Werribee Secondary College
| Werribee Secondary College | |
|---|---|
 Live Worthily | |
| Address | |
|
Duncans Road Werribee, Victoria Australia | |
| Information | |
| Type | State high school |
| Established | 1956 |
| Administrator | Department of Education |
| Council President |
Paul Sidouropolous |
| Principal | K.S. Butyn |
| Teaching staff | ~100 |
| Years | 7-12 |
| Sex | Coeducational |
| Number of students | ~1,400 |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Houses |
Hollows (Gold) |
| Colour(s) | Navy, maroon |
| Accreditation | Council of International Schools, International Baccalaureate |
| Affiliations |
Council of International Schools Victorian Department of Education |
| Website | www.werribeesc.vic.edu.au |
Werribee Secondary College (abbreviated as WSC) is a single-campus, co-educational, Year 7 to 12 college, with an enrolment of approximately 1400 students. Since 2000, Werribee Secondary College has experienced heavy demand for enrolments at Year 7 and at other levels. To manage this, a ceiling has been placed on the total school enrolment for 2013.
The college established an International Students Program in 2000 and attracts overseas international students. The college has relationships with schools in USA, Spain and Japan. The college was accredited with the Council of International Schools (CIS) in 2006. From 2013 students will be the first in a Victorian Government school to have the choice of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Students will select the senior programme (VCE, VCAL or IB) which best suits their individual interests and learning styles.
History
In 1997 the gifted education "Select Entry Accelerated Learning" Program or SEAL was introduced. SEAL is the only Department of Education accredited program in the City of Wyndham. The program is for year 7 to year 10.
In 2003, three police cars were dispatched to the school when muck-up day activities went wrong after carloads of youths wielding baseball bats and wearing balaclavas arrived at the school.[1]
In May 2004 the college was hit by a massive fire that destroyed the school's technology and textiles wing. It caused up to A$2 million damage, including the destruction of students' VCE assignments. Junior students had up to 12 days off school while portable classrooms were brought to the school site.[2]
In August 2006 Werribee Secondary College received accreditation from the Council of International Schools.
The 2006 Werribee DVD incident occurred when a group of teenage boys, some attending Werribee Secondary College, collectively calling themselves the "Teenage Kings of Werribee",[3] filmed themselves committing various criminal acts, including the sexual assault of a teenage girl with a developmental disability. They then produced a DVD of their actions, which they sold for $5 a copy, and posted their footage to YouTube under the name "Cunt: the Movie".[4][5] The DVD caused widespread controversy after excerpts were broadcast by television current affairs program Today Tonight on 23 October 2006, and led to a police investigation and widespread press coverage of the College about the content.
In July 2009 Werribee Secondary College was granted the IB Diploma program (International Baccalaureate). The college was the first government school in Victoria to offer students IB Diploma Program for Years 11 and 12. Until now 15 private schools hold this privilege. The school was granted the IB Diploma program in 2009. However, due to financing complications with the previous State government, the program will start in 2013. 25 students are estimated to undertake the program in 2013.
In December 2009, it was reported by the Sunday Herald Sun that four teachers from the school were taking legal action for psychological damage resulting from bullying and harassment by colleagues.[6] Earlier in the same year, another staff member was awarded up to $140,000 in compensation as a result of his treatment by the school.[7] Another case against the school was before the Supreme Court in October 2013.[8]
In 2014, a case brought by Mr. Peter Doulis against the Department resulted in Mr. Doulis being awarded damages and costs in excess of $1.2 million.[9] It was also revealed by The Age, in February 2015, that the Principal of the College received a public service medal for his services to public education despite the school being involved in another case whereby a female staff member received a "six figure damages payout for psychological injuries" which resulted from her treatment by the school.[10]
Campus
Following the 2004 fire, over 70% of classes were situated in portable classrooms. In 2005, the college received funding from the Department of Education for an extension (called the Shirley Cameron Centre) of the College's "Eca-Centre" (gymnasium and auditorium) which contained two food technology classrooms, two health classrooms, a canteen and a toilet block as well as new Music Centre. The construction of a new art and technology wing (called the Raymond Findlay Centre) was completed in 2007. A new school library, staff resource centre, administration wing as well as an extension to current school auditorium were completed in 2009.
The college has access to two playing ovals; College Oval and Soldier's Reserve. College Oval is owned and maintained by the college and is used for recreational purposes. Soldier's Reserve is maintained by Wyndham City Council and is used for sporting purposes including interschool cricket, Australian rules football, rugby and soccer. The college's gymnasium located next to the Shirley Cameron Centre is used for basketball, netball and volleyball. Basketball courts are located adjacent to the College Oval.
In early 2011 the school built a Language Centre and Science centre under government funding. The building holds around 12 rooms, four Science classrooms, an ICT office, one Science preparation room, and office at ground level. On the second floor there are 5 LOTE rooms and one LOTE office. The Language building and facilities are frequently used for exchange students from sister schools in China, Japan and Singapore.
Education
Mainstream
Junior School (Years 7 and 8)
Students undertake a program based on the Australian Curriculum, which involving a core curriculum in Years 7 and 8. The Year 7 curriculum includes studies in ‘GEMS' Program (Geography and Mankind in Society - English, Geography, History). The program has been well established at Year 7 so to assist with the transition from Primary School. Junior School, with students studying all eight key learning areas. All students study one language other than English, and select either Chinese, Italian, Japanese or Spanish.
Middle School (Years 9 and 10)
All students undertake studies in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History, Geography and Economics) Information and Communications Technology, Health and Physical Education. The curriculum is based on the Australian Curriculum. Elective studies may be chosen from; The Arts- Technology (& Information Technology at Year 10)- Languages, either Chinese, Italian, Japanese or Spanish. Students in the Select Entry and High Achieving Classes at Year 10 are able to undertake VCE studies whilst in Year 10.
Senior School (Years 11 and 12)
The College operates four types of programs in the Senior School:Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) - the College offers a wide selection of studies within the VCE. International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) - the College is pleased to offer IBDP as an alternative to VCE. Vocational Education and Training (VET) units - these units are offered to students by the College and across a cluster of local schools. Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) - the College offers this program to a limited number of students
SELP Program
The college holds a SELP (Select Entry Learning Program)[11] program for academically gifted students. The college is the only school in Wyndham to hold this program. The program starts in Year 7 and runs to 10. At year 7 and 8 there are 3 classes; 1 SELP IB class(not affiliated with the schools IB program as the school is only registered and accredited to provide the IB Diploma program[12] ) and 2 SELP classes. Consecutive years currently only run with two classes at each year level. During Year 11 and Year 12 where there is only one class. Students in the SELP program must have at least 90% attendance. It is also required for SELP students to have an average of 70% in all of their core subjects.
The college, since July 2009, has been granted permission to hold IB Diploma program, and the college will begin the program in 2013 with an estimate of 25 students who will undertake the course.
Co-Curricular Activities
The College provides a significant variety of co-curricular activities and experiences in which students may become involved.:A growing number of students are undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Award, first offered at Werribee Secondary College in 2003. Students have completed the award to bronze, silver and gold levels.The College fields a number of inter-school debating teams, which have achieved excellent results in competitions.Student may receive public speaking training and participate in Rotary Public Speaking Competitions and the Lions Youth of the Year Award.The College has developed a number of bands, choirs and ensembles which perform at Presentation Evening, at concerts held each term and at special events. Bands include Jazz, Rock, Big Band and Concert Band.The college produces four major concerts each year and perform at public events throughout Wyndham. Students aspire to leadership positions within the Music Program.The College has an active Drama Club which provides opportunities for students to experience all elements of theatrical production. The program is administered with the support of student Drama Leaders.The Year 10 Formal is organised by a committee of Year 10 students working with the Year 10 Coordinator.The College organises the annual Valedictory Dinner for graduating Year 12 students.Students may participate in hosting students from our sister-schools in Singapore, China and / or Japan. A Reading Club operates for all students and a special Reading Club is offered to students studying English as an Additional Language. Students are encouraged to represent the College in a number of inter-school sports including Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Australian Football, Basketball, Netball, Soccer and Table Tennis.The College also has a chess club which has many participants and students are able to compete for the College against students from other schools.
Other
As part of an "Internationally accredited school", the college invites students each year for a two-week visit from overseas. Students from the college may also get the chance for a visit to other schools and places overseas.
The college music program includes a compulsory Year 7&8 SEAL band and string ensembles, Junior Band, Senior Band, Guitar Ensemble, String Ensemble and other small group performances. Achievements include performing at Melbourne's Hamer Hall.
The college since July 2009 has been granted permission to hold IB program, and the college began
the program in 2013 with an estimate of 25 students who will undertake the course.
Houses
The college has newly added 8 houses. Houses are divided into home groups as an attempt by the college to encourage student bonding. The houses are named after people who have "Lived Worthily"... the College motto. The houses are:
| House | Colour | Name after |
|---|---|---|
| Hollows | Yellow | Fred Hollows |
| Dunlop | Aqua | Edward "Weary" Dunlop |
| Evatt | Black | H. V. Evatt |
| Burnet | Red | Frank Macfarlane Burnet |
| Gilmore | Green | Mary Gilmore |
| Chisholm | Blue | Caroline Chisholm |
| Murdoch | Orange | Elisabeth Murdoch |
| Dynon | Purple | John Dynon |
Alumni
- Merv Hughes - former Australian test cricketer
- Mike Sheahan - Herald Sun AFL writer
- Rebecca Maddern - Channel Seven reporter
- Shanina Shaik - Make Me a Supermodel finalist
- Aisha Dee - Chasing Life actress
- Jamie Ross - Masketta Fall Drummer
- Daniel Molivas - Masketta Fall Guitarist
- Braden Daniel - Masketta Fall Vocalist
References
- ↑ Stillman, Michelle (21 October 2008). "Mucking up: A timeline of end-of-school incidents in Victoria". The Age. Australia: Fairfax Media.
- ↑ "Classes closed after Werribee school fire". ABC. ABC. 14 May 2004.
- ↑ Miletic, Daniella (25 October 2006). "Outcry over teenage girl's assault recorded on DVD". Age. Melbourne: Fairfax. Archived from the original on 13 November 2006. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
- ↑ Robinson, Natasha (25 October 2006). "Assault DVD suspects may all face charges". Australian. News Limited. Retrieved 25 October 2006.
- ↑ "What's More Important: Rehabilitation Or Retribution?". Jezebel. 9 November 2007. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
- ↑ http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/teachers-sue-over-bullying/story-e6frf7jo-1225813809724?nk=148c651bb50abf4e31ff22d586d0a1b6. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ http://www.news.com.au/news/bullied-teacher-wins-cash/story-fna7dq6e-1225708563010. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/teachers-claim-burnout-at-streaming-school-20131029-2wduf.html. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-16/teacher-wins-increased-compensation-payout-over-22feral22-chi/5746712. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/werribee-secondary-college-pays-out-sixfigure-sum-to-second-teacher-over-workplace-mistreatment-20150204-135k14.html. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ . DEECD http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/diversity/pages/giftedprogram.aspx. Retrieved 29 September 2013. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ . IBO http://www.ibo.org/school/search/index.cfm?nextStart=8. Retrieved 29 September 2013. Missing or empty
|title=(help)
http://webtest.werribeesc.vic.edu.au/main.htm
http://www.truelocal.com.au/business/werribee-secondary-college/werribee
http://www.wyndhamweekly.com.au/story/1516545/werribee-secondary-college-gead-red-shield-support/
http://ptv.vic.gov.au/stop/view/40164
External links
Coordinates: 37°54′29″S 144°40′05″E / 37.90806°S 144.66806°E