OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

The College will provide a caring educational environment which is challenging, and encourages excellence.
It will endeavour to reflect positive community values, and welcome community input.

PRIORITY NO. 1

To improve student outcomes in all Key Learning Areas and in all VCE Studies

PRIORITY NO. 2

To develop the Middle Years of Schooling in terms of student participation, engagement and outcomes

PRIORITY NO. 3

To fully integrate the use of Learning Technologies in all curriculum areas as a means of supporting student learning

INTRODUCTION  

          Hoppers Crossing Secondary College takes pride in its reputation for providing a caring and open environment for its students, teachers and non-teaching support staff.  Established in 1984 as one of the first 7 - 12 Post Primary Schools, it continues to promote the best aspects of what was once known as the High School and Technical School curricula, so providing a broader base of studies than had been previously available.

            Situated in an urban growth corridor, west of Melbourne, the College welcomes students at all year levels from Hoppers Crossing and the surrounding district. In recognising its obligations to all students, the College community places great importance on developing innovative and challenging educational programs, through which young people recognise the value of growth through learning.  This is being achieved through a close working partnership of staff, students, parents and the wider community.

CURRICULUM         

            The College offers students a comprehensive and sequential curriculum in each of the eight Key Learning Areas.  In designing its curriculum, the College acknowledges the diversity of the ethnic and cultural  backgrounds of  its population. Students in Years 7 - 9 enjoy a balanced mix of academic and practical subjects, beginning their selection of elective units at Year 10. With approximately 280 students enrolled at the VCE level, students can choose from a wide variety of programs which will assist them in their choice of future vocational paths.  A comprehensive list of studies offered is set out in The College Curriculum Profile. An effective counselling program encourages students to choose wisely and so successfully complete their six years of secondary education. All Year 10 students now have Managed Individual Pathways Plans.

            To encourage all students to strive for personal excellence, a range of support programs is in place. These programs include Literacy and Numeracy Support Programs for students with learning difficulties. The College is engaged in a range of DET-funded special programs including MIPS and Middle Years Reform (including Restart and Access to Excellence), and is a member of a local Innovations and Excellence cluster of schools

            A broad range of  curriculum activities exist beyond the classroom, where students have the opportunity to enhance their learning in the following areas - music, art, theatre, sporting and leisure, leadership and life skills, careers and work experience, social service and  personal welfare, and other interest groups.

RESOURCES

            The College takes pride in the resources and facilities it offers its students in all areas of the curriculum, especially  those gained though local initiatives. One such example is in area of Information Technology where the College Council has worked tirelessly to acquire computer and Internet equipment. The College Council has a commitment to regularly upgrade this technology. A further achievement has been the establishment  of a college information and learning technology network that includes seven pods of computers in dedicated spaces, together with five computer labs, including two multipurpose LT rooms.

PASTORAL  CARE/ WELFARE  PROGRAMS

            The College is fully committed to the welfare of its students. To this end it has developed a Welfare and Management Policy and a variety of special support programs.  The Year 7 Peer Support Program is well established at the College.  Selected Year 10 students go through a Peer Support Training Program. This program complements the Year 7 College Transition Program as well as the Pastoral Care Program that operates at all year levels. The college is involved in providing a number of Student At Risk Programs such as ‘Making Better Choices’ for Year 7 boys. These programs complement other welfare activities such as Youth and Peer Mediation, Harassment Workshops, and Parenting Programs.

 PARTNERSHIP  WITH  PARENTS  AND  THE  COMMUNITY

            The College continues to reflect the close relationship it has built with its community since its inception.  This highly valued partnership continues through such groups as the Parents & Friends' Association which is an integral part of the College.  The Association positively contributes to the College by offering input into the development and evaluation of College policies.

            Our educational community strongly believes that parental involvement in the College operations and in their children's learning process will positively contribute to the education of our young people. The College is in regular contact with parents through its Newsline, Annual Report Summary, Parent Teacher Interview sessions Parent Information Nights and the like.

            One of our unique features is the community ownership of the College and the sense of 'togetherness' that was developed during its first decade. The College is committed to collaborative decision making involving all sections of its community and places a high value on input and opinions from students, parents, teachers and the general community.