| Innovative Programs |
 |
 |
 |
|
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM AND YEAR 7 EXTENSION CLASS Candidates for 7C, an extension class for gifted and talented students, will sit for a University of NSW test in May, and places will be offered on the basis of these results (this criterion may change). Teachers of the extension class are hand picked and trained in gifted and talented education strategies. Application to sit for the test must be made to the school. The gifted and talented stream continues into the later years of secondary school with specific classes for English/Humanities, Mathematics and Science. THE LEARNING PASSPORT Our merit system is based on six key learning modes: critical thinking; creative thinking; self-management; interpersonal skills; information skills and communication. Students are rewarded for their achievements in all learning modes, and they can reach bronze, silver and gold levels through their efforts. The award of a gold medal includes a $100 cheque from the P&C in recognition of long and outstanding achievement. RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT Academic, sporting, cultural and community achievements are recognized and rewarded at Cronulla High School with a range of prizes and awards over and above the Learning Passport. Cash performance incentives are donated to the school by groups and individuals in the community. These groups actively support our goal of recognising student achievement. These include: the Rotary Technology award; academic awards; academic scholarships from Cronulla Sharks International; Cronulla RSL, Bundeena RSL; Kurnell Sport and Recreation Club; Hoffmann Scholarship and the Breen Corporation All-rounder awards. The P&C also fund awards to the first three place-getters in each year’s HSC and subsidise the costs of students representing the school in a variety of activities covering leadership, sporting and debating activities. This array of awards ensures that achievement is publicly recognised and valued across the school. TAFE TASTER PROGRAMS Cronulla High School is well aware of the need to give students a competitive edge for their future. Our TAFE Taster Program creates a vital link between secondary education and the work force. Students in year 9 and 10 are given the opportunity to gain ‘hands on’ experience in a variety of trade areas. In 2007 the areas offered were in plumbing, automotive, electrical, and clerical, hairdressing, marketing and accounting, hospitality and tourism, outdoor recreation and fitness instruction. The program offers students and opportunity to learn about their own suitability for a particular trade or profession, and come to appreciate the relevance of secondary education in helping them pursue their career paths. Additionally, if students are interested in pursuing a building career, they are encouraged to participate in an Occupational Health and Safety Course. In 2007 approximately 20 students took advantage of this opportunity. Other positive outcomes for students include improved co-operative team building, communication, problem-solving and decision making skills as well as learning appropriate conduct in a range of social situations. Work Experience in Year 10 builds on this program. “TRAIN YOUR BRAIN” and STUDY SKILLS All Year 7 students are taught to identify their individual learning styles and to use effective learning and study strategies in a school developed course called “Train Your Brain”. This helps them to use effective revision schedules and to develop higher order thinking skills. These skills are revisited in years 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 when students are taught in detail how to develop study routines at home and how to prepare for exams. Year 12 students are linked with a teacher mentor to assist them to organise their study schedules and manage stress. LITERACY PROGRAMS Cronulla High School has implemented several major programs to develop student literacy. All students in Year 7 participate in these programs in English classes, small group withdrawal and in other classes across the curriculum. The improvement in literacy levels is demonstrated by the above state average performance of our students at the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate, a fact recognised by Cronulla High’s nomination as one of the 25 most effective schools in NSW. THE SPALDING READING METHOD PROGRAM The Spalding Program is a total language arts program in which listening, speaking, spelling, reading and writing skills are integrated to teach students to become independent and accomplished learners and users of the English language. The Spalding Program is based on a simple, structured method of spelling instruction. Students learn to say, write and read 70 sounds that represent English speech. This multi sensory approach promotes accurate pronunciation, decoding and spelling of an extensive vocabulary list that teaches students the rules and concepts of the written language. Students are taught the basics of sentence and paragraph construction and are introduced to styles of narrative and informative writing. They are also taught the tools for effective comprehension and are encouraged to model good literature. As a result of the program, students demonstrate significant improvement in their spelling and reading levels, especially where the program is supported at home. TEXT TYPES For students to be literate they must also be able to write appropriately for a range of different purposes in all subjects. The functional model of language teaches the types of writing or text types that students need in order to learn successfully. These text types are subject specific e.g. a report in history or science, a narrative in English, and must be taught within the context of that subject. All Year 7 and 8 students learn to read, analyse and write a range of text types across the curriculum. Clear understanding of the purpose and structure of text types has dramatically improved the standard of students’ writing and their performance in public examinations. With the emphasis on text types all teachers are assuming responsibility for literacy and providing students with the tools of critical literacy they will need in everyday life. DROP EVERYTHING AND READ (D.E.A.R.) AND SELF MANAGEMENT The D.E.A.R. reading program addresses the need for students to become self-reliant and responsible learners. The purpose of the program is to teach our students to value reading, to provide a quiet time when they can read and to encourage the recognition of the importance of reading. D.E.A.R. operates in the 10-minute roll-call period every day. All students are responsible for providing their own reading material (a fiction or non-fiction book). Teachers monitor each student’s organisation skills, checking that they are prepared for the day and are using their homework diary effectively. One of the strengths of the program is that it highlights the importance of reading. During the D.E.A.R. period, Year 7 students participate in a 20-week literacy scheme called “Daily Dose”. This focuses students’ attention on spelling, word structure and word usage, and it has produced further improvements in student literacy. HOMEWORK CENTRE The school library is open before school on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 8.00am for students to do homework and research assignments. Both the librarian and the support teacher learning are available to assist students individually. PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM - THE TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL Our older students take very seriously their role of welcoming new students to the school. Our students learn how to support each other in a caring and friendly environment, so that new arrivals can feel accepted and secure in their new school. Our older students also develop skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and leadership. Year 11 leaders are specifically trained in communication and group dynamics through the Peer Support Program. The success of this program is shown in the positive comments Year 7 students make each year regarding the friendliness and helpfulness of older students. SRC (Student Representative Council) / STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM The SRC and The Student Leadership Program both assist students to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need to take on leadership roles, fulfil their potential and contribute positively to society. The program builds student self-esteem by providing many opportunities to contribute positively to the school. These include organising and assisting with various group activities and engaging in organised discussions and debates on student issues. Students will develop skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and public speaking. Students also learn how to support each other in a structured, caring and friendly environment. The program runs throughout the year and also includes activities such as managing morning assemblies, speaking at parent meetings and representing the school at formal occasions. Captains and prefects undertake a leadership skills program. The SRC also raises funds throughout the year for charities and to sponsor talented students who represent the school. PUBLIC SPEAKING AND DEBATING All students are encouraged to participate in public speaking and debating as part of the regular curriculum and also as extra curricular activities. Expert tuition is provided for all students interested in developing their skills and in participating in inter-school or inter-class competitions. Students learn how to express their ideas fluently and confidently, how to think on their feet and how to develop and support logical argument. Cronulla Rotary Club also sponsors an annual junior public speaking award for the school. PEER TUTORING The Peer Tutoring Program assists students who need additional support in literacy across key learning areas. Identified students in Years 7 undergo a program guided by their peer tutor. Authentic texts are gathered from targeted subjects. The tutor guides the tutee through the reading and understanding of these texts. The tutee is then able to participate more fully in the classroom. |