Student Wellbeing
All students have the support and guidance of either their Student Learning Leaders (Junior School) or House Leaders (Senior School) who are responsible for supporting the progress and wellbeing of each student in their care. Student Learning Leaders and House Leaders are the primary point of contact for parents and are active in ensuring every student is supported to be successful at school. Two Student Learning Leaders have responsibility for students at each level in the Junior School, whereas House Leaders look after the Senior School students in each of four Houses and will monitor these students across their three years in Senior School. Each sub-school has a leader and Assistant Principal who monitor the students in the respective sub-schools and oversee the school programs at each level.
Learning to Learn and Student LED Conferences
The aim of the Learning to Learn program at Camberwell High School is for students to understand themselves as a learner in order to grow within the context of education and all other aspects of life. Through this program, students build an individual and collective capacity to impact the world in positive ways through the use of collaboration and creativity. A passion for learning is fostered as students make the transformation into global citizens.
Students explore the themes and concepts of the Learning to Learn program during mentor time. Each exploration culminates in a student led conference where students, parent and mentor teachers reflect on the current focus of the program. This format enables parents to be involved in their students’ progression into becoming an independent learner. Having a strong home, school partnership is crucial to students meeting the aims of the Learning to Learn program.
Student learning mentor conferences include discussions around how a student is progressing through their current area of focus for the Learning to Learn program. The focus of mentor conferences will change depending on which time of year it is and what year level a student is in.
The focus of each student led conference can be seen below:
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Learning Mentors
Years 7 – 9
In Year 7 students begin the year with their mentors through a Learning to Learn program which sets them up to understand themselves and their peers as learners. Students are encouraged to reflect on their strengths and to use them to respond to their learning challenges. Students in Years 7 and 8 are tasked with developing their inquiry skills through their work on a selected Unanswerable Question. In Year 9, the growth to independence moves forward through the Connections subject, taken by all students and through the special entry Launch Program.
Connections Year 9
In Year 9, the Connections curriculum builds on the understanding developed in Year 7 and 8. Students undertake an inquiry study each term, which is designed to further develop their Learning Dispositions as well as students’ capacity to manage their learning and apply critical and creative thinking.
Futures Year 10
At Year 10, all students undertake the subject Futures, where they put into practice the attributes of an independent learner. They also continue to enhance their inquiry skills developed through the Learning to Learn and Connections programs in the Junior School. They complete an extended year- long investigation into a problem facing the world, testing their ability to think critically, collaborate and reflect to provide solutions that are relevant and applicable in the real world.
Student Wellbeing Coordinators
Additional support is provided to students by the Student Wellbeing Coordinators, who provide one-to-one counselling and organise programs that address the various stages of development of our students. The Student Wellbeing Coordinators are supported by a visiting educational psychologist. Students can seek out the Wellbeing Office directly, or may be referred by another member of staff. Students can approach any member of staff regarding any issue of concern and they will be guided towards the appropriate help.
Student Leadership
Camberwell High School provides extensive opportunities for student leadership, which allow students to adopt an active role in the development of the school and foster a sense of community. Year 12 students hold the most senior formal leadership positions, including School Captains, Student Representative Council Presidents and House Captains. Students in these and other leadership positions are role models for students and proudly represent their school. Each week the SRC Presidents and School Captains meet with the Principal to discuss diverse aspects of the school. A student forum is held each term, which ensures that student voice is heard. It is important to us that students are an integral part of the school’s development, as it helps maintain a cycle of constant improvement, and also gives students a sense of responsibility for ownership of their learning environment.
The SRC, Respectful Cultures Group and Sustainability Collective all provide opportunities for student leadership and focus on developing responsible and caring community members. Students are encouraged to generate ideas for new clubs and groups (see Student Voice video on the home page)
Student Pathways & Careers
Students are guided in their transition through the school through support from their Learning Mentor. When making Pathways decisions for their future, they are provided with a range of experiences including university visits, information sessions for parents and students, Course Counselling interviews with mentors and careers staff and a school based Tertiary Careers Expo evening supported by a wide range of university and TAFE providers.
As students make their way through school, we encourage them to think about their future, and what steps they need to take to achieve their goals. The Careers Program is an integral part of a student’s pathway, as for many a career goal will inform the decisions they make regarding subject selection.
In senior school, students are supported in their pathway decisions by staff in the Careers office. The Careers counsellors conduct a series of workshops, presentations and online activities to provide students with comprehensive information for making their choices.
The Careers office has an open door policy – parents and students are invited to call, email or make an appointment. Throughout the year the office maintains communication with students and parents about Careers days, university visits and guest speakers. They also assist students in Year 10 with Work Experience, ensuring they are appropriately prepared.