A flying start for students

WHEN Year 11 students start the academic year at Guilford Young College on February 6, it will not be the first time they have sat in their new classrooms.

As a senior secondary college, academic classes at Guilford Young College finished on November 2 last year to allow a “swat vac’’ week and two weeks of TASC examinations and assessments for Level 3 and Level 4 subjects.

However, late last year teachers returned to the classroom to give 2019 Year 11 students to GYC a head start on the new school year.

The inaugural GYC Head Start program ran during the first week of December, with students following a modified timetable.

Head Start orientated them to the college staff and environment, and the students also began their courses for 2019.

Throughout the four days, they attended two 80-minute classes per subject, assemblies and tutor groups.

Cross-campus buses operated, and on the Friday course counselling was available.

Guilford Young College principal Craig Deayton said a lot of detailed planning by GYC and all participating colleges and schools had gone into this initiative over the past 18 months.

“The major goals of GYC Head Start were to provide the incoming students with an authentic experience of their 2019 courses and to familiarise them with senior secondary education,” Mr Deayton said.

“This means that, where possible, the students meet and engage with the teachers who will deliver the subject this year and make a start to studying their subjects.”

He said students came away from the week with a clear idea of the structure and requirements of their courses.

“They met many of the staff and had the opportunity to become familiar with their new school environment and home campus,’’ Mr Deayton said.

“Such familiarity will help them settle into Year 11 more quickly this year and could relieve some anxiety over the school holidays about what is, undoubtedly, a big step for them.”

He said the classroom experience also benefited teachers.

“For the teachers, there was the opportunity to provide course materials, talk about assessment requirements, and prepare students for the demands of their particular course,’’ Mr Deayton said.

“Where possible, the timetabled subject was run by the 2019 teacher.”

The days were not all serious work. Music, competitions, fun activities and a lunchtime barbecue were also part of the week’s activities.

Staff were supported by the 2019 student leaders.