College Vision & Profile

Bendigo Senior Secondary College is situated in central Bendigo overlooking the historic Rosalind Park. With a population of over 2000 students, the College is one of the largest Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) providers in Victoria. The College is committed to providing suitable programs for all students from our neighbouring 7-10 colleges; Eaglehawk Secondary College, Flora Hill Secondary College, Golden Square Secondary College Kangaroo Flat Secondary College and White Hills Secondary College. There is close cooperation with these colleges in professional development programs, student transition and orientation activities, instrumental music and a Combined Schools Concert Band. About 20% of enrolments come from outside these neighbourhood colleges.

The College aims to provide a mature environment where sound work ethics, self-discipline and die acquisition of independent learning skills are fostered. Staff are deeply committed to the academic progress and welfare of students and all students are encouraged to interact closely with their teachers and seek help at any time. The integration of computer technology into the teaching and learning process has been enthusiastically embraced by staff. There is a positive learning environment where students consistently achieve their best and have a strong sense of identification with the College.

The College is proud of its outstanding academic success and excellent student achievement in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. This includes state wide and national success in the performing arts and sport. Recognition of student achievement is acknowledged publicly at the annual Awards Night where a large number of students receive awards for effort, achievement and participation. The Year 12 Graduation Ball in December is a shared celebration which brings together students, staff and parents to acknowledge their combined efforts in the successful completion of secondary schooling.

Students are able to choose courses to meet their individual needs. This may involve part-time study/part- time work, completing the VCE over three years, and choosing combinations of Unit 1/2 subjects and Unit 3/4 subjects. The total range of VCE studies is offered and students can select units in English, Mathematics, Science, Technology Studies, Business Studies, Human Development, Information Technology, Humanities, Languages other than English and the Arts including Performing Arts. An accelerated learning program operates in conjunction with the 7-10 colleges where students are able to undertake some VCE studies whilst in year 10. Year 11 students are provided with the opportunity to undertake a unit 3/4 study. A number of Vocational Education & Training programs, apprenticeships and traineeships are also available to students providing pathways to further study or employment. Students are also able to enrol in a Specialist Sport Program (non VCE).

In recent years new purpose built facilities for Technology Studies, Arts, Science, Physical Education, Music and Drama have been provided and all other areas of the college have been refurbished. The College has an on-going commitment to improving the landscaping and passive recreational spaces within the site. An extensive computer network provides exemplary information technology facilities throughout the College. This involves networked television and video, and computer access to all software, including the distribution of library resources and access to the Internet from all rooms in the College. Bendigo Senior Secondary College is registered to enrol full fee paying international students. It has sister schools in China, Germany and Indonesia.

Philosophy & Objectives

Bendigo Senior Secondary College provides students with a safe, supportive and caring adult learning environment in which they can develop their academic, social and physical and inner selves. The college aims to develop students who have a passion for life, a desire to reach their full potential and to have a life-long love of learning. To achieve this, the college aims to develop fully the talents and capacities of all students in the following areas:

Self:

• the qualities of personal integrity, self-confidence, high self-esteem and a commitment to personal excellence
• the desire to strive for personal best
• the capacity to make rational and informed decisions about their own lives and to accept responsibility for their actions
• the capacity to exercise judgement and responsibility in matters of morality, ethics and social justice
• the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to establish a healthy lifestyle, and for the creative and satisfying use of leisure time
• the capacity to be confident, creative and productive

Learning:

• the skills to become active and independent learners
• the abilities to communicate, collaborate, plan, analyse and solve problems
• the skills to use new technologies, particularly information and communication technologies
• the skills relating to employment and an understanding of the work environment, to maximize their choice for further study or work
• the desire for life-long learning

Community:

• the capacity to become active and informed citizens, with an understanding of democratic values
• an understanding of, and concern for, the natural environment, and
• a responsibility to both local and global communities.