JCCA Handbook 2021

JCCA Handbook

2021

Ngalak kaadatj ngalang wadjak moort wirin keniny, kawininy, kakarookiny wer warangkiny. We acknowledge our Wadjak families’ spirits celebrating, laughing, dancing and singing.

This acknowledgement has been permitted and translated by Nyoongar Linguist Sharon Gregory.

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WelcomeAt John Curtin College of the Arts we provide all students with an innovative and challenging education that encourages them to succeed across all curriculum areas.

Our commitment is to build capacity in students’ academic pursuits and celebrate their achievements in all facets of their education.

We have successfully delivered quality arts programs for more than 35 years. Our outstanding reputation makes us a school of choice and we are Western Australia’s only Selective Arts School.

We were the first school in Australia to offer theatre arts and dance as Gifted and Talented courses and we have offered arts programs for selected students in music, ballet and drama since 1973.

We use the arts as a vehicle to motivate and engage students. All students develop their creative intelligence with like-minded peers who share the same passion, motivation and value of education.

Our exemplary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) practices are multidisciplinary, focused on developing thinking skiils where students learn to transfer their skills across all learning areas

All students can access unique, high quality learning experiences that add value to their education and contribute to learning for life.

Mitchell Mackay Principal

Our Values Inspiring the Mind Curiosity, Imagination and Innovation

Nurturing the Person Respect, care and compassion

Learning for Life Resilience, Perseverance and Reflection

Connecting with Community Social, Cultural and Environmental Responsibility

Our Vision Developing learners with integrity who care, lead and positively contribute to the community.

Ngalak kaadatj ngalang wadjak moort wirin keniny, kawininy, kakarookiny wer warangkiny. We acknowledge our Wadjak families’ spirits celebrating, laughing, dancing and singing.

This acknowledgement has been permitted and translated by Nyoongar Linguist Sharon Gregory.

JCCA Handbook 2021 / 3

Arts Immersion At John Curtin we value using the Arts for engagement and motivation in learning and we provide all students with a unique educational experience.

Students need collaborative, problem solving, and critical and creative thinking skills to thrive in a contemporary world. At John Curtin we use the arts to develop these skills and all subject areas have critical and creative thinking at their core.

The creative, engaging and multifaceted process of the arts builds communication skills and confidence in students.

The arts is the essential driver behind a STEM education and STEM practices are integrated through an inclusive approach across all learning areas.

Benefits of an arts education• All students are immersed in the value of the

arts and their schooling journey is more about the skills they gain in developing their creative intelligence.

• All students access an innovative and challenging education that encourages them to excel across all curriculum areas.

• Students study with like-minded peers.

• Creative and critical thinking is at the forefront of all learning and teaching and this lays strong foundations for all students to prepare them for life professionally and personally.

• The true value of the arts is being future ready.

The Arts - a collective visionOur collective vision for all students at the school goes beyond curriculum. The qualities an arts education brings include:

• Understanding the past and the present to enrich our future.

• Provoking curiosity, discovering new possibilities and inventing solutions.

• Celebrating humanity through imagination, emotion and stretching the boundaries of our mind and body.

• Being informed and educated on social issues to make the world a better place to live.

• Celebrating diversity of thought and the freedom of ideas.

• Acknowledging traditions and cultures.

• Understanding people and situations, and relate to the needs of others.

• Taking on challenges, experimenting with concepts, and learning from mistakes.

• Reward through intrinsic motivation and satisfaction through enjoyment.

• Embracing a connection between yourself, your world and the unfamiliar world.

• Appreciating the aesthetics and the ability of the arts to entertain, represent and educate society.

Curiosity Imagination Innovation

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Inspiring the Mind / 5

Academic Excellence

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At John Curtin your child will partake in an exceptional and balanced academic program. Your child will be provided with a well-rounded education and develop a wide range of skills and knowledge.

Academic BalanceAt John Curtin we provide a rigorous curriculum for all students that focuses on high academic achievement in all learning areas.

Students study the core academic subject areas of English, mathematics, science and humanities and social sciences. They also have access to digital technologies, design and technologies, languages (Italian), health, and physical education programs.

Academic balance is about creating pathways of choice for whichever direction your child chooses to take in their future. The focus on a well-rounded education allows students to pursue careers in numerous industries and professions including the arts, medicine, law, education, politics and science.

Differentiated CurriculumOur curriculum follows a model which takes into account all students’ needs and abilities. The most able students need appropriately paced, rich and challenging instruction and a curriculum that differs significantly from normal classrooms.

John Curtin follows a specialised differentiated approach to curriculum delivery that provides your child with opportunities to accelerate, extend and enrich their learning.

Acceleration allows your child to move through key concepts at a faster pace while fostering your child’s intellectual growth and proficiency levels.

Extension provides your child with open-ended activities that invite curiosity, exploration and manipulation of ideas and materials at a deeper and broader level.

Participation and AchievementStudents should be challenged continually to work towards their personal best, enjoy the learning experience and embrace the challenge.

A continuous commitment and engagement at college is necessary for students to succeed and progress. We encourage students to seek assistance from the Heads of Student Services if they are experiencing

difficulty achieving a balance across all programs.

Self Management Practices Throughout their secondary education students are encouraged to be responsible for all aspects of their learning. This includes constructing and keeping to schedules and timelines, organising resources for learning, managing their progress, negotiating and problem solving with peers, teachers and parents, and making necessary changes to ensure success.

Students are expected to develop time management and organisational skills to ensure they are committed to all areas of learning and prepared for all activities and assessments. Students should be focused, motivated and committed to the overall life of the college. Our teachers provide an education that is inspiring, challenging and one that enhances all learning experiences.

Mental Health and WellbeingAt John Curtin, students’ social, emotional, mental and physical health is a priority and a safe and supportive school environment is provided.

Developing students’ emotional intelligence and resilience is part of the commitment to creating motivated and engaged young people.

We endeavour to develop resilience and maturity by helping your child find ways to effectively recognise and manage stress that work for them as individuals.

Support is provided for students in a values rich environment which encourages academic excellence, creative endeavours, personal integrity and positive student behaviour.

Our dedicated Student Services team provides a range of services including assisting with transition to high school, learning support and career guidance. Students Services staff are specifically trained to support the social and emotional needs of your child.


Academic Excellence ProgramOur Academic Excellence Program is a pathway that places like-minded students in a challenging and rigorous environment designed to celebrate academic excellence and enable every student to reach their full academic potential.

OverviewStudents in our Academic Excellence Program (AEP) have the opportunity to be enrolled in any combination of Science, Mathematics, English and Humanities and Social Sciences courses. These rigourous courses are designed to provide your child with rich learning experiences and to inspire them to be curious and creative thinkers.

We provide your child with a range of experiences where they connect new information with prior knowledge and apply it to solve complex problems.

Our teaching staff are Gifted Education Research, Resource and Information Centre (GERRIC) trained, which ensures the highest calibre of teaching in order to differentiate the curriculum for highly able and gifted students.

Our staff are committed to ongoing training, professional learning, and collaboration to ensure up-to-date and world class teaching practices.

In order to ensure success, students are taught in an environment that encourages critical thinking using dynamic collaborative learning practices whilst catering for individual learning styles. It is our aim, through these practices, that our students gain an enhanced sense of responsibility and motivation.

Educating the whole child When students have access to challenging and engaging academic programs they are better prepared for further education, work and civic responsibility.

Our focus is on the education of the whole child, where health and wellness are keys to student success, and both critical and creative thinking is required to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape.

Entrance to the programAll students entering the college sit the college’s aptitude test that evaluates their academic potential. Students who perform well in this test are considered for placement in the Academic Excellence Program.

Course costsEach Academic Excellence Program course has an additional charge to cover extra activities. Please consult the Lower School Handbook for details.

ContactFor further information on any aspect of the Academic Excellence Program contact the Deputy Principal - Curriculum.

E: [email protected]

Respect Care Compassion


Sample Year 7 Timetable

Nurturing the Person


Learning for Life10 / JCCA Handbook 2021

EnrichmentOur Enrichment Program provides all enrolled students at the college the opportunity to work with a range of peers in different learning environments allowing them to explore and discover new opportunities and art forms.

Enrichment Programs are designed to challenge and further develop students with arts specific content and life skills. Exposure to different art forms and experiences helps build their capacity as students, artists and people.

There are two Enrichment Programs: Rotational Enrichment and Music Enrichment.

Music Enrichment is available to all students currently in the IMSS program or equivalent at primary school.

Enrichment Programs are designed to explore a range of art forms, develop critical and creative thinking, and cultivate communication and collaboration skills. This helps students develop effective learning, organisational and management skills that are used in every area of their learning.

These skills are enhanced by our Study Hacks Guide, created specifically for John Curtin by Dr Jane Genovese. This guide is given to students, parents and teachers and is intertwined into Enrichment Programs to help students develop skills such as goal setting, recognising the difference between study and homework, and establishing positive relationships.

Connectedness is emphasised through scheduled year group assemblies and wellbeing workshops with a focus on our college values and how, as individuals, we can positively contribute to the community.

Enrichment Programs could include:

Circus and PerseveranceDraws on circus related skills including juggling, diablo and tumbling, providing participants with aspects of balance, coordination and team work to instil confidence and develop the ability to persevere when challenged.

Special Effects and ImaginationInvolves the theoretical and practical application of make-up to create special effects for the theatre such as cuts, wounds, ageing techniques, and the enhancement of facial features to create character. Exploration of special effects challenges students’ imagination and creativity.

Innovation and Problem SolvingStudents learn how to develop advanced group skills in problem solving through a range of learning styles. Students explore the ability to innovate and think outside the box using creative and critical thinking skills in solving riddles, puzzles and fictional dilemmas.

Yoga and MindfulnessThe practice of yoga develops strength and flexibility and provides students with techniques and strategies to soothe nerves and calm the mind. Connections between the body and mind are explored, as well as the importance this connection has in society and learning for life.

ResiliencePerseveranceReflection


Leadership and CommunityOur college provides a values rich culture that promotes a strong sense of belonging, social responsibility, individuual wellbeing and the pursuit of life long learning goals.

There are many diverse extracurricular activities your child can participate in and they cater for the range of gifts, interests and needs of our students.

LeadershipA rich suite of opportunties exists for students to be engaged with leadership activities with positions of responsibility ranging from Student Council respresentatives to sporting group captains and peer support leaders.

Student CouncilOur Student Councillors represent the student body and each year 22 students are elected to the council, with three students elected from Year 7. Elections take place half way through Term 1 for Year 7 students.

House CaptainThe House System is an integral and vibrant part of our school’s culture, designed to reflect and enhance the values of the college. It is these values we seek to instil and have students emulate through the House System. Each House has leader in each year group.

SportsStudents can participate in the college’s swimming and athletics carnivals. Selected students are given the opportunity to participate in interschool swimming and athletics carnivals. Students also participate in interschool lightning carnivals in netball, basketball and soccer.

Lunchtime ActivitiesDuring lunchtimes students can participate in a range of activities that bring different students together in a healthy sense of competition.

Tournaments include Indoor Hockey, European Handball, The Argument Exchange, Volleyball

and Basketball. Each tournament involves 40 – 70 students and can take 15 weeks to complete.

Music EnsemblesStudents who learn an instrument privately are very welcome to join one of the music ensembles at the college.

Students in Music Enrichment participate in one ensemble appropriate to their instrument and current ability. Students who are learning a new instrument will join an ensemble when they are at an appropriate level.

Ensembles and orchestras include:

• Chamber Choir

• Classical Guitar Ensembles

• Contemporary Music Ensembles

• Gospel/Soul Choir

• Jazz Band

• Junior Chorale

• Orchestra for Senior Musical (alternate years)

• Percussion Ensemble

• String Orchestra

• Symphony Orchestra

• Vocal Consort

• Wind Orchestras

Please direct enquiries by email only to the Director of Music and Music Theatre, Kieran Drew. Students need to provide their year level, instrument and number of years they have been learning.

E: [email protected]


Join a clubThere are many clubs at the college that are open to all students. Clubs meet either before school or at lunchtimes. Clubs also often participate in competitions.

• Astronomy Club

• Cheer Club

• Chess Club

• Informatics Club

• Mock Trials

• Newspaper Club

• Philosophy Club

• Podcast Club

• Robotics Club

• Roots and Shoots Conservation and Sustainability Club

• SAGA Club

• Tournament of Minds

• Volunteer Club

Boys’ ProjectOur Boys Project provides male students across all years an opportunity to develop their social, leadership and collaborative skills through dance, drama, music, comedy and film contexts.

Front of HouseThis out of school hours program is open to any student from Year 9 with an interest in front of house. Students can gain skills and knowledge in a practical setting about all the front of house aspects of a theatre.

ToursAll students have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, excursions and tours.

The college runs international and interstate arts and football tours for Gifted and Talented arts students and Specialist Football Program students.

All students at the college can participate in ski, language and STEM tours.

Connecting with Community

Social, Cultural and Environmental Responsibility


Applying for Gifted and Talented Programs in other yearsStudents can apply in Year 8 for entry into a different Gifted and Talented Program in Year 9 depending on availability of places.

Students can also apply for an additional Gifted and Talented Program in Year 10 for Year 11 and 12.

Applications for other years is through the Department of Education’s Gifted and Talented selection process.

Attendance and PunctualityA high level of attendance and punctuality is necessary for students to achieve their full potential. The Department of Education has identified at least 90% attendance as the requirement for full participation in learning.

Learning to manage travel time, homework and subject requirements is a college priority and students need to learn organisational skills to effectively plan and manage their study program in all subject areas.

All learning areas address this requirement by embedding the learning of management and organisational skills into the programs.

Code of AgreementJohn Curtin College of the Arts is committed to ensuring learning occurs within a caring, safe and supportive learning environment that is responsive to students’ particular abilities and learning styles, and which challenges and engages them to excel.

Students, parents/carers and staff sign a Code of Agreement on accepting a place at the college. This is to ensure that students can work effectively and cooperatively in all of their studies at the college. Adhering to the elements of this agreement is expected of all students.

Parent SupportParent participation is encouraged to assist the college in providing excellence in education and volunteering your time and services will give you a unique insight into student life at the college.

We also welcome you to join our College Board and P&C.

Uniform RequirementsThe college has a specified uniform and students are expected to accept the requirements in order to always retain Good Standing Status and have access to all the extra opportunities provided at the college.

To ensure students have adequate uniform items, parents/carers are expected to place orders at the end of the previous year. Winter items should be ordered at the same time to ensure students have requirements in sufficient time for the colder months.

Uniforms are available from the college Uniform Shop on Thursdays from 8am to 11am, otherwise from Uniform Concepts’ Willetton Super Store from Monday to Saturday.

Additional Information



John Curtin College of the Arts

90 Ellen St Fremantle WA 6160

T 9433 7200 E [email protected]

jc.wa.edu.au

Documents

JCCA Handbook 2021