Vision 2015
Vision 2015 is essentially a ‘blueprint for the future’ for Ivanhoe Grammar School and provides the context for the re-writing of our Strategic Plan (2010 – 2015). It provides for ‘curriculum driven’ consolidation and revitalisation at all levels.
Whilst the current position of the School remains strong and its reputation high, Vision 2015 provides an opportunity to consolidate and further differentiate ourselves in a way that will provide for long-term sustainability and allow us to remain relevant and attuned to the needs of Students and the expectation of Parents.
Key features of Vision 2015 are :
- A curriculum centred restructure of the School
- A common experience for all Ivanhoe Grammar School students
- An emphasis on continuing to improve academic outcomes
- An emphasis on the quality of teaching
- A continued major international focus
- Maximising the benefits of our multi-campus status.
The curriculum relationship between campuses will be built around a common curriculum at all levels of the School. This will be based upon a:
- Senior Studies Program (Years 10 - 12)
- Middle Years Curriculum (Years 6 - 9)
- Common Primary Curriculum (Prep – Year 5) for Students on both campuses.
Senior Studies Program (Years 10 – 12)
Characterised by academic rigour, our new Three Year Senior Studies Program enables students to prepare for the challenges of the VCE or International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) over three years rather than two.
International initiatives continue with subjects like Global Perspectives, taken at Year 10, which gives our students exposure to different cultures and world issues to assist them develop a deeper understanding of their world.
Academic enrichment programs are available for the highly able students and support programs for students who have other learning needs.
This Program gives students a clear and consistent framework to achieve the best results possible in their most important school years.
Middle Years Program (Years 6 – 9)
The Middle Years at Ivanhoe Grammar School is offers an exciting, innovative and vibrant environment. The curriculum for students from Years 6 to 9 is being updated to follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program which aims to engage students, foster an interest in learning and be accessible for students with different learning styles, levels of ability and cultural backgrounds.
We provide enrichment and support programs to meet individual student needs and our homework policy establishes sound study habits.
Common Primary Curriculum (Prep – Year 5) for Students on both campuses.
Our strong foundation in literacy and numeracy is complemented with individual student programs for those who need extension or further support.
A wide choice of specialist subjects is also offered in areas including Science, Japanese, Art, Physical Education, Music, Instrumental Program and Information Literacy. Students are involved in service projects both on both a local and on an international level
An important aspect of Vision 2015 will be its emphasis on continued academic outcomes (building on our already strong base) and the quality of teaching. Research shows that in terms of the influence on student outcomes, teachers are by far the most important single influence. As a consequence, through Vision 2015, we will continue to develop the already high standard of teaching at the School through a series of initiatives including effective teacher appraisal, goal setting and targeted professional development.
There is a significant focus provided by the School in terms of an international outlook. To this end, in addition to the current initiatives that exist (Round Square, our involvement in Cambodia, increasing internationalising of curriculum content), a number of new initiatives will be introduced, including subject offerings (for example Global Perspectives at Year 10), extending curriculum links to the Round Square Pillars (internationalism, democracy, environmental awareness, adventure, leadership and service) and the themes of a United Nations Global Peace School (globalisation, diversity, peace building, social justice and sustainable futures).
I firmly believe that in educating young people for the world they will enter, a clear understanding of international/global issues needs to be a part of their formal education and that we should be characterised as “a National School providing an outward, global looking curriculum that is still essentially Australian, for a diverse Student body.”
Roderick D Fraser
Principal