Thomas Carr College is a co-educational regional secondary college in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It serves the Catholic communities of two parishes located in the City of Wyndham: St Peter’s (Hoppers Crossing) and St James’ (Hoppers Crossing North). It is named after Archbishop Thomas Joseph Carr, the second Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne. The college offers a comprehensive Years 7 to 12 curriculum including a religious education program from Years 7 to 12. The college is located in the rapidly growing western suburbs of Melbourne, approximately 25km from the CBD.
Facilities:The college opened in 1997 and all buildings and facilities are less than 15 years old. All learning areas are modern, including classrooms, science laboratories, technical learning areas (food, woodwork and horticulture) and specialist learning areas (art, photography, music and drama). The VCE Centre caters for Years 11 and 12 students and includes facilities for music (with classrooms and individual and group practice rooms), drama (with a large classroom and rehearsal area) and a VCE assembly area. The information centre houses books, magazines, newspapers and computers. A gymnasium and indoor sports facility supports an expansive indoor and outdoor sports program. Other specialist classrooms and facilities include science laboratories, technology classrooms for textiles, woodwork and food technology. In 2012 Thomas Carr College will commence a $22 million building master plan. The first stage to commence will see the construction of a $7 million Year 7 and 8 centre.
Curriculum: Thomas Carr College offers a curriculum from Years 7 to 12 that includes core and elective subjects. Years 7 to 10 pursue the core subjects of Religious Education, English, Mathematics, SOSE, LOTE, Science, Physical Education and Health and Information Technology. Electives are gradually introduced from Year 8 and include such things as Art, Music, Drama, Graphics, Technology (Wood, Food and Textiles), and Commerce. Years 11 and 12 study units from the VCE curriculum, including VCE Religion and Society. A VET program in Hospitality and Tourism, Building and Construction (Carpentry) and Engineering is also offered in partnership with Victoria University.
Sport: In addition to the physical education and health curriculum, the college offers students the opportunity to participate in a number of individual and team sports in both intra- and inter-school competitions. The college is a member of the Association of Co-educational Schools, which provides an opportunity for all students to experience inter-school competition in both summer and winter sports. In addition, the school has a four-house system that includes all students and provides the opportunity to compete against other Thomas Carr students in swimming, athletics and a range of team sports. The annual school swimming, athletics and cross country carnival builds house and school spirit. Sports offered include netball, basketball, golf, softball, volleyball, football and cricket.
Extra-curricular activities: Students are encouraged to participate in a number of extra-curricular activities including instrumental music, band, choir, drama, public speaking and debating. The school musical production enables students to bring all these talents together. The college provides opportunities for students to engage in leadership training, activities and community service. The peer support program enables Year 10 students to form closer relationships with the newly arrived Year 7 students, introduce them to life at Thomas Carr and help them learn the expectations of the college.
Student welfare programs: A comprehensive pastoral care program exists at each year level under the guidance of the year-level co-ordinator and the home-room teachers. Each student is monitored to ensure that he or she enjoys the physical and emotional stability needed to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered at the college. The college employs a student welfare co-ordinator and two additional counsellors who offer personal and relationship counselling on an individual or group basis. The student support department offers assistance to students with learning difficulties and those who are gifted and talented. In-class support for individuals and groups is available as well as special classes for students with particular needs. A regular testing program ensures that such students are progressing as well as possible. The school nurse provides urgent and short-term health care.