Catalyst • Junior Secondary Curriculum • Handbook 2019
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
This is our commitment to excellence in education.
Mr Stephen Webber
Headmaster
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