DISCIPLINE AREAS

Humanities

Shelford's Senior School Humanities Faculty offers a wide range of innovative learning programs for students in years 7-12.

Curriculum for years 7-10 is offered in the discipline areas of Economics, Geography and History, reflecting the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). Within all Humanities programs there is a focus on extending student thinking skills, effective use of information and communications technology, understanding civics and citizenship roles and developing communication skills.

Humanities offers learning environments suited to the specific needs of middle-years students, including a vertically integrated, combined, year 8-9 learning program. Year 9 students also participate in a range of 'challenge' programs aimed at developing independent learning and resilience, such as the City Project shown below. Students in year 10 can undertake elective courses, including our Financial Literacy course.

VCE studies undertaken by students in the Senior School (10-12) include Accounting, Business Management, Geography, History and Legal Studies.

Shelford's Year 9 Challenge Program

"An opportunity to nurture resilient and confident students."
Students in Year 9 take part in a number of independent learning challenges throughout the School year. The unique Shelford Challenge Program is a multi-disciplinary educational program. Student activities are based on first hand experiences. The Challenge Program consists of four components : The City Challenge, The Environmental Challenge, The Outdoor Challenge and The Justice Challenge.

Locations

The students work in groups on a range of tasks which extend their understanding of concepts presented in class. Their itinerary revolves around completing tasks within timeframes over a week. Students visit and explore locations such as the Botanical Gardens, the Victoria Market, Melbourne Museum, The Rialto, The Melbourne Aquarium, The Golden Mile, Brunswick Street, Sydney Road, Federation Square, the National Gallery of Victoria, St Paul's Cathedral and other places of cultural significance.

Student Centred Learning

Students work in teams. They are given a wide choice of activities. Teachers mentor and guide students, providing support as required. Student reflections highlight the value of this learning mode.
" A positive was the choices of activities and the freedom to be independent."
" Positives are being in the City and finding your way around."
" The teachers were in the background...they were just there to guide us."
" The different venues for roll call was great. Today we are in the Arts Centre, the other day we were in the City Square."

Skill Development

The program refines interpersonal skills, problem solving skills, time management skills and navigation skills. Students develop critical thinking skills as they evaluate their own experiences and those of their group. They complete a visual diary with personal reflections about their experiences to document their learning.

Curriculum

Students are supported by staff as they undertake a range of learning activities in discipline areas including English, Humanities (Economics, Geography, History), LOTE, Mathematics, The Performing and Visual Arts and Science. The program reflects, as relevant, Personal, Physical and Social Learning, Discipline-Based Learning and Interdisciplinary Learning Strands of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS)