The Senior School

The Senior School provides an outstanding secondary school education in Horsham. The Senior School prides itself on the growth of the whole child through the development of skills, values and attitudes essential for life in a 21st century global society; providing learning opportunities that nurture individual, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development.

As individuals begin the journey into senior schooling in Horsham, they assume even greater control of their subject selections and academic pathways. They explore potential career options and strengthen the transition toward independent learning within VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education), VET (Vocational Education and Training) and VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) educational pathways. Working in small class sizes, our students are supported in their academic and personal growth through the encouragement of resourcefulness, independence and maturity in all aspects of college life.

Learning experiences are relational, relevant, rigorous and reflective experiences designed to educate the whole person. It is our aim to nurture an intellectual and emotional response from students that will encourage insight and curiosity, and provide the tools to make a valuable contribution to society.

The school facilitates this learning by providing timely and purposeful feedback and learning environments which promote a positive atmosphere of trust and safe risk taking.

Curriculum

In the Senior School, students in Years 10 to 12 students are able to build on Middle School experiences and tailor a course to their personal aspirations, skills and interests within the guidelines of a future vocational pathway.

Students have the opportunity to complete a VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education), VET (Vocational Education and Training) or VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) educational pathway.

Year 10

Year 10 sets the foundation for the final years of secondary school. The Year 10 curriculum offerings have been designed to be both engaging and also to provide opportunities for breadth and depth of study in a lead up to the VCE or in preparation for the workplace. Our vibrant Senior Centre offers our young adult learners an environment that is responsive to their needs at this stage in their educational journey, and facilitates the transition to independent and resourceful lifelong learning. Read more about the Year 10 curriculum.

VCE

The VCE is a common credential for all students completing their secondary education. It is a two year program with Unit 1 & 2 subjects (equivalent to Year 11 standard) and Unit 3 & 4 subjects (equivalent to Year 12 standard). To accelerate their Senior studies, students may begin one VCE subject in Year 10. The following VCE subjects are offered:

Accounting
Art
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Computing
English
Environmental Science
Food Studies
General Mathematics/Further Mathematics
Health and Human Development
History
Legal Studies
Mathematical Methods
Media
Outdoor and Environmental Studies
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Specialist Mathematics
Visual Communication Design

Students are encouraged to enrol in Distance Education subjects to pursue other subjects of particular personal interest that aren’t offered at Holy Trinity.

VET

VET is a program that allows students to include vocational studies within their VCE. These vocational studies may be in the area of a student’s interest or passion. VET offers students the opportunity to:

combine academic and vocational studies
explore career options and pathways
undertake learning in the workplace
undertake practical learning in an adult learning environment
gain a nationally recognised qualification, which contributes to completion of VCE
develop skills which will equip them for the workforce.

Holy Trinity Lutheran College has undertaken an arrangement with the VET in Schools program, as coordinated by the Wimmera Southern Mallee VET Cluster.

Find out more information about the VET educational pathway.

VCAL

VCAL focuses on careers-based, hands-on learning that gives students work-related experience as well as literacy and numeracy and the opportunity to build important personal skills that prepare students for life and work.

VCAL has three levels–Foundation, Intermediate and Senior— and students start and complete VCAL at a level that matches their abilities. Students in VCAL study units from the following strands:

literacy and numeracy skills
industry specific skills
work related skills
personal development skills.

Pastoral Care

Holy Trinity Lutheran College seeks to listen to and empower its students. The safety and wellbeing of all students is the primary focus of our care and decision making. We are committed to providing a child-safe environment where children and young people are protected and feel safe.

At Holy Trinity, the pastoral care of students takes place within the context of relationships. Teachers work hard to develop strong relationships with students, both in the classroom and during extra-curricular activities, such as camps, excursions and small group meetings.

Each day, a half hour of Pastoral Care time with students of the same year level allows time for discussions and activities relevant to the development of the cohort. This time is allocated as follows:

class devotion
chapel
whole school chapel
House meetings.

Staff meet regularly with individual students to discuss both personal and academic needs and address any concerns that may arise. A positive and cohesive environment is fostered at our Horsham school and activities focus around the development and maintenance of positive relationships and wellbeing.

Student Leadership

Students are prepared for leadership throughout their school life, enhancing their sense of responsibility and an increased awareness of their role within our school community. These opportunities occur through:

College Captain and House Captain leadership positions
the House system
Student Representative Council
mentoring.

Although leadership opportunities are available to all students, not all students will aspire to these positions of responsibility. While formal roles will be filled by our Year 12 students, it is our firm belief that each student is a leader of self and, through their actions and behaviours as senior students, they assume the responsibilities of leadership of the school community. These responsibilities include:

being a positive role model for their peers and the younger students of the College
maintaining a positive tone in the school
playing a leading role in ensuring that Holy Trinity is a pleasant and safe environment for all staff and students
engaging in and actively promoting the college values, Code of Conduct and Uniform Policy
being an active participant in school committees.