Learning Overview

When we enrol a student in year 7 we offer six years of secondary education – providing multiple pathways, flexible programs and a wide ranging contemporary curriculum, which caters for the needs of young learners. Whether pursuing the Humanities or Mathematics, Languages or Sciences, Performing Arts or Hospitality, the College provides the depth and breadth of subjects to satisfy all students.

PCW strives to develop the talents of each student, catering for individual needs and differences in terms of learning styles and course content. Throughout PCW, the dynamic nature of the curriculum extends well beyond the classroom. Recognising the transition from middle to senior school the Year 9 program is tailored to learning in a variety of environments and includes week long integrated learning projects each term. At Years 9 & 10 a greater selection of electives is offered preparing students for subject choices for their senior studies.

The curriculum at senior levels offers multiple pathways for students. The VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) provides students pathways to further education at University, TAFE & employment. VCAL is a recognised senior school qualification and focuses on ‘hands on’ learning for students wishing to enter training programs or employment. VET (Victorian Education & Training) enables students to combine this with VCE studies and pursue industry based subjects. There are some shared senior classes with CBC (Christian Brothers College, St Kilda), designed to maximise the student choice of VCE subjects available across both schools.

Our teaching and learning methodologies interact with the College’s co-curricula and student pastoral programs such that a holistic approach to education is taken. A varied and dynamic program of excursions and incursions enhances our aim of providing an education that has tangible links to the wider community.

Our four period day provides an improved structure that leads to increased student engagement, is supportive of in-depth learning and a thinking curriculum that actively supports the development of our students as independent and lifelong learners ready to embrace the social, economic and technological challenges of the 21st century.