Pathways Section

The Pathways section, for students in Years 9 and 10, provides an age appropriate environment for students as they transition to the senior secondary years of schooling.  The program ensures that students in the Pathways section are given every opportunity to learn in a variety of settings and contexts to facilitate a transfer of learning from school to real life situations.

The aims are to:

• encourage increased independence and engagement in learning
• increase the connection with school programs and peers
• foster positive work attitudes
• challenge students to achieve through real life, practical learning experiences
• increase students’ confidence in their ability to learn and achieve in a variety of learning contexts and environments
• engage students in their schooling

The Pathways section provides a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on the development of literacy and numeracy skills through the integration of learning technologies. Specialist subjects provided each week include Physical Education, Food Technology, Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Students also receive additional support in Social Competencies (including Drug Education and Sexuality) from a specialist teacher.

Reading and spelling are taught in like ability groups through Direct Instruction programs. These programs systematically develop important foundation skills and then give students opportunities to apply and link new knowledge across the curriculum.

Numeracy skill development is targeted through small and whole group work in both like and mixed ability groups.  Students engage in tasks that build understanding of problem solving strategies, number operations, concepts of money and time, measurement, data collection and spatial relations.

There is a strong commitment to the integration of learning technologies into all learning areas. All students are provided with their own netbook computer which remains with them until the completion of their schooling. Students in the Pathways section utilise technology to record and present their work.

The Work Related Skills program enables students to experience a variety of real life learning experiences that will begin to prepare them for their life beyond Concord School, eg. teamwork, communication skills, problem solving. Work Stations include Horticulture, Construction, Travel Education, Documentary Making and Multimedia.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award program requires students to meet the requirements in relation to learning a new skill, undertaking an adventurous journey, participating in physical recreation and participating in community service. Annual camps, of two to four days duration, are linked to this program.

The Fit for Life program incorporates inter-school sport (cricket, netball, basketball), bowling, indoor cricket, fitness, general wellbeing sessions, food technology and nutrition.