Lower Secondary (Years 7-10)
In Lower Secondary, the subject areas of Biblical Life and Worldview, English, Maths, Humanities & Social Sciences, Health, Physical Education and Science are compulsory.
- In Years 7 & 8, students participate in elective subjects on a rotating basis.
- In Years 9 and 10, elective subjects are chosen towards the end of the previous year.
- Year 10 students may be able to complete work experience (ADWPL) as part of their timetable, after school or during school holiday breaks.
Change of subjects – In Years 9 and 10, elective subjects are chosen late in the previous year. Once choices are made, changing subjects is discouraged and may only occur after a formal review process.
- Should a student desire to change subjects in Years 9 & 10, they should discuss reasons with their parents/guardians and teachers first, then see Student Services who will send a change of subject survey home via email. This survey helps determine the reasons for the change and viability of making such a change in consultation with the appropriate staff. Once reviewed, the Student Pathways Coordinator will contact the parent via email with the decision. Parents are encouraged to speak with the Student Pathways Coordinator should they require further information.
Upper Secondary
Geraldton Christian College offers a variety of Year 11 and 12 courses in line with SCSA guidelines. University entrance is catered for with a range of ATAR courses while the requirements for General courses are met with our own Certificate II course/s and our alliance with Central Regional TAFE. Our classes are quite small which allows us to cater for individual differences within the constraints of the SCSA guidelines.
Change of subjects – Subject changes can have WACE graduation implications, therefore changes will be counselled through the Student Pathways Coordinator to give students the best opportunity of success in their chosen academic pathway.
In partnership with SIDE, Geraldton Christian College can provide a broader selection of subject choices which includes General and ATAR subjects like, Biology, Geography, Modern History, Psychology, Economics, Integrated Science and Maths Applications.
What does this mean for our parents?
- If a student chooses a SIDE course as part of their subject selection, there will be no additional fees. Parents will be required to sign an agreement that should their child withdraw from a course during the year, they will be liable for fee costs.
- Students will be provided time in their timetable to do their online studies during school times.
- Geraldton Christian College will provide an Online Learning Mentor who will offer support to the students and to communicate regularly to parents through Canvas.
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The following standardised assessments are used at Geraldton Christian College to inform our teaching practices.
Reading:
- Progressive Assessment Test (PAT) Reading Assessment (Years 1 to 10) to identify comprehension.
- Star Reader (Years 1 to 10) to identify comprehension reading level to select appropriate reading books.
- Accelerated Reading – online continuous assessment of comprehension skills, and to develop comprehension strategies (Year 3 to 10)
- Guided Group Reading – explicit teaching of reading strategies (Years 1 to 10)
- Novel Study – to develop analytical skills in literacy (Years 6 to 10)
- NAPLAN (Years 7 & 9)
Spelling:
- NAPLAN (Years 7 & 9)
Mathematics:
- PAT Maths Assessment (Years 1 to 10)
- Brightpaths Maths (Years 1 to 10)
- Observation Checklists
Writing and Grammar:
- NAPLAN (Years 7 & 9)
- Brightpaths Writing (Years 1 to 10)
Camps & Service Trips
Year 8 Service Experience
Annually, Year 8 students participate in a Service Experience, which is held over several days during school hours. Students carry out works of service and learn about other people in the community.
Watch Centacare’s 24-minute video about the partnership between Centacare, Geraldton Christian College and the community.
NSA – No Strings Attached from Centacare Volunteer Service on Vimeo.
Year 10 Carnarvon Camp
Every year during second term, Geraldton Christian College visits Carnarvon Christian School for a week long adventure. Not only do the students visit the many tourist sights around Carnarvon but a big part of the camp is to engage and provide works of service to the Carnarvon school community. Many students really enjoy this camp and form strong bonds with the students of Carnarvon Christian College.
Year 6 Canberra Trip
Each year, the Year 6 students brave the Canberra weather to learn about our great capital. The students visit Parliament House, The Governor General’s House, and many more landmarks of this famous city.
Other Camps
Throughout the year, students attend Sport and Recreation Overnight camps such as Rogain or Surfing camps.
Instrumental Music Program
Why learn an instrument? Learning music is an exciting venture, and it has benefits beyond being able to play an instrument. It has the capacity to engage, entertain, challenge, inspire and empower. It exists in every culture and is a basic expression of human experience. Studying music stimulates imaginative responses, critical thinking and aesthetic understanding, and encourages students to reach their creative and expressive potential. Studies show that participating in music activities help to enhance overall brain function, improve concentration, teach discipline and perseverance, develop coordination, increase confidence, and contributes positively to society.
Lesson Timetables The majority of lessons are held during the school day, on the same day each week via a rotating timetable. Ensuring students don’t miss the same class each week. Students can opt to have lessons before or after school, or at lunchtime.
Student Progress Music is a skill that requires regular practice. Parents/Guardians will need to support this at home. A Practice Journal and Canvas provides regular updates for Parents and Guardians. Instrumental Reports are provided at the end of each semester.
Performances and Ensembles It is expected that students will particiate in performance opportunities, both at the College and externally. Woodwind, brass and percussion students are required to particiate in Concert Band, which rehearses every Tuesday morning before school.
Costs Lessons are $33 per half hour, with an average of nine lessons each term. Fees are charged by the Instrumental Teacher at the beginning of each term and payment is made directly to the Instrumental Teacher.
Instrument Hire All instruments, excluding guitars, percussion instruments and pianos, are available for hire at a cost of $200 per year plus a $100 bond payable when the hire period commences. Instrumental Music Program Information