Senior School

Future Ready

After completing Middle School, students pursue their 6-year high school journey towards graduation. The Senior School curriculum and programs are designed to support students becoming ‘Future Ready’ by the time they leave Balwyn High School. This goal is achieved through the following priorities for each students:

  1. Maximising learning and wellbeing outcomes,
  2. Learning the skills and attributes of the Balwyn High School Graduate Profile,
  3. Developing a pathway beyond high school.

YEAR 10 – Empowering My Future

The Year 10 program at Balwyn High School is fully electivised and aligned with the Victorian Curriculum. Students select a core elective within their study of the five compulsory subjects (English, Mathematics, Humanities, Science and Health & Physical Education) and two elective subjects per semester.

Co-curricular and wellbeing programs, including the tutorial program and Work Experience, remain an important part of the students’ school life. These programs focus on areas such as mental health, resilience, study routines, future pathways and preparation for VCE.

YEAR 11 – Enhancing Our Potential

When starting their VCE program, the students at Balwyn High School select a total of six subjects, consisting of 12 VCE Units over the academic year. As required for the completion of VCE, students must study one English subject. The opportunity exists for Year 11 students to extend their studies by undertaking a VCE Unit 3-4 subject a year ahead, providing that certain selection criteria are met.

Students are also able to undertake the VCE Vocational Major (VM) program that incorporates vocational and applied learning that is completed over Year 11 and 12. This prepares students to move into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training, university (via non-ATAR pathways), or directly into a workforce. As required for the completion of VCE VM, students must complete units in Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills, alongside a choice in some VET and VCE units.

Co-curricular programs in Year 11 include the Year 11 Careers Day and the Year 11 Formal. These programs aim at strengthening the students’ sense of community and developing their aspirations towards future careers.

YEAR 12 – Leading With Pride

In Year 12 VCE, Balwyn High School students study five subjects, including English, for a total of 10 VCE Units throughout the year. The ability to set personal goals, develop healthy and sustainable routines and prepare for examinations are essential skills that are addressed throughout the year.

Students undertaking the VCE Vocational Major program in Year 12 continue with their units in Literacy, Numeracy, Work Related Skills and Personal Development Skills, alongside their choice in some VET and VCE units.

Co-curricular programs also include Orientation Day, Respectful Relationships and the Year 12 Formal. The Year 12 Study Centre in the recently opened Deborah Harman Centre for Learning, is an important feature of the student’s life at Balwyn High School. They meet to work collaboratively or conference with teachers.

EXAMINATIONS

Balwyn High School has a strong history of preparing students for their final VCE examinations. Internal examinations are run in Semester 1 and Semester 2 of Year 10 and Year 11. These examinations are a summative assessment of the content which the students have learnt throughout the semester or year. The processes implemented during these examinations are rigorously replicated on the VCAA examination process and provide the students with an authentic experience.