FROM THE HEADMASTER
I am delighted to introduce this Catalyst handbook to our School community . The handbook outlines the Catalyst Year 7-9 Junior Secondary academic program at Guildford Grammar School .
Every year new students eagerly arrive at the Senior School expecting to be challenged . In response , we have developed a learning program that caters for the individual interests of each student , offering pathways for them to explore new areas of learning without neglecting the essential skills and understandings all students need to be successful in their senior secondary years and beyond . Catalyst is designed to ignite a love for learning that will endure beyond the school gates .
The sequential structure of the curriculum will develop student expertise in literacy and numeracy , as well as key academic and learning skills . These skills provide a learning ‘ toolkit ’ for success in senior secondary years . Targeted skills include literacy , numeracy , authentic research , problem solving , critical thinking , scientific methodology and analysis , public speaking and working collaboratively . The teaching model is both innovative and logical . Learning is formed around a well-structured sequence of semester and year-long subjects targeting key competencies .
In addition to developing these core competencies , we have paid significant attention to developing the individual interests and the range of learning opportunities available to each student . As a result , we can offer students increased choice , opportunity and flexibility in their learning through a wide range of specialised optional Discovery courses , which are introduced from Year 7 .
At a time when many schools are providing fewer opportunities for their lower secondary students , we are committed to providing more options , greater flexibility and increased rigour for all students at all ability levels .
This is our commitment to excellence in education .
Mr Stephen Webber Headmaster
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