At Doncaster Secondary College, the core school purpose is “Working Together, Learning Together”. The college works together to enable all students to achieve their potential and become confident, effective learners who contribute productively to society. The core purpose is underpinned by the values Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Teamwork. All students are active participants in a learning culture that promotes academic excellence and personal development through a diversity of challenging experiences. A particularly close and respectful relationship exists between students and teachers and has always been a strong feature of the college. Uniform is compulsory.
Facilities: Buildings and equipment are modern and well maintained. The grounds provide an environment conducive to effective study as well as sporting activity. During 2009 a $7 million building project was undertaken. This involved the upgrade and refurbishment of the entire school. Specialist music and drama centres, together with a fully equipped electronics laboratory and extensive computer facilities, provide a diverse range of educational opportunities to students. A Senior School and Careers Centre provides an outstanding computer-networked study area for senior students. A well-resourced careers office and classroom area provides for students from all year levels. A completed performance and presentation centre provides an outstanding opportunity for students to explore the performing arts. Their recent major building program has provided additional networked permanent classrooms, new senior science facilities and kitchens, including a commercial kitchen and dining room for the teaching of VET hospitality. Plans for a new 2 court stadium are complete and this state-of-the-art facility will be completed by the end of 2012.
Curriculum: In Years 7 to 9, all students study a common curriculum. However, choices do exist to study Languages, Music and Art/Craft subjects. A particular focus is placed upon literacy and numeracy as well as Personalising Learning, where staff are provided with all available data on student results so that they can better know their students and develop course material which best suits their needs. Acceleration and challenge subjects are incorporated into the structure of Year 10. An advanced learning program operates to cater for the needs of gifted students. The college is proud of the diverse range of units of study it is able to offer students at VCE level. There is a strong student commitment to the traditional units from the areas of Mathematics, Science, Commerce, Arts, Technology and Humanities. VCE units include Psychology, Systems and Technology (Electronics), Materials and Technology (Food), Theatre Studies, Studio Arts and VET Hospitality. Substantial instrumental music and drama programs enable students to participate in public concerts and productions. College bands and ensembles provide regular opportunities for students to practise and perform. A well-structured and extensive ESL program supports newly-arrived students. An international student program operates at the college, together with an intensive English language program for approved applicants. Added to this is the unique MYSELF program which runs at Year 9. This program is specifically designed to stimulate learning and build student connectedness to teachers and the school through authentic learning experiences.
Sport: The college is particularly successful in inter-school sport and physical education with students competing at district, zone and state level in a vast range of sports.
Extra-curricular activities: The college organises a range of extra-curricular activities, which include camps in Years 7 and 9 and a Year 11 outback Central Australia tour. Students studying LOTE are also provided with the opportunity to participate in an overseas study tour. Outdoor education in Year 10 also enhances the personal development and skills of many students. Student leadership opportunities are provided through appointment of College, Events, Sports, Social Justice and House Captains, as well as through an active Student Representative Council.
Student welfare programs: A special feature of the college is the firm and consistent application of its welfare and discipline policy. The college expects students to be courteous and act with commonsense at all times. Year 9 students provide support, encouragement and a sense of belonging to students in Year 7 through a formal peer support program. A comprehensive transition program also supports Year 7 students as they move to secondary college. All students participate in the school home group program, Discovery, where they develop social, personal and academic goals and skills.