Year 7
Program

We have designed a program that supports year 7’s transition from primary school to high school as we understand that it is a big change. The Year 7 program meets the Victorian Curriculum standards and we cater to the individual needs of our students. We embed our values of ACHIEVE, RESPECT and CONNECT into the students everyday as we support them in becoming well-rounded global citizens.

Curriculum

Year 7 Students are exposed to a variety of different subjects to expose them to a variety of different curriculum areas.

Hold Fast - Achievement Program

HOLD FAST - The Macleod College motto, originated from the clan Macleod Dunvegan castle in the Isle of Skye. Meaning to be strong and resilient.

The aim of the ‘HOLD FAST’ program will be to:

Provide a daily and weekly platform for 21st century skills, Positive Education, Careers, Respectful Relationships, Mindfulness, Leadership, Rock and Water, Study Skills, Global Citizenship and Learning Plans
Create a more personalised schooling and learning experience for students
To provide students with the opportunity to set and reflect on SMART goals and develop a digital learning portfolio through the ‘my future’ website that will be monitored by a mentor teacher and discussed with families

iLeap Program

iLEAP is an engaging and challenging Extension program that provides students with an opportunity to work with each other in a supportive and encouraging environment. The curriculum supports, enriches and extends students in the disciplines of Mathematics, Numeracy, English and Literacy.

The program acknowledges that all students have different skill sets and aptitude in different areas and provides course material at three different levels – support, consolidating and extension

Research shows that all students have different starting points and preferred learning styles. iLEAP allow students to engage with the curriculum through the provision of:

a more challenging learning environment at all ability levels – extension, consolidating and support
the opportunity to study more abstract, complex and in depth texts and issues
the capacity for students to work independently and cooperatively with students of similar ability and interests
differentiated and dynamic learning opportunities that focus on creativity, innovative thinking, problem-solving and communication

Year 7
Transition

At Macleod College we understand that moving into high school is a big change from primary school. We have design our program around supporting this change. Year 7’s have a home base (G block) where they have the majority of their subjects: mathematics, English, humanities, health and Hold Fast. This reduces the amount that students need to move around the school which is one of the biggest changes in high school. The G Block space is also where their student manager and their sub school leader is located.

We have a week long transition program that runs at the beginning of the year that is designed to ease students into the college. During this transition time students participate in many sessions including the following: learning how to read their timetable, how to use Compass, how to find their way around the campus, how to look after their wellbeing, how to get themselves organised, getting to know their Year 12 buddies, mindfulness. During this time we also slowly include typical classes into their schedule to show them what classic classes look like.

Year 7/12
Buddy Program

Our Year 12 Leadership team have started a year 7 & 12 buddy program. This includes a termly activity between the year 7’s and their buddies. These activities can include trivia, picnics, scavenger hunts around the school and more!

Excursions, Incursions & Camps

Camps, excursions, and incursions offer invaluable experiences that enhance learning and personal development. They provide opportunities for hands-on engagement with nature, history, and culture, fostering a deeper understanding of the world. These experiences encourage teamwork and social skills, as participants collaborate and connect outside the classroom setting. Additionally, they can spark curiosity and ignite a passion for exploration, making education more dynamic and memorable. Overall, these activities enrich the educational journey, promoting not just academic growth but also personal growth and resilience.

Some of the activities that year 7 students at Macleod College experience are:

Camp: Three day camp at the beginning of the year at The Briars Camp. This camp is the perfect opportunity for new friendships to grow!
School Swimming and Athletics Days: All students participate in a yearly swimming and athletics days. Students are encouraged to dress up and participate in the day! Any students who place in the competitions are invited to move on to the next round.
Sport Days: Students participate in weekly sport sessions in which they join a sports team. Once a term there is a termly interschool sport competition.
Health Days: Positive Physical, Mental, Social & Emotional health is promoted throughout the year during the Health and PE program. During the year, year 7 students will engage in a Health day. This day is catered to the students needs and can include different organisations such as Man Cave, Big Sister Experience, Live Life Whole, YMCA, Banyule Youth, Headspace and more!
Zoo Excursion: Year 7 students head to the Melbourne Zoo at the end of the year to consolidate topics covered in science throughout the year.

Year 7 Program