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Form of workEstablished in 1919 Dandenong High School is one of the oldest, largest and most culturally diverse secondary schools in the state. It is situated in the South East Region in Dandenong, a low socio economic community (SFO density 0.72) with a high refugee population. The school has over 1500 students and is highly multicultural with 78 nationalities and 80 different language groups represented. In 2008 Dandenong High School merged with two other schools in the local community and is currently undergoing a major school redevelopment and a $45 million dollar funding program.
In order to ensure that students develop a ¿sense of belonging¿ and connectedness to the school, the school has a unique structure housing its students in 7 House building on one site. Each House holds 250 students from Years 7 ¿ 12, 25 teaching staff, a House Leadership team of 3 and an administration officer. Students in Years 7 ¿ 10 learn primarily in the House in architecturally designed learning spaces.
The school has an innovative approach to curriculum with a collaborative learning model in Years 7 ¿ 9. Students learn in groups of 50 with teams of 3 teachers and electronic curriculum frameworks are available for each subject and Year level. There is a focus on discovery based learning, problem solving and inquiry and students are encouraged to be independent learners who are self-motivated and curious about the world around them.
Dandenong High school has an Accelerated Learning Program in years 7 ¿ 10 and offers a wide range of electives and extensive curriculum opportunities in the senior years. Students can select numerous Senior Certificate subjects and a number of VET options. The Trade Training Centre on the Chisholm TAFE site provides the opportunity for Year 9 - 10 students to select industry tasters in state of the art facilities.
Student leadership is a high priority. The school encourages an active student voice with leadership opportunities at each year level and a comprehensive leadership program offered in Years 10 ¿ 12. Students can also participate in a range of sporting and performing arts opportunities through the House Shield competition including; chorales, swimming and athletics. Each year there is a Performing Arts Gala, an annual production, a lunchtime activities program implemented by student leaders.
