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Curriculum

A positive educational experience challenging young people to broaden their horizons.
An education model based on the idea that each student has his/her own unique interests, needs and abilities.
Small classes, daily one-on-one support and flexible learning environments.
Horizons College believes that all young people deserve and benefit from a positive educational experience.

Introduction

The educational model adopted by Horizons College of Learning and Enrichment is based upon the premise that each student has his/her own unique interests, needs and abilities. Small classes and flexible learning environments provide educators with the capacity to tailor and pace curriculum according to students’ individual needs. Learning is highly personalised, authentic and meaningful. One-on-one tutoring is provided where additional support is required.

The curriculum offered supports the tenets of the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration.

The curriculum is designed to develop successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens. It has a strong focus on literacy and numeracy skills and will enable students to build social and emotional intelligence, to relate well to others and will foster an understanding of Australian society, citizenship and national values.

The following general capabilities underpin all years of schooling:
  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Information and communication technology (ICT) capability
  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Personal and social capability
  • Ethical understanding
  • Intercultural understanding
Resources available to the College include:
  • Computers and internet access
  • Large open teaching/learning area, with smaller group teaching/learning areas
  • Interview room
  • Hospitality kitchen
  • Workshop for industrial design and technology
  • Automotive workshop
  • Hairdressing training salon
  • Fully equipped office and staff areas, with separate kitchen facilities
  • Access to local community resources including local facilities for sports/recreational activities
The College has a strong focus on experiential activities aligned to the curriculum. Staff consist of registered teachers, as well as qualified social/youth workers and other staff who work with the students helping them to address any barriers they have previously experienced to education.
Daily structure

All students are expected to arrive to school at 8:45am to allow them adequate time to commence 9:00am sharp. The school day finishes at 2.30pm Monday to Thursday and at 1.00pm on Friday.

Enhancing Our Journey/Assembly

Students begin each day with Enhancing our Journey/Assembly. It is vital that students are present for this short session which focusses on our PRIDE ethos and which includes daily ‘announcements’.

Communication strategies to inform the College community

Letters are posted to parents/caregivers at periodic intervals, informing them of any changes, upcoming events etc. Parents/caregivers are requested to contact the school immediately should any issue arise or they require information.

Middle School (Year 7 - Year 9)

Students in the middle school work progressively on subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, Studies of Society and Environment and Art. Electives offered include: introduction to hospitality / horticulture / business / construction / car detailing, etc.

Senior School (Year 10 - 12 onwards)

In years 10, 11 and 12, subject choices may vary from year to year; however the aim is for students to qualify for the Queensland Certificate of Education. Subjects/areas of study are likely to include, as a minimum:

  • Vocational Mathematics
  • English Communication
  • Certificate II in Workplace Practices
  • Certificate II in two or three of the following:
  1. Construction
  2. Hospitality
  3. Visual Art
  4. Business
  5. Automotive
  6. Horticulture
  7. Hair Dressing
  8. Information, Digital Media and Technology
Middle School (Years 7 to 9)

Middle School (Years 7 to 9)

As students make the transition to secondary schooling, the Middle School curriculum exposes students to a wider range of subjects than encountered in primary school. From year 9, students take more control of their learning journey by choosing from a variety of elective courses. These hands-on, industry-based subjects allow students to explore their strengths and interests before embarking on their chosen pathway in Senior School.

Core subjects

All students in years 7 and 8 undertake the following core subjects:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • HASS/Science
  • Design and Technologies*
  • Food Technology*
  • Information and communications Technologies*
  • Visual Art*
  • Drama*
  • Health and Physical Education*

*Some core subjects are undertaken on a rotational term-by-term basis.

Students in year 9 undertake the core subjects of:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • HASS/Science
  • Health and Physical Education
Elective subjects

Students in year 9 have the opportunity to choose two of the following elective subjects:

  • Automotive
  • Cooking
  • Digital Arts
  • Hair and Beauty
  • Industrial Technology
  • Visual Arts
ACE program

Each week, students in years 7 to 9 have the opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational activities as part of the ACE program. These activities include playing games and sports at Centenary Lakes, fishing at Bribie Island, learning to box at Spiders Boxing Club, swimming at Woorim Beach and the local aquatic centre, as well as trampolining and ice skating! These afternoons provide a great opportunity for our students and staff to have some fun and build relationships outside of the usual school environment.

Transition to Senior School (Year 10)

Transition to Senior School (Year 10)

Year 10 is the entry point to the senior phase of learning. It is the final year of the Australian Curriculum, and forms the foundation of knowledge, understanding and skills required for senior studies.

Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans

In Year 10, students develop their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan in consultation with their teachers and parents/carers. The SET Plan maps a student’s individual learning pathway through the Senior Phase of Learning. It requires them to consider their future career goals, whether that be education, employment or further training; explore possible career and learning pathways; and identify those senior subjects and courses that best align to their goals, interests and abilities.

Core subjects

At Horizons College, all Year 10 students undertake Mathematics, English, HASS/Science and Health and Physical Education. 

All students undertake Work experience in Year 10. Work experience provides an excellent opportunity for students to experience the world of work. Work experience helps students to develop an understanding of the skills required to participate effectively in the workplace and allows them to learn more about the industries and careers that they are interested in pursuing.

In Year 10, students have the opportunity to undertake two of the following elective subjects:

  • Industrial Technology
  • Independent Living Skills
  • Certificate I in Visual Arts
  • Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
  • Certificate II in Salon Practices
  • Certificate II Workplace Skills
  • Certificate II Visual Arts
Elective Subjects including Vocational Education and Training (VET)

In Year 10, students have the opportunity to undertake two of the following elective subjects:

  • Building and Construction Skills (QCAA Applied Subject)

  • Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation

  • Certificate II in Active Volunteering

  • Certificate II in Salon Practices

  • Certificate II in Visual Arts

  • Independent Living Skills – Nutrition and Wellbeing

Senior School (Years 11 to 12)

Senior School (Years 11 to 12)

Senior schooling is an exciting time for students and an important step in preparing for their future. Students can choose what to study from a wide range of subjects and courses that count towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
Core subjects

To be issued a QCE, students must meet certain literacy and numeracy requirements to ensure they complete their senior schooling with the knowledge and skills they need for success in life beyond school.

Horizons College provides students in years 11 and 12 with the following learning options to meet the literacy and numeracy requirements for a QCE:

  • Essential English and Essential Mathematics; or
  • QCAA Short Course in Literacy and Short Course in Numeracy
Elective Subjects including Vocational Education and Training (VET)
  • Building and Construction Skills (QCAA Applied Subject)
  • Social and Community Studies (QCAA Applied Subject)
  • Sport and Recreation (QCAA Applied Subject)
  • Visual Arts in Practise (QCAA Applied Subject)
  • Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
  • Certificate II in Automotive Tyre Servicing Technology
  • Certificate III in Business
  • Certificate II in Horticulture
  • Certificate II in Hospitality
  • Certificate II in Salon Practices
  • Certificate II in Visual Arts (with a traditional art or photography focus)
Work Experience

Work experience helps students to develop an understanding of the skills required to participate effectively in the workplace and allows them to learn more about the industries and careers that they are interested in pursuing. Students get on-the-job skills and the opportunity to demonstrate their work capabilities.

All students have the opportunity to undertake a number of one-week blocks of work experience during senior school. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in work experience one day per week throughout the school term.

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