High School Chapel
Each class is required to lead the school’s Chapel meeting once during each term. PACE class teachers generally plan the Chapel with students and preparation often takes place during the PACE class time. Chapel is an opportunity for students to present music, drama and other presentations to their peers.
Christian studies
The Christian studies program involves the exploration and understanding of the development of a biblical worldview. The first two years of the program takes students through an overview of the Old Testament and the New Testament with a focus on the unity and continuity of the biblical narrative. The third and fourth years of the program have a focus on Christian apologetics, Worldview critique, in depth study and critique of World religions and an introduction to Logic. The entire Christian studies program is framed around three key questions… What do you believe? Why do you believe it? Why is it important? The school considers this program essential grounding leading up to the core IB subject of Theory on Knowledge in year 11 and 12.
English
The study of English involves students in reading, viewing, listening to, writing, creating, comparing, researching and talking about a range of text types from the simple to the complex, from texts dealing with concrete and straightforward information to those dealing with increasingly complex and abstract issues and ideas. High school English combines TSL (see below) classes and Teacher Directed classes where in-depth study of particular texts and texts types is undertaken.
Health and physical Education
The PE classes make use of the school’s sports field and gymnasium. Students gain skills in a variety of sports and have the opportunity to compete against students in other local and regional schools. Students also learn about physical and mental well-being and sexuality.
Humanities
Humanities is an umbrella term which includes the core subjects of History, Geography, Civics & Citizenship and Business & Economics. In these subjects we explore how many cultural and sociological elements have affected the past and continue to influence us today. Students learn to see themselves as global citizens who can have an impact far beyond their immediate socio-economic environment. Through this students are encouraged to make predictions regarding where such influences may take us in the future and the impact they can have as global citizens. We try to promote higher level thinking through the use of different types of texts, through group work, discussion and independent research.
Cyber safety
Secondary students are keen users of information and communication technologies (ICT) particularly the internet and mobile technologies. They are ‘digital natives’⎯always surrounded by technologies and using them from an increasingly early age. For students of all ages there are many social, educational and economic benefits in using ICT. But there are also risks. These risks may include safety and security issues, exposure to inappropriate content and cyber bullying. The bi-annual relationship education class, as well as our information technology class (from yr 7 to 10),…explores appropriate, inappropriate and safe behaviour when using ICT.
Languages other than English (LOTE)
Students from Foundation to Year 9 participate in Indonesian language and cultural learning. Students begin to understand and use Indonesian to express information on topics of general interest. They start to exchange personal information, opinions, ideas, feelings and plans orally, and gain an insight into the process of independent language learning and selfmanagement.
LOTE studies at Grace Christian College provide an opportunity for students to extend their cultural understanding, develop a sense of international mindedness and build empathy for and understanding of cultural differences. High school students supplement their language studies with the Rosetta Stone® emersion program.
Teacher supported learning (TSL)
TSL classes are based on an approach to learning known as Mastery Learning. Classes cover areas such as English, Mathematics, History, and Science. The school uses resources from the Accelerated Christian Education program, which provides a number of learning benefits for students. Teachers also supplement this program with extension activities and material to meet the varied needs of students.
The TSL class environment provides a balance of learning independence and teacher support. Students are able to work largely independently allowing teaching staff to provided one-to–one support as needed. Capable students can extend themselves by setting challenging goals and working towards them.
Science
The Science classes are conducted in the school’s science lab and aim to develop investigative, experimental and inquiry skills in students. Students conduct experiments with scientific apparatus and learn to document and analyse their findings.
Information and Communications Technology
Our Information and Communications Technology program trains students in web design and programming (html, css, php, and sql). Students learn to design and build interactive web pages with a deep understanding of underlying code and programming techniques (both client-side and server-side) as well as database design and database programming. This is a unique and in depth program aimed at equipping students with high level I.T skills. In today’s connected world it is important that the citizens and businesses of tomorrow know, not only what technology is available to them, but also how it works and how to adapt it to their needs. This course has also been designed to assist and equip students who wish to pursue a career in the I.T industry.
Technology
Secondary school students take part in woodwork, textiles, food technology and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) classes. They work towards creating designed solutions in the different technology areas. They develop project plans, manage production processes and evaluate final products.
The arts
Students are able to experience the Arts through Art classes, instrumental music classes and taking part in drama activities such as the One-Act Plays that are presented at the Victorian Student Convention and the school concert. Students also have the opportunity to serve the school and wider community as part of the school chapel band. Participation in The Arts develops confidence, critical thinking and creativity.