On behalf of the College, we would like to welcome you to Christian Brothers Senior School. The College is currently exploring the implementation of Middle School. This may cause some alterations to the time allocations of the subjects. This information is designed to help students and parents obtain an overall impression of the College, its Curriculum policies and others.

Year 8 (back to quick jump menu)
Mrs Marie Radbone, Year 8 Transition Coordinator

The initial weeks of Year 8 might be a struggle as you cope with a new environment, new subjects, different methods, new students and teachers, but I am confident that you will respond to the challenges and offer the school your talents and unique gifts, making the school a better place. I trust that you will grasp the opportunities that come your way and fulfil your potential in the important years ahead.

It must be noted that, with the language electives, the classes will only run if viable numbers are reached.

Students in Year 8 participate in two camps; an Orientation Camp at the beginning of the year and an Outdoor Camp, involving bushwalking and canvas camping.

Year 9 (back to quick jump menu)
Mr Neil McGoran, Middle School Director

Year 9 comes as a period of consolidation, allowing students to build on the knowledge and skills learnt in the past 12 months and further develop sound study habits and lasting friendships.

Year 9 does not present major changes; the boys simply climb fewer stairs in the same building and will experience familiar faces and routines. However, the standard does become higher, teachers expect that at least some of last year's work is remembered and homework and study requirements become more demanding.

Efficient use of the diary and a high degree of organisation will be required. Some assignments will need research and preparation over a period of time. Good management is needed to prevent last minute panic when the deadline is imminent and the task yet to be started. Teachers and parents both have a supportive role in seeing that the boys get positive benefits from any homework and avoid pitfalls and traumas.

At Year 9, students have a degree of choice, which increases as they progress through their schooling. Students may choose to study:

• Italian
• German
• Vietnamese
• Drama
• Music
• Food Technology

One of these five electives must be chosen. A student is not able to select a language in a later year of school if he has not studied it previously. Careful thought and some discussion about the future will ensure the best choice. Excursions and camps offer educational diversions from the classroom throughout the year.

Year 10 (back to quick jump menu)
Mr Peter Donnelly, Year 10 Coordinator

Year 10 is essentially the beginning of the Senior Years of schooling and, as such, students start the process of making the big decisions about their futures. The range of subject choices increases, although there is still a strong core that everyone studies. As well, there is a programme of Work Experience for all and an opportunity for some to take up options offered at TAFE in the second Semester of the year.

The aim of the year is to offer courses suitable for a wide range of student abilities, interests and ambitions.

* Selected students will be able to do English as a Second Language instead of English.
** Selected students will be able to do Business Maths instead of Mathematics.
*** All students take S&E for the first semester; some will qualify for SACE Australian Studies in semester 2, some will continue with S&E, and others will be able to select a TAFE course

Each of these is studied for 2 semesters. Electives will run only if sufficient numbers have chosen.

LAP assistance is generally not available to Year 10 students. There are 2 Counsellors who can be of great help if the going gets tough in any way during the year, and the Home Room Teacher is always available to avert any crisis that may be looming with study. Throughout the year, students are encouraged to think about future careers. A formal process of interviews and information ñ giving takes place towards the end of Term 3 to ensure the best decisions are made about subject selection in Year 11 and beyond.

As well as the academic slog, Year 10 offers a range of other activities: interaction with neighbouring girls schools; a ski trip for budding winter Olympians; sporting teams; non-sporting clubs. If students treat the year seriously as the beginning of their Senior Years of Schooling, but maintain balance between study and recreation, they will certainly enjoy a success.

Year 11 and 12 (back to quick jump menu)
Mr Cliff Samuel, Senior Years Coordinator

The transition from Middle School to Senior School is a major step in the life of each student. Having successfully completed Year 10 the student now embarks on a two year programme designed to enable him to complete the requirements of the SACE. This certificate is most important since it will determine to a large extent his post-school options for employment and further education.

Course Selection

The selection of subjects for Stage 1 will have a strong bearing on the academic paths available to the student in Stage 2. It is vitally important, therefore, that in constructing a Stage 1 course, the student is aware of where it leads in Stage 2 and beyond. To this end he must consult with key teachers, not only about individual subjects, but also about the combination of subjects he wishes to study. It goes without saying that the same sort of exhaustive consultation needs to be undertaken at the end of Stage 1.

The Senior Student

The Senior student has a very important role to play in the successful functioning of the College. He can expect a greater degree of independence in his school life commensurate with his seniority but will also bear significant responsibilities toward the college community. The following aspects of the senior student's place in the College are paramount.

Leadership

This is a role the senior student cannot avoid. The manner in which the Senior classes exercise this responsibility will have a lot to do with determining the whole atmosphere within the College. The way they dress, speak, act, the way they relate to one another and their teachers, the way they treat younger students, their behaviour on the sports field and in public - all of these things will set the tone for the whole student body. Parents, staff and students alike have an obvious stake in ensuring that high standards are set and maintained, and the senior student has a unique role in this process.

In the day to day life of the school the senior student will have many concrete opportunities to develop and exercise leadership skills through involvement in the Student Representative Council and its many committees, as well as through Work Experience, Young Achievers, Service Work, Junior Council, Lions Youth of the Year, St. Vincent de Paul Society, addressing school assemblies, and much more.

Student Responsibility

The work load for the senior student is heavy. Many regular hours of study will be required if he is to succeed. The development of efficient study habits, good organisational skills, and strong self-motivation will be of paramount importance. He will be expected to become increasingly independent and self-reliant in his programme of studies. Good judgment will dictate the appropriate scope of the student's social life.

Personal Development

CBC, of course, aims for much more than intellectual development. We strive to ensure that our graduates are mature young men who are capable of independent thought, have a strong commitment to the values of Christ, and are dedicated to the welfare of all the members of the human family

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