Learning at Gleeson


Technologies

The Technologies learning area at Gleeson College is made up of three connected subject areas that include: Food and Textiles Technology, Digital Technologies, and Design and Technology. Each subject area has a focus on using design thinking, investigating, evaluating and project management skills to work with a range of technologies and materials to produce designed solutions.  The vast nature of this learning area allows for students to create products that range from digitally coded games to items of furniture, to beautifully presented meals.


STEM

At Gleeson College Science is built on a foundation of Inquiry based learning. Teachers have excellent content knowledge and experience, which allows them to integrate hands on activities, group collaboration and concepts seamlessly. These factors foster a productive learning environment that promotes critical thinking and scientific questioning. All students study Science in Years 7-10, after which students have the choice to study a number of scientific fields in Years 11 and 12, including Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Psychology and Physics. In Year 9 and 10, students also have the opportunity to study Science and STEM related electives, such as Sport Science (Integrated Learning), Earth and Space, and Engineering (Scientific Studies). 


Mathematics

At Gleeson College, learning in Mathematics focuses on developing mathematical proficiencies: understanding, fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving. In the Middle School, students study a range of topics under the Australian Curriculum Strands: number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. The BYOD (bring your own device) program at the College means students have access to digital and online resources to support and enhance their mathematics learning, including online textbooks for Years 7-10, Desmos, GeoGebra, and Excel.


Languages

Ciao! Konnichiwa! Gleeson College offers two languages: Japanese and Italian. Studying a language in today's global society has numerous benefits including improved first language, better job prospects, improved understanding of cultures and the changing world, improved brain function and better travel opportunities. Languages are compulsory for students in Years 7-8 and become an elective subject from Years 9-12. We are also currently trialling a suite of new innovative subjects, including Cultural Technologies and Language and Culture Studies. Students studying a language have the opportunity to be involved in a range of excursions and activities as well as overseas Study Tours to Japan. 


Health and Physical Education

The Health and Physical Education program at Gleeson College offers a range of opportunities for students to engage in a variety of sport, outdoor adventure and other lifestyle activities. Through Health and Physical Education students may elect to undertake traditional Physical Education, Outdoor Education and/or our Netball SA or World Football Specialist Programs.


Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is a dynamic subject which is available at Gleeson as an elective subject from Years 10-12. In Outdoor Education students undertake a range of outdoor adventure activities including bush-walking, snorkelling, surfing, paddle boarding and rock climbing. Students also study environmental issues, ethics and safety, as well as various camp craft skills.


Humanities and Social Sciences

The Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum (HaSS) encompasses a broad range of subjects. Subjects on offer include: History, Geography, Business, Civics and Citizenship, Society and Culture, Legal Studies, Accounting, Tourism and Economics. Middle Years students study History, Geography, Business and, Civics and Citizenship. These core subjects provide students with learning experiences and skills that lead them into the Senior Years choices of Society and Culture, Legal Studies, Accounting, Tourism and Economics. Students in the Senior Years may elect to continue their studies in the areas of History, Geography and Business. Consequently, students are provided with numerous experiences that facilitate the development of core critical inquiry, research and communication skills.


English

The English curriculum is built around the three interrelated strands of language, literature and literacy. Our students study a variety of text types, from novels, play scripts, poetry, film, advertising, short stories and everyday texts. They have the opportunity to explore the different ways to inform, entertain and engage an audience using a variety of literary devices and stylistic features. A student who enjoys English may choose to take up a variety of opportunities outside of regular lessons, such as the Campus Book Cup and attending the Meet the Writer's Festival.


Performing Arts

Music, Dance and Drama are offered as elective subjects by specialist teachers at Gleeson College from Years 7-12. Studying specialist subjects in a classroom environment allows students to gain valuable theoretical knowledge and hone their skills in their chosen area of performance. Students have the ability to continue their studies in SACE Stage 1 and 2 through specific streams such as Music, Dance and Drama or combining disciplines via way of studying Stage 1 or 2 'Creative Arts'. Many Gleeson College graduates have been successful in gaining entry into tertiary institutions.


Visual Arts

At Gleeson College, Visual Arts Studies provide the opportunities for students to develop creativity, imagination and a sense of achievement through a variety of different forms of art, craft and design. Students express ideas through practical work using drawings, sketches, diagrams, models, prototypes, photographs and/or audio visual techniques leading to resolved pieces. It enables students to plan, experiment and apply technical skills in a range of visual media. Visual Arts studies emphasises historical and contemporary aspects of art/design, and requires students to study both.


Faith and Living

Religious Education at Gleeson College gives students a range of opportunities to explore the role that faith and spirituality has for both oneself and one's own community. As a community of faith, we believe God is active through each individual person, and that by developing a better understanding of life in all its contexts, students discover how God is present in their lives. In all year levels, students are introduced to traditions early in their classes and living within a 'Faith-filled Community' is evidenced through our College values.