PATTERSON RIVER SECONDARY COLLEGE

Patterson River Secondary College has been proudly providing a quality education for all students in the Carrum, Seaford and adjoining areas for more than 40 years. College programs encourage the highest standard of achievement in every activity undertaken by its students. Patterson River prides itself on treating each student as an individual and provides a comprehensive curriculum at all levels. The college has an achievement focus where all students are challenged to “Strive for Excellence”.

Facilities: Patterson River is a single-storey campus, with attractive classrooms and extensive sports and playing fields. There are well-developed gardens that include tree-shaded study and recreation areas. The college has excellent learning facilities. These include a gymnasium/hall complex with weight training amenities and a three-court state-of-the-art basketball/netball stadium. Access to information technology facilities is provided through the seven computer laboratories. Students also have access to laptops and PCs situated around the school. A large, well-resourced library, music rehearsal rooms, modern science laboratories and well-equipped technology centres including food technology, wood, metal, plastics, automotive and electronics spaces are provided. The Year 7 and 9 centres allow for flexible learning spaces and cater for the pastoral needs of students.

Curriculum: In Years 7 and 8, students study a common curriculum covering the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. In Year 9, students study an integrated program consisting of English, Studies of Society, Health and Science. Mathematics and Languages other than English and a range of electives are studied as individual disciplines. Year 10 is seen as the start of post compulsory studies with its focus on pathways to tertiary studies or employment. Excel groups in Years 7 to 9 cater for gifted students, while extension programs are in place for Years 10, 11 and 12. Literacy support is also provided from Years 7 to 12. In Years 11 and 12, students select from a large number of VCE units, VET and VCAL courses.

Sport: Patterson River Secondary College successfully competes in a range of summer and winter sports including badminton, tennis, table tennis, netball, hockey, softball, basketball, cricket, volleyball, soccer and football. Other sports such as surfing, golf, soccer, go-karting, kayaking and rock climbing are also offered. Outdoor education is available to students in Years 10 to 12 as a VCE subject.

Extra-curricular activities: Music is a strong focus at the college, with students studying a wide range of instruments. There are bands, quartets, ensembles and choirs. Students have a chance to be involved in the annual musical soiree, or other events such as the college production. Events such as Battle of the Bands and Patto Idol are also developing as part of the college culture. Patterson River Secondary College has a sister school in Germany, which gives opportunities for students to take part in cultural exchange. Other tours include music trips to America, teaching experiences in the Kalahari Desert and the opportunity to walk the Kokoda trail. Students also take part in national mathematics, science, geography, and computer competitions.

Student welfare programs: Patterson River Secondary College prides itself on having a caring and supportive environment. Student wellbeing is supported by the Welfare Team including an adolescent health nurse, youth counsellor, careers counsellor, dedicated year-level co-ordinators and pastoral care teachers. The transition to secondary school is very important. The college ensures that new students feel safe and happy by having clear policies on harassment and bullying and a consistently applied discipline policy. Student leadership is also a college priority. Leadership roles undertaken by students include college and year-level captains, the Year 11 peer support leaders, and an active Student Representative Council. All teachers undertake regular ongoing professional development activities to ensure students receive a high-quality and fulfilling educational experience.