ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
It gives me great pleasure to present our Catalyst
Handbook for 2018. For families of current junior
secondary students, this handbook provides information
on year-specific courses, building on students
understanding and continuing to provide focus for their
personal learning journey. For many parents, however, it
will be an introduction to the system of junior secondary
schooling at Guildford Grammar School. Many parents
have indicated that the move to high school is a
demanding time for them, as well as their child, as they
learn a new set of systems, subjects and procedures.
The intent of this handbook is to capture as much of this
new information as possible, and present it in a single,
clear publication.
As well as providing direct links to the Western Australian
Curriculum, our junior secondary academic program
provides every student with an education that meets the
essential requirements of a quality education, while
catering to their learning needs and interests, from their
very first day in the Senior School.
A large part of this handbook outlines our extensive range of Discovery courses. Discovery
courses are the courses students elect to study based on their interests and passions. We are
understandably proud of the number of opportunities we are offering in 2018 for individually
selected study, and provide a brief outline of these courses for your consideration. In the
coming weeks you will be asked to make a selection from these courses; this process is
outlined in the final pages of this handbook. Should you require any additional information
about specific Discovery courses, the relevant contact person for each course is listed on the
page.
As a school, the decisions we make about what we teach and how we teach it are backed by
research and supported through the efforts of committed and passionate teachers who seek
to inspire every student to achieve their very own brand of personal excellence. At Guildford
Grammar School we will continue to build on a curriculum that meets the needs of our students
and prepares them for the challenges and opportunities their fast-paced, contemporary futures
will provide.
I hope that the following pages answer many of your questions, however, I do expect that you
will have specific queries related to our academic program and your child’s choice of courses.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information you require. My email address
is [email protected] and my direct telephone number is (08) 9377 9299.
In my role as Head of Catalyst, I assume responsibility for this exciting and challenging Year
7-9 curriculum. My priority is to support students and families as ‘learning partners’ during
these important early years of secondary education. I am confident that 2018 will provide all
Catalyst students with opportunities to acquire valuable skills for their future, discover new
talents and simply find enjoyment through learning. I look forward to sharing the experience
with you.
Mr Graham Lawson
Head of Catalyst
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