As the school year draws to a close, our commitment to deep, purposeful learning continues with energy and enthusiasm. In the Senior School, the final weeks are not a time to wind down, they are a time to lean in.
Through our End of Year Programs for Years 7 to 10, students engage in rich, diverse learning experiences that look and feel different from the traditional classroom, yet are no less rigorous or meaningful. These programs are grounded in contemporary pedagogical approaches that prioritise student agency, design thinking, and project-based learning. By stepping outside the boundaries of the regular timetable, students are immersed in hands-on, transdisciplinary experiences that foster creativity, resilience, and curiosity. Learning continues right up to the final day, because we believe that every experience is an opportunity to learn.
Our program draws on a range of evidence-based learning models to meet the diverse needs of our students. By choosing from:
we create a flexible, responsive approach that ensures learning is engaging, targeted, and future-focused.
Year 7: Habitat to Home and Outdoor Education Toonallook Program
Year 7 students embark on a dual journey of discovery. As part of the 'Habitat to Home' program, students will gain access to experts in engineering, architecture, product and habitat design and animal care, both in school and offsite at Melbourne Zoo, the Carlton Precinct, and Banyule Nillumbik Tech School. These experiences will inform a series of design sprints, where students work collaboratively to identify and solve problems facing our communities and local environments. This program is complemented with an outdoor education experience at Toonallook on the Banksia Peninsula, where students build confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection to nature.
Year 8: One Word – A Thousand Possibilities
In Year 8, students explore the power of language and personal expression. Each student selects a single word as a springboard for creative exploration, using writing, visual arts, and performance to unpack its meaning. Rooted in personalised learning and a design thinking framework, this program encourages students to reflect, express, and be creative; culminating in an exhibition of learning for our community to enjoy.
Year 9: Health and Careers and Choose Your Own Adventure Outdoor Education Programs
Year 9 students embark on an outdoor education five-day program and choose their own adventure either by participating in the Waratah Bay Surf and Hiking journey, the Mitchell River White Water Rafting journey, or the Rail Trail Cycle tour between Bright to Wangaratta.
On their return to school, they will engage in a forward-thinking program that blends wellbeing and future planning. The Health and Careers Program equips them with essential life skills, from mental health awareness and nutrition to career exploration and goal setting. Through interactive workshops and guest speakers, students begin to shape their aspirations while learning how to care for themselves and others.
Year 10: Business Week and Work Experience
Year 10 students conclude their year with two cornerstone experiences: Business Week and Work Experience. Business Week challenges students to develop, pitch, and manage a simulated business, fostering entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. Work Experience places students in real-world environments, offering invaluable insight into professional life and future pathways.
Reimagining Learning
Our End of Year Programs reflect our belief that learning is not confined to textbooks or classrooms, instead it is a lifelong pursuit that thrives in diverse settings. By reimagining learning in ways that are rich and varied, we allow students to uncover passions, explore interests, and be challenged to think deeply. This approach fosters adaptability, creativity, and a sense of agency, qualities essential for thriving in an ever-changing world.
Our work aligns with the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics for Success initiative, which supports schools in recognising and assessing complex competencies such as agency, collaboration, quality thinking, and citizenship. By embedding these principles into our programs, we are not only enriching the student's experience, but we are also actively shaping the future of education. It is exciting to think of how in the future learning experiences such as this will underpin the core principles of empowerED.
Our students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, reflect on their growth, and develop the skills and dispositions that will serve them well beyond the school gates. Learning for life is not just a phrase; it’s a philosophy that guides everything we do.
Ms Louisa Scerri
Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School
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