Pedagogical Model
Our teachers are the foundation of the school and work collectively to devise study programs that meet Victorian and national curriculum standards and are unique to our particular setting.
Pedagogical Model
The Northcote Pedagogical Model describes how we teach and learn at Northcote High School. At its heart sit our school values of, curiosity, achievement, humanity and fairness, which anchor everything we do.
Our teaching is governed by principles that create supportive, inclusive learning environments: unconditional positive regard, positive teacher-student relationships, and a growth mindset. These principles come to life through our everyday actions, including professional learning communities, an engaging and challenging curriculum, clear classroom expectations, rigorous assessment and feedback, protecting with ICT, and inclusion and differentiation.
Learning in every classroom is driven by a consistent learning sequence:
– Preparing for learning,
– Setting a clear learning intention,
– Explicit instruction,
– Guided and independent learning,
– Review and reflect.
The model embeds elements of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0, the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO) 2.0, eSmart and the Berry Street Education Model.
Learning and teaching
Years 7 and 8
In Year 7 and 8, we teach the Victorian Curriculum F–10, which sets out what every student should learn during their first 11 years of schooling. The curriculum is the common set of knowledge and skills required by students for life-long learning, social development and active and informed citizenship.
The Victorian Curriculum F–10 incorporates the Australian Curriculum and reflects Victorian priorities and standards. See Year 7 program and Year 8 program for more information.
Years 9 and 10
In Years 9 and 10, we have devised The Northcote Model to address the Victorian Curriculum and lead into Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE); Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM) or Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies.
With The Northcote Model, Year 9 and 10 students have the freedom to indicate preferences for courses across the required breadth of learning areas, as well as additional courses in areas of interest.
Students can also study a VCE or VET subject in Year 10 and can advance in to Year 10 level courses at Year 9. For more information about The Northcote Model and the curriculum, see Year 9 and 10 program.
Years 11 and 12
In Years 11 and 12 we teach the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM). These are the certificates that the majority of students in Victoria receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE and to employment.
Students can also elect, as part of their program, to study a Vocational Education and Training (VET) subject.
It is possible for Year 11 students to select a VCE subject in their first year and for Year 10 students to take a unit half subject (who have demonstrated ability). For more information, see Years 11 and 12 VCE program.