More Special Programs
- Excursions
- Year 7 Camp
- Thinkfest Thinking Carnival
- International Students Program
- Harmony Day
- Multi-cultural Day
- The Learning assistance program
- Awards and Portfolios
- Driver Education
Excursions
Many of the courses offered at Melrose High School involve participation in excursions. Curriculum areas endeavour to give parents as much warning as possible, to keep expenses to a minimum, and to ensure that excursions do not make excessive inroads into the normal school curriculum. The length of this notice may vary. Theatre and sport excursions, for example, sometimes have to be organised at very short notice.
Students who are absent from normal lessons because of an excursion are expected to make every possible effort to catch up on missed work.
Year 7 Camp
The Year 7 Camp occurs early in term one and is designed to support our students in their transition from primary school to high school. Students participate in a range of activities that are fun, challenging and develop social skills including problem solving, trust, cooperation and leadership. It is also an important opportunity for our Year 7 students to form new friendships and to develop cohesiveness as a year group. Activities are also run by Year 10 Peer Support Leaders that examine issues that will be faced by Year 7 students as they start their high school years. Students who are unable to attend camp participate in an alternative program at school organised by teachers across all learning areas.
Thinkfest Thinking Carnival
Thinkfest is a full day program delivered to Year 8 students at the end of term 2. It is a fun day with students working in teams solving open–ended challenges. The Thinkfest day is part of the school’s normal curriculum. It provides students with skills that are needed in today’s society. These skills are team problem-solving and flexibility, being able to work together productively with a range of different people and being creative, innovative thinkers. There is also the opportunity for Year 10 students to be Thinkfest Leaders who are specially trained to provide support and encouragement to the Year 8s on the carnival day.
International Students Program
International students, particularly from non-English speaking countries, are catered for in this program by offering intensive English courses for students from Years 7 to 10. On arrival at Melrose High School, each student’s level of English is assessed and an individual program is devised to suit the student’s specific needs with specialised beginning and advanced ESL programs in English, Maths, Science and SOSE. Students usually join other students in their year group for elective classes that are not as heavily based on language as others such as Technology, Art, Music and Food Studies. At the end of each term, students are assessed on their level of English to determine if they are ready to participate in mainstream classes.
Harmony Day
The school holds a Harmony Day Assembly in Term 1 involving the whole school community. Students from diverse backgrounds take part in discussions about the significance and the meaning of “harmony”, and often present their talk in front of an audience.
Multi-Cultural Day
The school runs Multi-Cultural Day in term 3 involving the whole school community. Students have the opportunity to experience other cultures in the form of food tasting, performance, dressing in ethnic costumes, language activities, talk by Embassy and other associated organisations, games, etc.
The Learning Assistance Program
The Learning Assistance program supports the planning and provision of appropriate learning experiences for students who, for various reasons, experience frustration and/or failure in their schoolwork. The program particularly targets Literacy and Numeracy skills with the overall aim of returning students into mainstream classes wherever possible.
The Learning Assistance program is an integral part of the total school curriculum and the coordinator of the program, as well as specialist learning assistance teachers, monitor student progress and participation. The coordinator also liaises with primary schools and the school counsellor, and consults with classroom teachers.
Awards and Portfolios
The student award system acknowledges and rewards student achievement and involvement in school and related activities. The system is a tiered one with three levels of awards. Students are also provided with a portfolio in which to keep their awards and selections of school work that reflect their efforts. Students are encouraged to take their awards home to show to family and then return them to their portfolios. For a more detailed description of award levels please refer to Student Services> Awards.
Driver Education
All Year 10 students have the opportunity to complete the Road Ready driver education course during their final year at the school. Students will also be able to take the theory test to obtain their learner's licence at the school.
