Buckland Program
Many schools over the past few years have developed different approaches to their Year 9 programs. We are very proud that we were selected by the William Buckland Foundation and the Education Foundation as one of Victoria’s five Lighthouse Schools in 1999. This program forms an important basis of our Year 9 program.
The Education Foundation was established in 1989 by a group of individuals united in the belief that a strong public education system is vital for Australia’s future. Since its inception, the Education Foundation, a non-profit and wholly independent organisation has assumed a leading role in providing resources to secondary public schools, thereby improving the educational opportunities for young Australians. To date, the Education Foundation has raised over $1,000,000 to fund more than 300 innovative programs.
In 1999, the Education Foundation proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of sponsoring and promoting excellence in government schools.
Although we have finished our association with the William Buckland and Education Foundation, we will be continuing the Module structure for 2009 due to its great success. Students are involved in The Buckland Program, Lighthouse Modules for one day per week throughout Year 9.
In each of the four terms a different module theme is run:
Term 1 - Wellbeing - Mind, Body, Safety
Term 2 - Culture - Self, Your town, the world
Term 3 - Environment - Fire, Earth, Air, Water
Term 4 - Time, Civics and Citizenship
In each module theme for Term 1, 2 and 3, several different units are offered to students. Each unit contains several project options that cater for a whole range of leaning styles, stages, needs and preferences.
Choice and the opportunity to negotiate tasks and projects enables students’ learning experiences to have obvious and meaningful links to their world. Units offered will be determined by current global and local issues.
Time, Civics and Citizenship
Throughout the Buckland Program students complete core activities that focus on developing their understanding and foster community engagement. Activities will enhance students awareness of the political process and community agencies. Work as an individual and as a member of a group will be emphasized.
At level 6, students describe the origins and nature of Australia’s federal political system and present a considered point of view on an issue about change in the political system and the law.
They explain:
- how the Australian Constitution affects their lives, and human rights issues, both national and international.
- how citizens influence government policy through participation in political parties, elections and membership of interest groups.
- the development of multicultural society and the values necessary to sustain it. the election processes in Australia and how to vote.
- the roles and responsibilities of courts at state and federal levels and evaluate a change in the law.
They analyse how well democratic values are reflected in aspects of the Australian political system.
They take a global perspective when analysing an issue, and describe the role of global organisations in responding to international issues.
Choices
Choices is also integrated into the Buckland Program for one period each Wednesday. It is a core unit that focuses on developing and broadening students’ decision making abilities in regard to their personal life and career development.