School Profile | |
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Location :: History :: Enrolment :: Organisation
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LocationDiamond Valley College students come from a wide variety of communities, from rural areas such as Yarrambat, Arthurs Creek, Strathewen, Kinglake, St Andrews, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill, to more residential areas such as Hurstbridge, Wattle Glen, Doreen and, of course, Diamond Creek. The College operates an extensive transport system with close to 500 students from the local area travelling to school by bus. Diamond Valley College strives to maintain strong links with its feeder primary schools, through activities such as Rock Eisteddfod visits and the Primary Science program.Back HistoryDiamond Valley College was formed in 1989 at the direction of the Minister of Education from the amalgamation of Diamond Creek Technical School and Hurstbridge High School. In 1999 the College was consolidated in new and refurnished buildings at Diamond Creek following a $4,000,000 building program. During 2002 College Council made the decision to build a VCE Centre which recognises the particular study and organisational needs of students in the Senior Sub-School. Building of the VCE Centre was completed for the beginning of term 3 2003. In 2006 we saw the completion of $350,000 modifications to open up more space in our library resource centre, art studios and technology workshops, as well as the installion of $100,000 of new computer equipment and higher speed infrastructure to improve student access on and off campus. Following grants from the Federal and State governments, a synthetic grass soccer field and tennis courts adjacent to the gymnasium was completed in 2007. In 2008 the College was notified that we had qualified for funding for an additional 128 new computers, to be purchased in 2009.Back EnrolmentIn 2009 the College has an enrolment of over 640 students, including 5 Year 7 classes. Our commitment is to limit numbers to a maximum of 750, in order to maintain a close pastoral relationship with the students.Back OrganisationThe College is committed to building positive relationships between students, staff and parents, and supporting students in the development of mature attitudes and behaviour, self discipline and community responsibility Staff work to achieve an environment where students feel safe, supported and valued as individuals. Student leadership, participation and acknowledgement of achievement is emphasised through initiatives such as leadership training, peer support, cross-age tutoring, the House System and college awards.The curriculum and student management is organised via two sub schools. Year level co-ordinators manage the transition processes and subject selections, co-curricula activities and student behaviour Students are organised in home groups with a pastoral teacher and these groups meet twice per week. The junior sub-school (year 7 in particular) receives priority in the allocation of home group teachers as these teachers are generally the home group's Mathematics and Science teacher or their English and SOSE teacher. The year 7 and 8 teaching teams also conduct a Personal Development for Learning program with a focus on independent and interdependent learning. Year levels and sub-schools conduct meetings specific to their needs; in the senior sub-school this includes visiting speakers and a strong focus on the Managed Individual Pathways program. Staff who teach in each sub-school attend regular meetings to discuss student leaming, welfare and management issues. |
