ALKIRA SECONDARY COLLEGE

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

PROGRAM BROCHURE

Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET); CRICOS provider code: 00861K

Alkira is an aboriginal (Wurundjeri) word meaning Big Sky. Our school name reflects our culture and belief that while we may belong to many different communities we all live under the one sky and we all have never ending opportunities.

Alkira Secondary College is one of the first Public Private Partnership (PPP) schools built in Victoria.

A ‘PPP’ school is built and maintained by a private partnership and is leased to the Education Department. In this way the Victorian government can better meet demands for infrastructure while ensuring quality and maintenance of facilities.

Our College has won several awards for its innovative design and 5-star energy rating.

Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET); CRICOS provider code: 00861K

Our school facilities encourage and promote 21Century teaching and learning. Based upon the research of Pedagogy and Space the buildings offer agile learning spaces that can be adapted to many different teaching and learning environments. Each area of learning is planned for emerging technologies and influenced by research of feng-shui, colour theory and acoustics.

The school has five distinct learning areas built around an agora or open passive recreation and learning space. Each building is purpose built to accommodate the distinct learning programs and is characterised by a colour.

Our 7-9 building is green.

Our 10 -12 building is orange.

Our Science Design and technology building is yellow.

Our Gym and Performing Arts building is red.

Our Administration Office and Library is blue.

Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET); CRICOS provider code: 00861K

Each building has open spaces to encourage collaboration and independent study. The Science laboratory, Design and System technology rooms and the Hospitality kitchen are open spaces allowing for more flexible use.

SWIS MODEL: School Within A School

To ensure the development of relationships and to promote personalising education, our school is managed in smaller groups or schools within schools. Classes and pastoral care groups are taught by common staff and significant teachers are assigned a class to mentor from Year 7 through to Year 10.

Each Sub-School reflects important aspects of our culture; using aboriginal names chosen by Murrindindi; our Wurundjeri elder and Chinese symbols of fire, earth, water and wind.

Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET); CRICOS provider code: 00861K

STUDENT VOICE

Students are encouraged to get involved in school, local, State, National and International programs, opportunities and issues. Our College promotes charity for a number of organisations and also has a strong environmental focus for its community work. Students are recognised for their action and achievement related to the College values of respect, integrity, care and excellence. A number of leadership opportunities exist within the school including home group, sport and College captains and council representatives.

The College has developed a 6-year secondary curriculum beginning at Year 7 through to Year 12 within the Framework of Improving Student Learning Outcomes (FISO), Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority guidelines and is preparing to deliver programs for the new National curriculum. The College delivers senior Victorian certificates in Education and Applied learning.

The curriculum is divided into 8 key learning areas or domains; English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, Technology, Arts and Health and Physical Education. School also have focus areas on Literacy, Numeracy, Asian Literacies, Thinking skills and Indigenous education.

Students complete a program in Visual and Performing Arts while having the opportunity to be involved in our College:

• Instrumental music program

• Band program

• Choir

• Annual production

• Art shows

• State Dance competitions

• State Performances

Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET); CRICOS provider code: 00861K

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The College has adopted an Athlete Friendly culture and has developed a program to support students involved in National, State or representative sports. The College has specialist sports coaches, science, exercise and nutrition programs and has high quality facilities and sporting grounds.

The College Technology program caters for both boys and girls and focuses on futures technologies. Students experience programs in:

• Materials Design and Technology subjects- Wood, Metal, Plastics & Textiles.

• Systems Technology in Electronics, Robotics and Mechatronics.

• Food Technology and Hospitality programs.

• Information Technology programs in ICT, Web Design and Programming.

Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET); CRICOS provider code: 00861K

What Services are available to International Students? Airport Pick-Up- the College will arrange to meet international students at Tullamarine Airport (Melbourne) for those on Home Stay Accommodation Option 4.

Students will be met by an Alkira Secondary College representative who can be recognized by a school sign. Their name will be featured prominently.

Accommodation: High quality homes are provided as Homestays.

Homestays include:

• Private bedroom

• Use of other areas in the house (e.g. TV room, laundry, bathroom, kitchen)

• Nutritious meals.

Welfare

Every International student has at least four adults who will take care of them:

• International Student Program Co-ordinator assistant- Carlyn Kang

• Assistant Principal of International Student Program- Paul Looker

• Homestay family

• EAL teachers.

Translations

Translators are available for all international students’ needs. Reports, program descriptions, and accreditation documents can all be provided in languages other than English, if required. Activities

Many activities are available to meet the needs of International students:

• Sport

• Music

• School Productions

• Clubs

Students should enquire about any area of interest on commencement at Alkira Secondary College. Reports to Parents

Parents have access to our student reporting system via COMPASS, upon request. You will receive a username and password, which can be used for the duration of the students schooling with Alkira Secondary College and should be kept in a secure place. Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET); CRICOS provider code: 00861K

Useful web addresses

http://www.visitvictoria.com

http://www.visitmelbourne.com

http://www.study.vic.gov.au

Alkira Secondary College International Student Program Address: 15 Nurture Avenue, Cranbourne North, Vic, 3977. Telephone: +61 3 5991 3500 Contact: Assistant Principal- Paul Looker (International Student Program Leader) Email: Alkira.SC@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.alkirasecondarycollege.com.au

Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET); CRICOS provider code: 00861K