) and Worship
Students take part in Religious and Values Education and in Christian worship at regular assemblies.
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SENIOR SCHOOL
The Senior School is committed to nurturing the synergy between student, home and school.
Communication and transparency are key as we work together to ensure a successful Year 10, 11 and 12
Senior School experience for students.
Curriculum
To cater for diversity, the Senior School offers students three curriculum pathways and an extensive range
of subjects. Students can choose to undertake either the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD), the
South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), or Vocation Education and Training (VET) in SACE.
SACE and SACE with VET
Two hundred credits are required to complete the SACE over two years (Stages 1 and 2).
Compulsory units include the Personal Learning Plan, Literacy, Numeracy, the Research project and a
balance of Stage 2 subjects.
Students receive a grade from A to E in Stage 1 and from A+ to E- at Stage 2.
VET options are flexible and can be tailored to suit the needs of individual students.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
The Diploma Program is a two-year course aimed at promoting international understanding and helping
students to gain access to universities across the world. It is noted for its academic rigour and scope.
Students choose a subject from each of the six groups – Language A (usually English), Language B
(German, Japanese and beginning Italian), People in Society, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics or
Visual Arts/Music/a second subject from People in Society or Experimental Sciences.
The subjects may be studied at Standard or Higher Level.
In addition, students complete a 4,000 word Extended Essay, Creativity Action and Service (CAS)
requirements and the Theory of Knowledge (TOK).
Assessment and Reporting
Written reports are made available through the Community Portal at the end of Terms 2 and 4.
Parent/teacher interviews are held each term.
Pastoral Care
Students are cared for pastorally by their Tutor Group teacher and Year Level Managers.
Houses
Students belong to one of four Houses – Hardy, McLaren, Morphett and Reynell – for leadership
opportunities and annual competitions such as the Swimming and Athletics carnivals.
Religious and Values Education (RAVE) and Worship
Students take part in Religious and Values Education and in Christian worship at regular assemblies.
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THE ARTS
Music and the Arts form part of the compulsory curriculum in the Junior School and in Years 6 to 8 in the
Middle School.
They are important electives in the Senior School.
Students can join choirs, ensembles, the school orchestra and bands. They may also learn a musical
instrument from Year 3 onwards.
All Year 5 students are involved in a Band Program and learn the flute, clarinet, trumpet or trombone.
There are regular recitals, an annual Musical, and The Arts Showcase.
Art is exhibited in the Mark Porter Hall during the year.
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION
The primary goal of the Woodcroft Outdoor Education Program is to develop the following three qualities
in our students:
Perseverance: trying hard, not giving up too soon and becoming more resilient.
Selflessness: regularly acting for the benefit of others rather than self.
Community Spirit: feeling a responsibility for the welfare of society.
Outdoor Education is part of the compulsory curriculum.
Junior School
Year 3 students take part in a sleepover at the school, developing their independence and team building
skills. Year 4 students take part in an overnight camp, developing their team building and decision making
skills. Year 5 students take part in a two-night camp promoting leadership and team building skills.
Middle School
Year 6 students take part in a three-day camp at Wirraway Homestead near Strathalbyn. Activities include:
horse-riding, archery, rock-climbing and swimming.
Year 7 students take part in a three-day camp at the Murraylands Aquatic Centre near Murray Bridge.
Activities include: sailing, sailboarding, knee-boarding, kayaking, canoeing and rowing.
Year 8 students take part in a five-day camp based at Middleton Caravan Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
The focus of the camp is outdoor living, personal development and problem-solving. Activities include
initiative games, surfing, kayaking and abseiling.
Year 9 students take part in a fourteen-day camp in the Victorian Grampians. Quest is a multi-activity,
experiential learning camp focussed on students’ personal development.
Senior School
Year 10 students take part in a four-day camp at Tuilkilkey Station in the Mid-North. Students are involved
in a Rogaine that takes them back to the 1800s. Small independent groups compete in an extended
initiative game as they move around the 20,000 hectare property.
The Future Leaders Program
Over the past 20 years the College has had a leadership development program for Year 10 students. The
program is offered to a group of 26 students to develop leadership skills through adventurous outdoor
activities.
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INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
The College has a strong international focus. Over the years it has enrolled students from many different
countries, including China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
The students can complete an Intensive English Course at the Woodcroft Intensive School of English
(WISE) before joining mainstream classes. English as a Second Language (ESL) is available as a mainstream
subject.
Homestay accommodation with local families gives students the chance to live in Australia in a happy,
secure environment. International students enrich our community.
Students from many countries bring energy and diversity and enhance our global perspective on education,
culture and contemporary issues.
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STUDENT SERVICES
The College employs specialist staff to support learning in the classroom as well as experienced, trained
staff to assist with personal counselling and career guidance.
Careers Counselling
The College’s Careers Counsellor is a valuable link between school and beyond. Students are provided with
information to help them make decisions about future careers, courses and further education. For more
information students are able to visit our dedicated careers website www.woodcroftcollegecareers.com.au.
LINC Program
The LINC (Literacy, Inquiry, Numeracy and Collaboration) Program in the Junior School employs a
member of staff in each year level to help students with Literacy and Numeracy.
Supported Learning
The Middle and Senior Schools employ staff at each year level to help students with Literacy, Numeracy
and Social Skills development.
Personal Counselling
Teaching staff are supported by two qualified counsellors, available for students wishing to talk about
any concerns or issues they may be facing. They are central in fostering high quality relationships among
students, parents and staff.
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EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAM
Students have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of clubs and sporting activities.
Junior School
Students in Years 3 to 5 can take part in the following sports: Basketball, Football, Indoor Cricket, Netball,
Soccer and T-ball. They may also take part in the School Choir, Junior School Band, Skipping Club and
Creative Movement Club. Children are encouraged to take part in external competitions such as the
Oliphant Science Awards, Art displays and Poetry competitions.
Middle and Senior School
Girls
Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Dance (Hip Hop), Netball, Soccer, Volleyball
Boys
Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Golf, Soccer, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Dance (Hip
Hop)
Activities
Surfing, Chess, Debating, Pedal Prix, the Outdoor Education Leadership Program, College Bands and the
College Musical Production
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FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Facilities
The school is set in spacious, landscaped grounds with modern buildings (including a gymnasium and
multi-purpose hall), extensive playing fields and courts.
Specialist teaching areas are well equipped with up-to-date resources, and information and
communications technology.
Services
The College operates bus services to and from the school. In the morning, bus runs start at Aldinga,
Mount Compass, Blackwood, Kangarilla and Seacliff. In the afternoons, they make the return journey.
The College Uniform Shop is run by Hambours and is located in Faith Cottage, near the Junior School.
Orders can also be placed online through the Hambours website.
The Canteen is serviced by Rory’s School Lunches, who are partnered with QKR! (pronounced
‘quicker’) which allows parents and/or students to place and pay for lunch orders online from home,
work or school at any time via the internet or mobile devices.
The College operates an Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care service for students
from Reception to Year 7.
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Registration & Enrolment
REGISTRATION AND ENROLMENT
Enrolment
The main points of entry to the College are ELC, Reception, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8 and Year 10.
Students may be admitted at other year levels provided places are available.
Formal offers of place for enrolment for main intake year levels start two years preceding the year in
which entry is being sought.
For further information, or to register your child, refer to the enclosed Registration of Interest, or
contact the Enrolments Manager on (08) 8381 0491.
Tours
College tours are conducted weekly throughout the year.
Website
The College website contains up-to-date information on curriculum, enrolment, handbooks and school
life. Please visit our website at: www.woodcroft.sa.edu.au.
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Vibrant Innovative Inclusive
An Independent Coeducational Anglican ELC - Year 12 School
PO Box 48, Morphett Vale South Australia 5162
T: +61 8 8322 2333
reception@woodcroft.sa.edu.au
www.woodcroft.sa.edu.au
Cricos #01645K