Merici Prospectus 2012.pdf - Merici College

Merici College is a Years 7-12 Catholic Girls’College, which was established in 1959. It is avibrant, welcoming and energetic community witha rich tradition of pastoral care and a stimulatingcurriculum designed to meet the needs of eachindividual.Merici actively fosters the development of thegifts and talents of each student whilst promotingactive participation within our community. Weencourage leadership and challenge students toreach out to the wider community in a spirit ofcompassion and solidarity.We embrace cutting edge technology andincorporate the latest brain research to enhancelearning and to prepare students for life and workas adults in a changing world.2012 and beyond…Our ongoing initiatives include:ooooA new pastoral care centre.Continued development of vibrantcutting edge flexible learning areas.Unique community partnership withBlack Mountain School.Implementation of the Merici CollegeEnvironment Management Plan.PASTORAL CAREPASTORALCAREEmphasis on the Pastoral Care of each StudentPastoral Care develops the whole person, encouraging positive decision making, resilienceand respect whilst actively promoting the dignity of each member of the College.Merici offers:• A vertical pastoral care system (Years 7-12) which fosters the personal and spiritualgrowth of students across year levels in partnership with parents. It offers a sense ofbelonging for every student and real opportunities for student leadership.• A formal program which addresses current issues relevant to adolescents includingcyber safety, positive mental health and wellbeing.• Access to support services includingcounsellors from CatholicCare, a DefenceTransition Mentor and an AboriginalContact Teacher.• Active and high-profile socialjustice groups which provideoutreach to the community.Merici is particularly proud of itspartnerships with Black MountainSchool and Karinya House.Rich and varied curriculum• a rigorous, academic program based onprinciples of powerful learning and brainbased learning• a curriculum that develops studentresponsibility for active learning• excellent NAPLAN and Year 12 results• a challenging Religious Education program• development of literacy, numeracy andICT skills across the curriculum• support for students with special needs• an extensive Foreign Languages programoffering French, Italian, Japanese and Mandarincomplemented by overseas excursions• comprehensive and highly supported vocationaleducation opportunities from Year 10.• well-resourced facilities supporting bestpractice in teaching and learning• average class sizes of 25 or fewerCo-curricular program• offering extensive sporting,cultural and social experiences• placing emphasis on broadeningeducational and leadershipopportunities• camp in Year 7, a Year 11Conference and Year 12 Retreat• emphasis on participation, havingfun and exploring new interests• a comprehensive retreat programfor all year levelsJunior curriculum that catersfor the individual• comprehensive induction program tosecondary school• integration of information technologyinto the curriculum for all students• an optional Laptop Program,incorporating cutting edgetechnology into learning• emphasis on skill developmentacross the curriculum• effective preparation of studentsfor the senior CollegeSenior curriculum thatprepares students for the future• wide range of challenging coursesappropriate for all ability levels• excellent preparation for University,CIT/TAFE colleges and employment• Vibrant vocational education programsdelivering nationally recognisedqualifications and a state of the artTrades Training Centre• Proven program of study skillsdevelopment and AST preparation• Partnerships with local tertiary institutions• laptops for all senior studentsCURRICULUM