Curriculum & Programs

WERRIBEE SECONDARY COLLEGE | Live Worthily

Students at Werribee Secondary College partake in a range of core, elective and co-curricular programs throughout years 7 to 12, setting them on track for their future pathways. Below you will find an outline of the curriculum across year levels as well as subject books containing elective choices. Outside of the classroom, students follow their interests in sports, music, performance and more.

Werribee students are fully supported throughout their schooling journey by our Careers and Wellbeing teams, ensuring they graduate with the knowledge, skills and resilience to achieve success in their future endeavors.

JUNIOR SCHOOL YEARS 7 & 8

Students undertake a program based on the Victorian Curriculum, which involves a core curriculum in Years 7 and 8.  This program has been well established at Year 7 to assist with the transition from Primary School.

Junior School students study all eight key learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Geoscience and Culture, Health & Physical Education, Technology, Arts and Languages (LOTE).  At the College, all students study one language other than English, and select either Chinese, Japanese or Spanish. Students at all year levels also participate in a daily homegroup session enabling them to build a connection with a dedicated class group and teacher.

High achieving students may be eligible to enrol in our exclusive Select Entry Program, offering a more challenging advanced level curriculum.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS 9 & 10

All students undertake studies in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History, Geography and Economics) Information and Communications Technology, Health and Physical Education, based on the Victorian Curriculum. Elective studies may be chosen from:

– The Arts
– Technology (& Information Technology at Year 10)
– Languages, either Chinese, Italian, Japanese or Spanish

Students at all year levels also participate in a daily homegroup session enabling them to build a connection with a dedicated class group and teacher.

Students in the Select Entry Program at Year 10 are able to begin undertaking VCE studies. Students aiming to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma in senior years are encouraged join the Year 10 IB Link program.

SENIOR SCHOOL YEARS 11 & 12

Senior Secondary Certificate Reform
Victoria is moving to a new integrated senior secondary certificate that will bring together our two senior secondary certificates, the VCE and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). This will give all students the learning opportunities to develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in further education, work and life.

From 2023, enrolment options for Year 11 and 12 students will include:
-Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Vocational Major
-Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC).
A fully integrated VCE will be implemented from 2025.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – Our College offers a wide selection of studies within the VCE and it is the suggested program for those looking to undertake university studies and employment within Australia.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) – Enables students to gain valuable, practical skills in a specific industry while undertaking VCE/ VM. Some units run in house with others taking place across a cluster of local schools.
VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) – This (new in 2023) pathway prepares students for further studies, training/apprenticeships or employment, by developing both academic and practical skills. It employs a more diverse range of assessment strategies rather than traditional exams.
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPS) – The (new in 2023) VPC provides an option for students unable to yet meet the VCE requirement, with a standards-based certificate and opportunity to progress to the VCE or VCE VM at a later point. It provides an enriched curriculum and excellent support for students to develop the skills, capabilities and qualities for success in personal and civic life.

Further details regarding senior subject selection and course information can be found below.

Alternatively, senior students may choose to join our worldwide International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program below.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM

We are a proud international school, authorised to offer the worldwide recognized IBDP as an alternative to VCE. The IB focuses on creating global thinking, inquisitive citizens.

Beginning with the IB Link program at year 10, progressing into the diploma program at year 11 and 12, the IB diploma enables students to learn a diverse range of pre-tertiary study skills, environmental knowledge, language and tolerance.

With 3 core areas (Extended Essay, Theory Of Knowledge and Creativity, Action, Service) as well as 6 academic subjects, the IB program sets students on track for further studies near or abroad. Completion of the IB Diploma is strong predictor of success in university.

Details of the IBDP curriculum can be found below or in the senior student IB handbook above. Costs apply for students to undertake the IBDP.

Please note that all applications to our college including the IBDP, are subject to school zoning and availability of places.

Learn more:
IBDP Brochure | Learner Profile | IB-Link | Visit IBO | IB Handbook

The IB gives you freedom to choose and explore topics within subject areas. You can learn from mistakes along the way, without impacting your final result. Your classes are supportive and team oriented. There’s no competition between students as your result is your result, not a peer ranking. You learn many new skills including a language and it prepares you well for university. You’re encouraged to be an active part of the community. Yes, it can be challenging, but it’s achievable.


“Being part of the IB has been a great opportunity that exposed me to a wide range of areas so I could learn what I truly enjoy learning. I loved the openness of the assignments because it meant I could focus on what interested me. It’s such a broad program that allowed me to tailor my experience to my interests. The CAS components were enjoyable to do and acted as a distraction from much of the schoolwork. The EE leant me a chance to explore the field area of economics that I was really keen to learn more about. All the teachers were super supportive in the journey, not just in terms of helping with my understanding of subjects but also providing a supportive environment in which I could grow.“
Ishka DakliClass of 2019

Co-Curricular Programs

ARMY CADET UNIT

Werribee Secondary College Army Cadet Unit (WSCACU) is part of the Australian Army Cadets (AAC), a leading youth development program that is run nation-wide by the Department of Defence. The AAC promotes the core values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence. Offering valuable leadership skills and personal development highly regarded by employers, involvement in the AAC is also a great advantage for students seeking to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the future.
 
An unforgettable experience for young people, WSCACU provides students with unique opportunities to get involved in drill and ceremonial parades, supervised use of service firearms, weekend and week-long bush bivouac camps, leadership and management, physical fitness training, navigation, fieldcraft, first aid, survival training, abseiling and more. Our Cadets develop confidence, sharpen practical skills and make friends for life with peers not only from our College and local Wyndham community, but also from across Victoria and our wider nation.
 
WSCACU was formalised with the AAC in 2010 and inaugurated by the Hon. Julia Gillard in 2012. Our College supports one of only three Army Cadet Units held in government schools across Victoria. 
 
WSCACU parades once a week on Monday nights with additional events throughout the year, led by Unit Commander, CAPT(AAC) Elina Merington, Company Commander, CUO Malcolm Felipe, and Company Sergeant Major, CDTWO2 Wafi Rashid, who is also one of our 2024 College Vice Captains. Please note that recruitment intakes occur annually at the beginning of each year. For more information, eligibility and to learn how you can join, please visit the Army Cadets website.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

Enabling the experience, benefit and excitement of music, our program develops student discipline, concentration, refinement and performance skills. Our highly qualified music teachers provide tuition for: Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Percussion, Piano, Voice & Guitar with selected instruments available for hire.

Instrumental music students will also participate in one or more of the College’s ensembles: Choir, Concert Choir, Year 9 and 10 Classroom Choir, Junior Band, Senior Band, String Orchestra, Year 7 Strings, Year 8 Strings, Jazz band, Percussion, Guitar. Lunchtime concert platforms showcase smaller ensembles and soloists, while our larger ensembles have the opportunity to rehearse with teachers present.  Ensembles perform at College concerts as well at functions in the community.

Term 2: Showcase Concert | 300+ ensemble students perform to a large public audience
Term 3: Soiree | VCE Bands and soloists have the opportunity to experience performance and assessment of their whole programme before their exams.
Term 4: Twilight Concert | A Junior & Middle School performance, concluding the annual music program on a high note.

PERFORMING ARTS

A great opportunity for students to develop self-confidence and empathy through embodying different characters from a variety of time periods and cultures. Participating in Drama Club develops teamwork, communication and problem solving skills. Students learn skills in voice projection, body movement, focus and creative thinking as well as the opportunity to perform onstage in full length or one-act plays and skits. Each year a Drama Club Student President is appointed, developing leadership and organisational skills. Student roles are also available in publicity, costume design and props, staging and lighting. Many Drama Club students have gone on to join theater companies or industry employment. Drama Club meets every Wednesday, 3.15pm – 4.30pm.

Drama as a subject is undertaken by all students in Year 8. At Year 9 & 10 Drama is offered as a popular elective. Year 9 learn body, voice and improvisation to create internal and small group performances. Year 10 develop a class play and their stagecraft skills as well as attending a professional theater performance. VCE are introduced to six theatrical styles, producing a play performed to the school community and develop a monologue to perform for the class. In Unit 3/4, students produce a performance specialising in acting or stagecraft areas.

SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES

As well as a varied PE program covering foundational skills and fitness, our College offers students the opportunity to learn and compete in various house, inter-school and regional sports competitions. Our annual house Swimming Carnival and Athletics days are thoroughly enjoyed by students, dressing in house colours and creative costumes as they compete or cheer on their peers in friendly competitions. These activities also provide our house captains an opportunity to develop their organizational and leadership skills as they assist in the running of the day and leading their house to victory.

Our students are also able to join our school sports teams including cricket, netball, volleyball, basketball, soccer and table tennis, competing against other local schools. Successful teams then go on to compete in regional finals. All sports are conducted in a supportive environment encouraging strong teamwork and sportsmanship.

DEBATING CLUB

Our debating team is open to students passionate about world topics, issues and other controversies in our local and International communities at large. We welcome students at all year levels to join us and voice their perspectives.

Curriculum skills transfer well into debating, including understanding context, presenting and analysing arguments, using literary devices, persuasive language, summarising key knowledge, displaying respectful discourse and body image / confidence. Our Debate team leaders work hard to further instill these skills into our students.
 
There are three levels within our WSC Debating Teams: Junior, Middle and Senior levels. With the aim to expand and compete, the club has attended such events as DAV (Debaters Association Victoria) and achieved success winning debates. Many more practice sessions and events are planned for the future as the club continues to grow.
 

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education, which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world. Through developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community, the Award helps young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world to become #WORLDREADY. To achieve an Award, each young person must learn a skill, improve their physical wellbeing, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment. All Participants are supported by a network of adult Award Leaders, Assessors, and Supervisors. The key elements of the program are:
Open to all young people aged 14 to 24.
Three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold – each progressively more challenging.
Four Sections: Physical Recreation, Skills, Voluntary Service, Adventurous Journey plus Gold Residential Project (Gold Level only).
Achieving an Award recognises individual goal setting and self-improvement through persistence and achievement. For more information, visit The Duke of Ed website.
 

Transitions & Careers

A FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

At Werribee Secondary College career education and guidance is a very important aspect of student learning, engagement and progress. Whilst at our college our aim is that all students will develop capabilities and skills by engaging in a variety of experiences. They will have the opportunity to investigate and explore future career, post-secondary study and work options. Students will gain skills to develop career plans making choices about their futures.

Our aim is that all students will transition from Werribee Secondary College to work or further education with the required skills and knowledge to manage their careers. Each year, Year 12 VCE, VCAL and IB graduates successfully pathway to apprenticeships, universities, TAFEs and work.

98% of our students received a higher education offer in the first 2023 VTAC round.

VISIT WSC CAREERS ONLINE
After graduating from WSC I had just completed my VCE and got into my dream course, a Bachelor of Social Work. However after 2 years I decided the course wasn’t for me and I deferred and I continued to work for a year. I later decided I wanted to study a a Certificate 4 of Mental Health and now I cam currently working as a Mental Health Practitioner assisting those whom are experiencing all sorts of mental illnesses. Some advice: Don’t stress, keep calm, and please use your teachers as a support system because looking back now, some of those teachers played a huge part in who I am today and did more for me than I realised at the time.
Stephanie Edwards Class of 2016
After graduating from WSC, I went on to complete my Bachelor of Biomedicine and Doctor of Physiotherapy, both at University of Melbourne. It has been a long, challenging journey and I am currently practicing as a physiotherapist both in a private practice and at St Vincents Private Hospital. I am currently a trainee director and about to become part-owner of my own practice! It is nice to give back to the same community I grew up in. WSC has certainly given me the solid foundation I needed for me to be where I am today.
Amanda De Vas GunawardenaClass of 2011
After graduating from WSC, I went to La Trobe University to study a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Master of Nanotechnology. In this degree I was able to perform experiments at the Australian Synchrotron (particle accelerator), fabricate micro/nanocircuits at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, perform astronomy on the physics building rooftop, and use lab-based electrolysis to fabricate cubic metallic nanoparticles which were imaged using an electron microscope. In 2020 I started my PhD in Biophysics at Swinburne University and CSIRO, focusing my research on the photothermal imaging of 3D cell cultures.
Emma G Class of 2014
After graduating from WSC I have gone on to study a five-year course on Aerospace Engineering and Business Management at RMIT, where I am still completing this course.
Alan NguyenClass of 2015
After graduating from WSC I was accepted into a Bachelors of Law at Victoria University. I moved to Deakin University in 2019 to commence a double Bachelors degree in Law/Arts. I am currently in my fifth year of tertiary study. Since graduating, I have worked in various government legal roles, community legal centres and private legal practice. The areas of law I have worked in include criminal, migration, human rights, travel, maritime and aviation law and medical negligence. I am currently employed in a medium sized national law firm, specialising in medical negligence and malpractice. My future career and study plans include completing a Masters Degree in Health Law and sitting the Bar Exam. It was not easy getting here, it required a lot of hard work in VCE. My time at WSC played an influential role in where I am today. The support of my teachers and the staff at at WSC assisted in developing the skills I will need as a lawyer and skill that I took with me into tertiary studies.
Brittany ReinerClass of 2015
Since graduating from WSC in 1998, I now hold a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Honours, Graduate Diploma of Education and a PhD in Science Education. I spent a few years teaching after graduation then worked overseas for seven years. I have been back in Australia now for five years and worked as a senior policy officer for the Department of Education, followed by raising my young family and working casually in education.
Nadine Khalil Al NacharClass of 1998

Student Support & Wellbeing

At Werribee Secondary College, we do our best to ensure students are supported at all stages of their education.
We have a wide range of teams and programs that we offer to accommodate students’ individual needs.
We know that school and life can provide challenges and times and thus take a holistic approach with regards to the pastoral care of our students.

Homegroups

15 minutes each day focusing on establishing connections, improving communication and student wellbeing.
Grouped with a dedicated teacher, students learn more about the college, discuss topical issues and take part in various short wellbeing activities

Individual Support

Multicultural and integration aides provide individualized support to our students. Integration aides assist students with funding under the Program for Students with Disabilities, while our Multicultural aides assist with English language.

Student Management

Year level coordinators assist students in managing their day-to-day activity at school.
Coordinators and support staff are always on hand to answer a question, assist with problems or point a student in the right direction.

STUDENT WELLBEING SERVICES

Werribee Secondary College’s Student Wellbeing Services primary responsibility is to promote the academic, personal, and social development of all our students. Werribee Secondary College works with the school community as well as other services and agencies to support our students in being responsible and productive citizens. We pride ourselves on having a positive and supportive learning environment which focuses on the development of the whole student. We are able to offer support to students and their families through involvement in a range of individual, group and family support work.
 
Student Wellbeing Services has a dual focus, addressing both educational support as well as therapeutic needs. Student Wellbeing Services are provided by professional staff with qualifications and expertise specific to the area of wellbeing and service may include a range of group-based and individual support, student capacity building and the provision of specialised services.
 
There are numerous services in our community that are available to assist families, many free or low cost. Through consultations with Werribee Secondary College’s Student Wellbeing Services, allied health professionals can be accessed such as doctors, paediatricians, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, behavioural optometrists, counsellors, and specialised educational services. Additional supports also include mental health services, family support services, parenting assistance, financial assistance, legal information and advocacy, and disability services. Access to Werribee Secondary College’s Student Wellbeing Service is a free service and the information provided is kept private and confidential.

Wellbeing Team

URGENT SUPPORT
If you need urgent support, or need to talk to someone outside of school hours, we recommend for you to access a crisis service (details below).
A lot of crisis services have phone lines, as well as online-chat options.
If you or someone around you is in an emergency situation, please call 000.

Lifeline

Lifeline

13 11 14
24/7 Crisis services and support

Visit Lifeline
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800
24/7 Help and advice for kids and young adults up to 25 years.

Visit Kids Helpline
Beyond Blue


Beyond Blue

1300 224 636
24/7 Crisis services and support

Visit Beyond Blue
Headspace


Headspace

1800 650 890
Youth Mental Health Support Services

Visit Headspace
ReachOut
ReachOut

Online Services
Youth Mental Health Support

Visit Reach Out
SANE Australia

SANE Australia

1800 187 263
Mental Health Support Services

Visit SANE

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