Curriculum Structure

Marian College covers all key learning areas in a structured scope and sequence from years 7 to 12.

The Key Learning Areas are:

• Religious Education
• Mathematics
• Health and Physical Education
• English/LOTE (Languages Other Than English)
• Humanities (History, Geography, Economics)
• Science
• The Arts
• Technology

As a student progresses through the school we tailor specific programs to meet the individual needs of each student.

Assessment & Reporting

Marian College reports to the parents both formative and summative assessment of their child's progress.

We do so periodically via Parent Teacher Interviews and Official School Reports.

The School also understands the value of many methods of communiting formative assessment to parents and students that are not specifically tied to Interim or End of Semester Reports.

These Include:

• Teacher comments on Assessment Tasks
• Letters and phone calls home
• Use of Student Diary
• Parent Teacher Interviews

Marian College schedules Parent Teacher Interviews at the end of Terms 1 and 3. These coincide with Interim Reports.

Interim Reports form part of the schools formative assessment. They are mailed to parents at the very end of Terms 1 and 3 and coincide with Parent Teacher Interviews.

Interim Reports cover such areas as:

• Set Work
• Organisation
• Use of class time
• Attitude
• Behaviour
• End of Semester Reports

At the end of each Semester the school forwards to parents a summative assessment of their child for each subject. The summative report contains information in regards to:

• Satisfactory completion of outcomes
• Graded Assessment Tasks
• A space for teacher comments

We also cater for students with special needs where reports are produced on an individual basis, outlining where Assessment Tasks have been modified and the achievements of each student.

Teaching and Learning

It is the practise of Marian College that learning and teaching practises should reflect the Gospel values and improve the quality of learning for all students in the school.

The College aims to provide each student with a range of learning experiences, which will:

• Assist them to improve their own learning;
• Promote excellence in learning; and
• Develop their self-esteem, confidence and independence.

Marian College values dignity, freedom, respect, openness, cooperation, comprehensive curriculum.

The assumptions about student learning which underlie these guidelines are that:

• All students want to learn and are capable of learning;
• A curriculum which is comprehensive will extend and develop the abilities of each student;
• Learning can be fostered best in a socially supportive environment which promotes success for every student;
• Students come from different backgrounds and learn at different rates and in different ways;
• Students self-esteem and confidence are central to student learning; and
• Students need regular feedback about their learning performance in order to improve their learning.

Faculty groups and classroom teachers will therefore attempt to select learning and teaching approaches which:

Involve students as active participants, both in the planning and organisation of their studies, and in the evaluation of their studies, and in the evaluation of their learning;

• Assist students progressively to take responsibility for their own learning;
• Offer students opportunities for success, and motivate them to continue learning;
• Enable students to apply their knowledge and skills in practical situations;
• Build upon previous learning and lead to further learning;
• Build and support their self-esteem and confidence;
• Enhance cooperation and support between students, and between students and teachers; and
• Are in harmony with the culture and values of the students and the community.

Extra Curricular Activities

Extra-curricular actvities conducted at Marian College aim to extend and enrich the experiences of students. They included:

In addition to the Physical Education program offered, all students have opportunities to participate in sporting activities that include inter-house football, netball, etc.

Marian College is a member of the Catholic All Schools - the state level competition.

Leadership qualities among students are nurtured at all year levels. Students are elected to the SRC which organises a variety of activities during the year. Class Captains, which are also elected and appointed, help with the sense of belonging at Home Room level. Students are provided with opportunities to develop leadership and organisational skills as they work cooperatively with others.

Senior students are invitied to join the Justice and Democracy group which has a mission focussed on social justice. This group works to raise attention if social issues need to be addressed. The group plays a major role in fund raising for various charity groups. At the year 10 level, students work one afternoon a week in semester 2 as volunteers in the community.

Students are encouraged to be involved in a variety of extension and challenge activities. These include Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, Tournaments of the Mind, Young Achievers, Australian Mathematics, Science and English Competitions and the Quality Education Program.

Students have an experience of music as part of the Performing Arts program. If students wish to take this further and learn a particular instrument, the College has engaged sessional music teachers to teach a wide variety of instruments. Instruments are available for hire or loan. The cost of this program is not covered by the tutition fee.

Students are involved in the planning and running of regular parish youth Masses at Ararat and Stawell.