Suzanne Cory High School, a select-entry high school in Werribee, provides highly able and academically gifted students with a challenging educational experience that aims to develop a well-rounded and lifelong learner. In 2019, the school decided to pursue authorisation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) world school, as it felt that the philosophy of the IB aligned with its own school values and belief in an education that went beyond the academic. Following the two-year authorisation process, Suzanne Cory High School officially became an IB world school in September 2021. This made the school one of the handful of government schools to offer the IB Diploma Programme in Victoria.
Suzanne Cory High School’s educational program is designed to provide students with the skills they need to not only be successful in completing the IB Diploma Programme, but also once they leave school and become citizens of the world. This is achieved by providing students with a challenging academic program run in conjunction with rich co-curricular, sporting and student engagement programs.
To prepare students for their senior pathways (Years 11 and 12) and as the school works towards its first IB Diploma Programme cohort, Suzanne Cory High School has incorporated aspects of the IB Diploma Programme into its Year 9 and 10 curriculum. In all subject areas, students are taught to think critically, problem solve, work collaboratively and respectfully engage with different viewpoints and perspectives. The school has further enhanced this by incorporating “knowledge” questions into the curriculum. These questions are derived from the Theory of Knowledge component of the IB program and encourage students to think about where knowledge comes from and how it can be impacted by an individual’s background.
Additionally, students in Year 10 undertake a semester-long inquiry project inspired by the Extended Essay element of the Diploma Programme. As part of this project, students choose a community problem or area of need that is of interest to them. Students investigate the relevant issues and possible solutions and present their findings to their peers. This project develops a range of important skills in students including time-management, critical thinking, research, and presentation. Some of the projects produced by Suzanne Cory High School students include the educational benefits of studying music and art, how to safely dispose of space junk, and how participating in physical educationcan help the mental health of teenagers.
Going beyond the classroom, all students from Years 9 to 12 participate in both co-curricular and sport programs. This is reflective of the Creativity, Activity and Service aspect of the IB Diploma Programme. In these programs, students have an opportunity to learn and develop new skills in areas beyond their academic subjects. Students participate in programs in sports and activities such as basketball, lacrosse, yoga, golf, the school musical, calligraphy and debating.
The Suzanne Cory High School school community is excited and energised by this new program and the opportunity it will provide to students.
Suzanne Cory High School is a selective entry state school located in Werribee and readily accessible by public transport. Suzanne […]