Lower Secondary School Information

Transcription

1 LJBC Lake Joondalup Baptist College Lake Joondalup Baptist College Wisdom Justice Mercy Lower Secondary School Information Year 7 to Year 9 Grow with confidence... at our school!

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3 Lake Joondalup Baptist College The Lake Joondalup Baptist College is a Kindergarten to Year 12 open enrolment, coeducational College located in the northern suburbs of Perth. Students flourish in the positive and supportive environment, and find opportunity to grow with confidence. LJBC has excellent academic programs and a superb range of practical and vocational education and training courses. Academic support structures encourage students to aspire to excellence. Gifted students excel and there is provision for students with special learning needs. LJBC graduates attest to the College s excellent academic preparation, and include doctors, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, pilots, small business owners and professional sportsmen, to mention just a few. Excellent information technology facilities support the curriculum and students have access to a wide range of co-curricular activities. LJBC is a strong community, a place of teaching and learning, fun and friendship; a great place to come to school; a place to grow with confidence. Dawn Clements January 2015 College Principal Year 7 Connect group Our Mission Secondary Assembly To build a Christian learning community that is strong in its relationships, firm in its beliefs and dedicated to the education of every child. College Motto Our Motto: Seek Wisdom Act Justly Love Mercy relationships-fun-grow-explore-contribute-values-achieve 1

4 Our Christian environment The College is a ministry of the Lake Joondalup Baptist Church and there is a close relationship between the LJB Church and the College. Church Pastors work on site and Church Youth Workers are involved in the life of the College. Staff members of the College are committed Christians involved in their local churches in a variety of denominations. Teaching staff are selected for their professional competence, their dedication to the education and well-being of young people and their personal Christian faith. Students entering the College are not required to have a commitment to, or an association with, the Christian faith. It is, however, a condition of enrolment that all students participate fully in the Christian program of the College. This includes a weekly Christian Education lesson which emphasises basic Christian truths and their application to daily life. Bible readings, devotions and prayer are features of the daily Connect period and College gatherings such as Camps and Assemblies. Christian values and a Biblical viewpoint are incorporated into all aspects of the life of the College, including the curriculum. Students who are practising Christians or who wish to explore the Christian faith in greater detail enjoy the well-attended Maxx lunchtime meetings and weekend camps. Secondary School entry From 2015, all students in Western Australia will commence their secondary program when students are in Year 7. This is also common practice in several other states in Australia, as well as overseas. The increased maturity of Year 7 students, due to the change in the WA school starting age, means that by the time children reach Year 7 they are more than ready to enter secondary schooling. Year 7 is the main point of intake into LJBC s Secondary program and vacancies will only be available for Year 8 and beyond if existing students leave the College. Year 7 students are fully integrated into the Lower Secondary School, enjoying all the advantages of a secondary program, while also receiving the benefit of excellent support and pastoral care structures. Prior to commencing their secondary studies, an Induction Program ensures that students are familiar with key aspects of College life. Orientation events include an information evening for parents and students and an orientation day when students meet the Student Services Team. A Peer Mentor Program and a Buddy system ensure that each student is well looked after during their first few days in the Secondary School. Connect teachers, the Heads of House, a Year 7 Mentor and the Dean of Students support students as they settle into the Secondary School. The Connect group meets daily and consists of students from the same year level, providing opportunity for students to get to know fellow students from their year group. The Connect teacher provides support to members of the Connect group on a daily basis. The Year 7 Mentor takes a particular interest in the welfare of each of our Year 7 students and Year 7 assemblies address issues of relevance to Year 7 students. Any new students commencing at LJBC in Years 8 to 12 participate in an Orientation program and are given the support of Peer Buddies, their Head of House, Connect teacher and subject teachers. Transition to Secondary School Prior to students commencing their secondary schooling, an Induction Program ensures that all new students to the Collgege are familiar with key aspects of College life. This includes an orientation hosted by the Principal, with other Year 7 families, the Year 7 Mentor and other key staff, and two information evenings for parents and students. A Peer Mentor program and a Buddy system provide extra assistance for new students. Students are tested for academic potential and their results contribute to our tracking of academic achievement and placement in classes. 2

5 Secondary School structure The Lower Secondary School provides for the particular academic, social and emotional needs of children in Years 7, 8 and 9. LJBC s Senior Secondary program (Years 10, 11, 12) provides programs of study and structures more suited to older adolescents. Total enrolments in the Secondary School is approximately 880 students. Caring for our students LJBC s Lower Secondary program is carefully tailored to meet the developmental needs of early adolescents. When students enter the College they are allocated to one of six Houses, each headed up by a Head of House. Heads of House are responsible for the pastoral care, discipline and welfare of the students in their House. As the student and siblings remain in that House during their time at the College, the Head of House gets to know each student and each family allocated to the House, ensuring a high standard of pastoral care. Each student is placed in a Connect group within their House and year group. As students remain in the same Connect group, they get to know their Connect teacher really well, together with other students from their year group. Having Year 7s in the Secondary School environment is relatively new in WA and some parents and children may feel a little anxious. LJBC has given careful consideration to the needs of this age group. In addition to the Head of House, Connect teacher and Year 7 subject teachers, the Year 7 Mentor will take a particular interest in the wellbeing of Year 7 students as they make the transition from primary school to LJBC s Secondary School. The Year 7 Mentor will monitor the transition of students, and will ensure that Year 7 students receive extra assistance to address transition issues, for example, managing school bags and lockers, books and files, homework and study. The Year 7 Mentor works closely with parents, Heads of House and subject teachers to ensure that Year 7s feel supported and safe during their transition to secondary schooling. In the first few weeks of Secondary School, Connect teachers provide extra support and guidance to new students Older students mentor younger students, helping them to understand their timetables and find their way around the College relationships-fun-grow-explore-contribute-values-achieve 3

6 College expectations and parental obligations The College provides a positive, caring and supportive environment for students. LJBC is highly regarded in the local and educational community because of its high standards of academic performance, pastoral care, uniform and discipline. Before deciding to enrol your child at LJBC, you need to be sure that you agree with, and will support, College policies and procedures, which are published in the annual Student Organiser issued to students, or on the College website. In due course, if you do not receive a booklet entitled Extract from Student Organiser Policies and Guidelines, please contact the College and ask for a copy. Parents should study this document carefully before applying for enrolment. When you enrol your child at LJBC you are endorsing College policies, procedures and expectations and you are committing to ensuring that your children comply with these. For example, parents are responsible for ensuring that their child is fully compliant with College uniform and appearance standards before the student arrives at school each day. If staff need to regularly address issues with a student s uniform or appearance, then parents are not meeting their obligations. The College is strict in applying its carefully considered policies and procedures, and if parents are not in full agreement with these, then they should not proceed with enrolment. The College will not compromise its standards, nor will staff debate with parents or students over expectations and policies. A student s enrolment will be withdrawn if parents do not take responsibility for ensuring that their child meets College uniform and appearance standards, or if a parent does not actively support staff in the enforcement of College policies and procedures. When you enrol your child at LJBC you are also agreeing that the College will apply whatever sanctions or disciplinary measures are deemed by the College as necessary in relation to the conduct of your child. Most LJBC students are outstanding in their conduct; however, when this is not the case, disciplinary measures will include a range of sanctions, after school detentions, suspension from classes, suspension from school attendance, and for serious matters, withdrawal of enrolment. A student s enrolment will be withdrawn for inappropriate, negative or oppositional attitude and conduct on the part of a parent or the student; for disrespect or defiance towards staff; if a student has an association with alcohol, drugs or tobacco; for verbal abuse; for fighting; for inappropriate use of electronic equipment; for bullying, or for any matter deemed by the Principal to warrant withdrawal of a student s enrolment rights. LJBC is a school where staff, parents and students become well known to each other and where there is mutual respect and affection. The College enjoys excellent working relationships with parents and students. Sadly, however, occasionally a small minority of parents and students choose to interact with College staff in an uncooperative, disrespectful or discourteous manner. The College is required by law to provide staff with a workplace which is free of harassment, intimidation and bullying. If, in the view of the Principal, the conduct of a parent or a student towards a staff member is harassing, intimidating or bullying, or makes a staff member feel stressed, unsafe or threatened, the College will meet its obligation as an employer to ensure that staff have a safe working environment, and that family s enrolment will be withdrawn. It is our experience that the work we do as a College is most successful when it is a true partnership between the home and the College, with parents supporting and reinforcing the policies, standards and values that we hold to as a College. The warm and supportive working relationship which the College enjoys with parents and students confirms our view that most parents are eager to embrace the high standards which the College works so hard to protect. Indeed, the high standards the College upholds is one of the reasons why enrolment places at the College are in such demand. relationships-fun-grow-explore-contribute-values-achieve 4

7 The Curriculum Lake Joondalup Baptist College provides quality education under the auspices of The Australian Curriculum. Students in Years 11 and 12 study Courses of Study which lead to the achievement of the Western Australian Certificate of Education. LJBC s educational program is distinctively Christian in philosophy and practice and integrates learning within a Christian world view. This philosophy and practice is also formalised in our Christian Education curriculum, which is part of the suite of Learning Areas in the table below. LJBC s curriculum is rigorous, challenging and enjoyable, has high academic standards, aims to motivate and stimulate all students and is competitive in preparing students for entry to University, TAFE/Polytechnic and employment. The College s rich curriculum involves the total of all activities, both formal and informal, which take place inside and outside the classroom, and before and after the hours of normal instruction. The co-curricular life of the College is vibrant and extensive offering our students many opportunities from which to choose. The College endeavours to support every student in their learning and encourages each student to set realistic academic goals. Our staff is dedicated to providing a quality education which encourages our students to become citizens who seek wisdom, act justly and love mercy. Lower Secondary Curriculum: Years 7, 8, 9 Years 7, 8 and 9 are important foundational years which prepare students for the academic challenge and rigour of the senior years. The LJBC curriculum is designed to offer students experience in all Learning Areas, including Christian Education, and to maximise student aspirations and academic choice as they progress through the Secondary School. English and Mathematics classes are streamed according to ability in order to enhance student learning. Literacy and Numeracy continue to be a focus and students are expected to apply all aspects of Literacy and Numeracy to all areas of the curriculum. The Arts English Health & Physical Education Art, Music, Media, Dance and Drama Languages other than English Japanese or French Mathematics Science History and Humanities Technologies Christian Education Writing, Reading (including the study of Literature), Viewing, Speaking and Listening Health, Personal Safety, Fitness, Sports, Human Movement, Management Skills Chance and Data, Space, Measurement, Algebra, Number and Working Mathematically Physics, Biology, Human Biology and Chemistry Geography, Economics, History, Politics and Law, Studies of Environmental Issues, Civics and Citizenship, Business Home Economics, Design and Technology, Applied Design In Year 9, students also commence Career Education. 5

8 Senior Secondary Curriculum: Years 10, 11, 12 The College s curriculum provides a wide range of educational possibilities, which prepare students for post school destinations. Students in Year 10 continue their learning portfolio from Year 9, including Career Education and the selection of three electives from The Arts, HPE, Languages, Technologies and Humanities. Students in Years 11 and 12 have access to a range of stages in a variety of Courses of Study which provide for the varying abilities and interests of students. Our former students enjoy success at university. In addition to the full range of courses leading to university studies, the College provides a highly successful Vocational Education and Training program, enabling Year 11 and 12 students to participate in on and off the job training for one day a week, while still pursuing a full school program. Excellent career education advice is available for students in Years 10, 11 and 12. 1:1 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Program for Lower Secondary students All Year 7 students need to purchase their own Windows 8 device for elearning. The College has minimum specifications for student owned devices and this information is available on request. The 1:1 environment, which provides students with 21st century learning experiences that today s students understand, is intended to offer opportunities to readily participate in problem solving and critical thinking in a collaborative and resource rich way. The BYOD program supports the general capabilities within the Australian Curriculum which invites ICT rich learning experiences. The nature of the BYOD environment is that students will have their device with them every day and will use them in ways consistent with learning activities. They may not use them in the same way every day, as this will depend on the learning activity. It is important that students understand the responsibility that comes with the proper use of immediate access to technology. Our focus is to empower the knowledge base and creative potential of our students through appropriate use of the technology. We aim to teach our students to be producers and not just consumers as they operate within the knowledge economies of our vibrant and modern technological world context. The Learning Enhancement Centre The Learning Enhancement Centre provides superb enrichment opportunities for students who are gifted and talented. LJBC enjoys a reputation for assisting academically gifted students to excel and reach their full potential. Learning Areas, including Mathematics and English, stream the middle years classes to ensure that gifted students are extended and accelerated. Gifted and Talented programs involve a range of activities inclusive of Subject Clubs, academic competitions and excursions. Students in need of support benefit from programs run by the Learning Enhancement Centre. These programs include withdrawal from class for specialised tutoring and Individual Education Programs (IEP) which operate within general classrooms to support inclusive education practice. In addition, a range of co-curricular activities encourage students to extend their interests and to embark upon new pursuits which foster positive self esteem. Subject tutoring Some Learning Areas offer students after school tutoring programs. These subject clubs provide extra assistance to students who may be finding the subject difficult or who have fallen behind due to absence. In addition, students in the senior years are offered Learning Area seminars after school, to enhance their knowledge and skills. relationships-fun-grow-explore-contribute-values-achieve 6

9 Communication Communication between parents and College staff is encouraged. Throughout the academic year, parents will receive a variety of documents relating to the curriculum handbooks, course outlines, assessment programs, test and assignment results. Subject teachers will contact parents by phone, or via the Student Organiser if there are concerns about academic progress. The student s Head of House is the point of contact for parents regarding their child s overall wellbeing. The Student Organiser contains College policies and procedures and is also used to communicate information such as uniform breaches and homework not done, as well as to commend students. Throughout the year numerous parent information evenings provide briefings and background information for parents and students. Parent-teacher-student interviews are held following the issuing of the Interim Reports and at other times by appointment. An Interim Report is issued at the end of Term 1 and detailed academic reports are provided at the end of Semester 1 and 2. The College enewsletter is published on the College website at < with a link ed to families on the day of publication. The purpose of the Newsletter is to keep families upto-date with important information, and to report on activities and events which have taken place in the life of the College. The House system LJBC has a flourishing House system, with six Houses each headed up by a Head of House. Heads of House are responsible for the pastoral care, discipline and welfare of the students in their House. House spirit is strong, with a healthy rivalry and competition between Houses. House Captains and House Councillors assist with the running of many House activities, celebrations and events. The College Calendar is filled with a variety of Inter House competitions swimming, athletics, cross country, chess, public speaking and music, to mention just a few. Each House meets regularly at House Assemblies for Year 7 to 12 students in that House. Connect groups are House and year based and meet each day. A strong sense of House spirit is developed amongst students. Dressing up in House colours to participate in House events is a highlight Parent/teacher/student Interview Evening A designated area for use at lunch and recess has been set aside for Year 7 students 7

10 Co-curricular activities The College offers an extensive co-curricular program. During the average school week, up to 50 after school clubs and activities are available to students. These will vary from year to year but will generally include summer and winter sporting teams, subject clubs (homework help and tutoring), drama, music, debating, chess, radio, culture, and student Christian groups. College life is enriched by special events such as drama productions, concerts, music performances and Inter House events. The Year 11 River Cruise and the Year 12 Ball are highlights for senior students. The College Calendar features excursions, camps, interstate and overseas trips. Music program In addition to LJBC s excellent music curriculum, the Private Instrumental Tuition Program allows students to participate in individual or small group tuition during the school day. Students who elect to take private lessons, at a nominal fee, are required to participate in one of the many ensembles, choirs and bands. A range of music groups rehearse for College concerts, community performances and for interstate and overseas music tours. A number of Music Tuition Scholarships are available in a range of instruments. Co-curricular sport The Coastal Associated Sport Competition sees students competing in a range of Inter School sporting teams including basketball, cricket, tennis, soccer, softball and indoor and beach volleyball. Parents are encouraged to be involved and to volunteer to coach and umpire teams. The Champion Schools Sport Competition allows students to compete in rugby, badminton, soccer, football and golf, to name just a few sports. The Fitness Club is a popular before school activity. Year 8 Boys Rugby The Year 11 River Cruise Year 8 Girls Netball The Year 12 Ball Junior Girls Football 8

11 Inter School, Inter House and lunchtime Chess competitions The Private Instrument Tuition Program provides students with the opportunity to learn an instrument with a specialist tutor The 2014 College Production, Peter Pan A wide range of subject clubs are held after school to help students with homework and provide tutoring Music groups have many opportunities to perform at College events and are often invited to participate in festivals and Eisteddfods Members of Culture Club join with students from other schools for the Sepak Takraw competition The Flute Choir - a number of smaller specialist ensembles provide opportunities for performances to varied audiences Ensembles regularly perform at special Performance Assemblies relationships-fun-grow-explore-contribute-values-achieve 9

12 Recognition of student achievement The College encourages and recognises achievement and personal effort across a wide range of activities. Awards, medals and certificates celebrating excellence, high achievement and endeavour are presented at College and House assemblies and at the annual Year 7-11 Awards Evening and Year 12 Graduation Evenings. Commendation stamps in the Student Organiser provide encouragement and positive feedback. Students with good behaviour records receive various treats and outings. Senior Students aspire to be awarded College Colours and College Honours. Students who represent the state or Australia in sport are included on the Sporting Wall of Fame. Graduates from LJBC are commemorated on plaques in Graduation Walk. Student successes are celebrated at LJBC! Inter House shields or cups are presented to the winning House in a variety of competitions Senior Secondary students receive College Colours at a Secondary Assembly. College Colours are awarded to students who demonstrate leadership, service and commitment in the areas of curriculum, sporting, cultural or service Certificates of Endeavour are awarded to students who have demonstrated exemplary attitude and effort across a range of Learning Areas Students in Year 8 with outstanding academic results across a range of Learning Areas receive Certificates of Excellence at a College Assembly The school year Students are expected to be in attendance on all designated school contact days, unless absent due to illness. Term dates are similar to those of Department of Education Schools; however, the LJBC school year generally finishes in the second week of December each year and staff professional development days are scheduled for the beginning and end of each term. Term dates are published well in advance. College events All students are expected to participate fully in the life of the College, including attending all Inter House and Inter School sporting events. Support of these College events is a prerequisite for attendance at the River Cruise, the Ball, camps, interstate and overseas tours etc, and for election as a Student Councillor. 10

13 Facilities LJBC students have access to excellent information technology facilities, and each student has an account and space on the College Portal, which is accessible from anywhere in the world. All classroom computers are upgraded every three years and the College licensing agreement gives the College access to the latest software. In addition to modern classrooms, the College has a Technology & Enterprise Centre with specialist facilities for Foods, Woodwork, Metals, Fabrics, Technical Graphics and Computing. The purpose built Science Building provides excellent facilities for the study of the physical and biological sciences. The Arts facilities include specialist rooms for Media Studies, Radio, Visual Art, Class Music, Music Tutorial rooms, and a Performing Arts teaching area that is also used for public performances. Other facilities include an Auditorium, a Library, a Canteen, a Hall, a playing field and oval, Basketball and Tennis Courts and a Uniform Shop. All classrooms are air conditioned and well equipped. Extensive use is made of the excellent sporting facilities at Arena Joondalup. Computer labs throughout the College are kept up to date with the latest technology The Woodwork room and associated tool, metal and paint areas allow students to learn on industry standard equipment Students are given the opportunity to produce and perform drama in the well equipped, specialist Drama room Uniform The Commercial Foods room enables students to prepare restaurant standard meals Students have a very smart uniform and it is a condition of enrolment that students wear the uniform at the required standard and that they conform to College regulations regarding grooming, jewellery, piercing, tattoos etc. All uniform items, except shoes, can be purchased through the College Uniform Shop. The uniform includes a summer and winter uniform and a sports uniform. The College blazer is a compulsory item of the winter uniform for all Secondary students. Lower Secondary and Primary students wear a yellow shirt and Senior Secondary students wear a blue shirt. relationships-fun-grow-explore-contribute-values-achieve 11

14 Bookshop Books and stationery are supplied through a local agent and online ordering is available. Canteen facility The Canteen, the LJ Café, is open at recess and lunchtime and also offers a nutritious breakfast menu. A range of healthy snacks and lunches can be purchased. Parent Participation Program Parental help is of great importance in any school community. At LJBC, participation in the Parent Participation Program (PPP), or payment of a levy in lieu, is a condition of enrolment. Each family is required to contribute a minimum of 10 hours of voluntary work per year, for the period their child attends the College from Kindergarten through to Year 11. This is regardless of the number of children attending the College: 1 child = 10 hours, 3 children = 10 hours. There is no maximum; every hour worked is of benefit to the College community. A description of the tasks and a nomination sheet are circulated to parents, enabling them to contribute in a chosen area of interest or an area of competence. Overseas students Lake Joondalup Baptist College is registered to accept Full Fee-Paying Overseas students, provided they are able to arrange their own accommodation. Details of Tuition Fees & Charges for full-fee paying students may be obtained by contacting Enrolment staff. Transport Public Transport authorities provide services to and from the College bus bay or adjacent bus stops. Bike racks are provided for students who choose to cycle to school. Admission and conditions of enrolment Admission to the College is dependent on a satisfactory behaviour report from the child s previous school and evidence of academic and social readiness for the year of entry. Conditions of enrolment include the prompt payment of fees; an active commitment by parents and students to College behaviour, uniform standards and discipline policies; respect for and full participation in the Christian program of the College, and satisfactory participation in the Parent Participation Program (PPP). Fees Lake Joondalup Baptist College is a not-for-profit organisation which exists to provide a Christian, low fee, independent education. Tuition fees are reviewed each year and set as an annual fee after establishing the year s total anticipated operating income and costs. Subject levies are in addition to tuition fees, and will vary according to the subjects studied by the student. Tuition Fees are invoiced at the commencement of each semester and must be paid by the end of the first week of that semester or by Direct Debit arrangements. Subject/course levies are billed at the end of Term 1. Credit card facilities are available. A student s placement at the College will be reviewed if fees fall into arrears. Sibling discounts apply if more than one child from a family attends the College at any one time. 12

15 Enrolment procedure Generally there are waiting lists for entry to the College, although vacancies may sometimes be available for immediate entry. To be entered on the waiting lists, a non-refundable and non-transferable Registration Fee is charged. For Year 7 Secondary places, enrolment offers will be made approximately eighteen months prior to entry. Places are offered first to Lake Joondalup Baptist College Primary School students and next to siblings of current or past students of the College; however, these offers are not automatic and are subject to the student (or siblings) having consistently met College behaviour standards and to parents having given full support to College polices and standards. Any remaining vacancies are offered to new families in order of registration, subject to academic readiness and good behaviour reports. Religious affiliation is not a factor. When an offer of place is accepted by the family, a non-refundable and non-transferable enrolment fee and a bond are payable. This enrolment fee and bond will not be refunded should a student not commence studies at LJBC. For Secondary year groups other than Year 7 an offer of a place will be made when the student s name reaches the top of the waiting list. Further Information You are encouraged to visit the LJBC website: < Further information, including dates of monthly tours of the College facilities, can be obtained by contacting our Enrolments Registrar at the College on or <enrolments@ljbc.wa.edu.au>. fun grow values explore Lake Joondalup Baptist College Kennedya Drive Joondalup WA 6027 Phone: Fax: Principal: Mrs Dawn Clements BA DipEd MEdMan (UWA) 13 achieve contribute relationships

16 Lake Joondalup Baptist College Kennedya Drive, Joondalup Western Australia 6027 PO Box 95, Joondalup Western Australia 6919 Telephone: Facsimile: Web: