Laboratory Assistant

Strathmore Secondary College is situated between Pascoe Vale Road and the Moonee Ponds Creek in the northern suburb of Strathmore. The school was founded in 1957 with 186 students. The population has grown considerably and now the school draws the majority of its population of over 1900 students from within the designated neighbourhood area bounded by Strathmore Heights, Pascoe Vale and Essendon.

Strathmore Secondary College employs a total of 203 teaching and non-teaching staff. In such a large school facilities and space are at a premium. The students are placed within one of five school teams vertically structured across Year 7 - 12 and are supported by core teachers in Faculty Areas. Junior school team leaders and coordinators work closely with Year 7 ¿ 10 students, teachers and parents to develop positive relationships to support student learning. VCE leaders and team coordinators, supported by a VCE Administration officer and Careers Coordinators, work with Year 11 and 12 students to achieve outstanding results so students reach their desired pathways.  Outcomes for Strathmore Secondary Students are positive with VCE results well above the state average in study scores and real retention rates at 75% compared to a state average of 50%.

Strathmore Secondary College provides a learning environment that is both inspiring and nurturing. While restricted in its long-term planning for school facilities, the physical structure of the school welcomes young people and provides a stimulating, respectful and innovative environment in which learning is valued. It also offers a very strong welfare and pastoral care environment lead by a number of specialist and welfare staff.

The strengths of the college are in its commitment to academic excellence, music, the visual and performing arts and sport. These programs provide diverse opportunities for students including school productions, music concerts, art and technology exhibitions, and sporting carnivals-allowing students to develop leadership and collaborative skills in a range of non-classroom settings. They are also important opportunities for the broader school community to gather and celebrate. In addition the school has a well-developed international student program.

The College has become a high performing school by implementing an instructional model based on research from McREL, Marzano Institute and Learning Horizons. This has led to improvements in student outcomes and enabled teachers to develop as classroom practitioners with clear expectations around pedagogy. This instructional model is supported by the work of instructional coaches and weekly professional learning community teams. The College has a long history of using technology and has recently moved to a 1:1 Bring Your Own iPad program. This provides students with access to digital technology in every class to engage students and develop them as global citizens.

The school provides leadership in the teaching of science, technology and mathematics in Victoria in conjunction with the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC), which was established on the school site in 2006. VSSEC is a unique resource that is one of six specialist Science centres in the state. VSSEC is integrated with College programs and provides quality teacher professional development to ensure that teachers are exposed to the latest developments and innovations in science and technology.

At a wider community level, Strathmore Secondary College works cooperatively with other schools and educational providers within the Moonee Valley district to ensure that the educational needs of all students are met by the provision of a range of educational pathways.

OTHER INFORMATION

 Please ensure your application includes:

• a resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address, and contact numbers, business and home).
• A section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under Who May Apply section.
• Names and contact numbers (telephone and email) of two referees
• Please note that the selection panel may seek additional referees beyond those you name.  Consistent with policy, we shall advise you if we will take this action.