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Form of workGrovedale College is a medium sized College with an enrolment of 700 plus students located in a semi rural setting serving the southern suburbs of Geelong, together with the rural and surf coast communities to the south, east and west. Extensive educational resources enable Grovedale College to provide an academic focus together with many Arts, Sciences, Sports and Technology opportunities. VCE enhancement subjects, VCAL and VET Courses, provide many new opportunities for University and TAFE studies and exciting pathways to the future. Excellence, achievement and improvement are central to all College programs. Grovedale College operates the Grovedale P ¿ 12 Deaf Facility in conjunction with Grovedale West Primary School.
In recent years a multi million dollar-building program has provided the College with excellent physical resources. Such resources enable us to enhance our programs and deliver an exciting, challenging and fulfilling experience. Our facilities include a state of the art computer network linking all classrooms, computer pods, a computerized Library Resource Centre, Senior School Study Centre, Technology Wing, Visual and Performing Arts Studios, Gymnasium, Fitness Centre, sports ovals and courts.
The Arts/Technology facilities and some general purpose classrooms have benefited from a $3 million upgrade. The design for these new facilities is based on a pedagogy best described as interactive experiential leaning (ieLearning). Our new Language/Learning Centre has been designed around our focus on collaborative learning.
Ongoing curriculum reform and refinement has resulted in structural change such as the creation of two sub schools, the introduction of a Home group Program, compact teacher teams and most importantly a series of initiatives based around the concepts of active curriculum, higher order thinking and a multidisciplinary approach to planning and learning. The success of these programs provides strategies and examples of success on which the pedagogy of interactive experiential learning can utilise and extend.
At Grovedale our approaches to Teaching and Learning recognize that students and staff must be able to use computers and electronic learning technologies with confidence and understanding to enhance their teaching and learning as well as their ability to participate in evolving information technologies. The use of learning technologies in the classroom is a priority at Grovedale. All students and staff have access to extensive College computer resources including the College Intranet/Gateway and the Internet. A combination of eLearning devices are used compulsorily across the College.
Sport is prominent in the life of Grovedale College. An extensive interschool and house sport program provide students with the opportunity to develop personal skills and fitness and to enjoy the benefits of teamwork in a spirit of healthy competition. Our unique location and proximity to the Surf Coast, Corio Bay, Port Phillip Bay and the Otway Ranges allows for a comprehensive outdoor education and excursions program to operate. Surfing, kayaking, snorkelling, body boarding, windsurfing, bike riding, horse riding, rock climbing and lifesaving are all part of the program. The development of the Grovedale Education and Sporting Precinct coupled with the introduction in 2005 of a Sports Academy program provides students with the opportunity to pursue an elite sports pathway. The Precinct is indicative of strong community based links.
The College successfully participates in Public Speaking programs, Inter-School Debating and Australian subject competitions that include English, Mathematics, Science, Arts and Technology. Student leadership is an integral part of our school culture. An active leadership program exposes students to challenges, which develop personal and social skills, confidence, initiative and self-reliance. This is achieved through a broad range of activities such as Student Council, Peer Helpers, Supportive Friends and camps program. The College also conducts an Advance Program at Year 10. Performing Arts are well catered for in the College, with performance opportunities in workshops, GAFFA and production.
College Leadership programs have been enhanced by staff and students working with Leading Teams and refining the College based implementation. Performance and Development Culture is a Grovedale College priority. Regular formal and informal feedback is provided to staff members. The College Leadership Team meets weekly to oversee the College vision and its implementation. A culture of continuous improvement, accountability and of high level instructional leadership is an expectation of all staff.
