“Inspire, Believe, Achieve.” Since 1974, Lalor North Secondary College has built a reputation for academic strength. In recent years it has redesigned the learning experiences of its students to help prepare them for a challenging future that demands adaptability, creativity and the ability to solve problems. A new and innovative curriculum provides pathways for all students, whether headed to university and the professions, or training and the trades. Lalor North provides a protected environment to help each individual feel confident about adjusting to these changes.
Facilities: The performing arts and sporting activities provide opportunities for students to learn how to function as part of a team, at the same time pursuing individual excellence. The well-equipped Music Centre and purpose-built drama and dance facilities provide excellent opportunities for individual and class tuition. The Concert Band program provides individual tuition in concert band instruments: brass, woodwind and percussion (the hire of instruments is subsidised to make the program affordable for all families). The Certificate in Music Industry Skills program enables senior students to participate in rock music performance and learn the skills of the industry from professionals. Academic courses that lead to the VCE are offered alongside the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning and vocational courses.
Curriculum: A strong emphasis on good literacy in all classes underpins learning programs which engage students in thinking and problem-solving. The college has a netbook program for all students; use of information technology as an engaging learning tool is supported by a college-wide wireless network. A balanced junior curriculum covers all learning areas, including the traditional academic disciplines, along with the performing and visual arts, technologies, physical education and sport. Some choice is introduced at Year 9 which helps provide students with the ability to make decisions about the directions which will be taken in the senior years. Enrichment work is offered, preparing all students for successful acceleration into VCE courses at Year 10 level. The senior curriculum offers all subjects required as prerequisites for university. LalorNorthSecondaryCollege offers Certificate (TAFE) courses in Music and works with TAFE Colleges to provide a wide range of other options which can be taken at the same time as the VCE or VCAL.
Student Well being: A strong Code of Conduct is supported by firm consequences that are fair and equal to all. The college uniform is compulsory. The emphasis is on celebrating and encouraging responsible behaviour. Through the student leadership program and the civic and citizenship curriculum, students experience leadership both within the college and beyond. Students present at assemblies and represent the school at forums and meetings in the wider community. The school is divided into 3 sub-schools where all students are nurtured by teams of teachers dedicated to those levels. These teachers work together to ensure that the social and emotional needs of each child is met, designing learning programs which are engaging and relevant. Senior students are also supported by the senior team, including a careers counsellor and transition broker who smooth the transition from school to university, training or work. Support is also available from specialist staff including the welfare co-ordinator, an educational psychologist and a social worker. The college offers a comprehensive student leadership program to recognise the importance of student voice. Structured programs include student leaders mentoring younger students both at the school and in partnership with local primary schools and the YMCA.