Our extensive student well-being programs range from promoting safe behaviours, esteem programs to managing expectations and pressures. The school has a strong pathways program that ensures a high retention and assures all students in Years 9 to 12 receive counselling in choices of study. The school delivers VCE, VET (as a member of the Northern Metropolitan VET Cluster), pre-VCAL in Year 10 and VCAL programs in Years 11 and 12. Our facilities are constantly being upgraded, as too our IT provision. Our most recent (new) Science Centre promotes an open learning environment with the focus on independent and inquiry learning for our junior students.
Having served the local community since 1963, LalorSecondaryCollege continues to excel in meeting the needs of all students. The school has provided the communities of Lalor, Thomastown and Epping with educational opportunities that prepare our students for their chosen pathway – be it tertiary study, trade or workforce. It is set on four hectares of land with spacious, well-maintained grounds that include grassed, asphalted and shaded areas. The college is well serviced by local public transport and has tertiary institutions, including RMIT, La Trobe University and NMIT in close proximity. Due to the high demand in our local community, in 2016, the school will continue to have a ceiling at Year 7 for 170 to 180 students. The school’s student population ranges from 1000 to 1050 students and is made up of over 40 different language backgrounds. The school’s core values of Pride, Achievement, Caring, Cooperation and Honesty are embedded in our welfare and teaching practices as well as our Student Code of Behaviour. Our mission is to provide opportunities in a caring and supportive learning environment so that our students improve their capacity to become socially responsible, caring and confident contributors to the 21st century.
Facilities: The college has excellent facilities, which include eight computer labs, as well as netbook trolleys across the school for student use at all times. Every classroom has multimedia access and our students have the opportunity to use personal learning devices to enhance their learning. The school has a number of external synthetic surfaces – soccer, tennis, basketball, as well as a gymnasium. The Food Technology area is one that was recently refurbished. New additions to the school buildings include an open learning Science Centre and VCE Study Centre. Ample car parking is provided in the staff car park and visitors’ car park.
Curriculum: The college provides a diverse learning and teaching program that enjoys a high academic reputation in the community. The program is designed to foster each student’s personal growth and development in a caring community. The college aims to promote, in each student, the highest level of intellectual, physical, social and artistic competence. Students are monitored from Year 7 and all have Managed Individual Pathway plans. Our Teaching and Learning Protocols are based on the Powerful Learning model and ensure that students are challenged and are able to achieve success. From Year 9 students are able to start ‘specialising’ in studies, so that they are better prepared for their chosen pathway – be it VCE, VET or VCAL. The college fosters a close relationship with parents and works from the premise that the most positive educational outcomes are achieved when there is a three-way partnership of parents, students and teachers. A High Potential Learning Program is offered to students who meet the requirements from Years 7 to 10. An accelerated Mathematics and History program is also offered. LalorSecondaryCollege offers a full range of subjects at VCE as well as offering VCAL at the Intermediate and Senior level. All VCE students undertake a study skills program and Year 12 students attend a residential early in the final year of their secondary schooling. .
Extra-curricular activities: Lalor Secondary College offers extensive opportunities for student enrichment including inter-school sports, Advance program incorporating the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, cultural production, school production, vocal group, knitting club, school magazine, debutante ball, Year level camps, and Language camps to Italy and Macedonia, subject-based competitions, SRC, constitutional conventions, chess club and peer support program as well as others initiated by students each year. Students are encouraged to foster their leadership capabilities through a range of programs. The school captains and two sports captains are seen as leaders in the school, with each Home Group having class captains. Our recent introduction of the House Program provides students with opportunities to excel in areas of interest in diverse and acknowledged ways.
Student welfare programs: The college has a well-established welfare team that provides support for students in a range of areas; an integrated course and career development program throughout the senior school; and a student welfare program, which includes integration, educational support and welfare counselling. The values are prominently displayed in classrooms and around the school and are constantly referred to by students and staff. We have a strong and all-encompassing Student Code of Behaviour on which we base all our interactions. Effective communication between parents and school is promoted and encouraged through the fortnightly newsletter, information evenings, parent/teacher conferences and social events. The School Council and school administration work co-operatively in policy development and decision making. LalorSecondaryCollege offers scholarships to Grade 6 students.