In secondary school, students are encouraged to develop their learning in a supported class environment and begin to explore their interests with the intention of forging pathways for future careers.
Our small class sizes enable an intimate learning environment, and therefore our curriculum is tailored to meet the individual learning needs of our students.
Literacy Program
At Victorian College for the Deaf we use Explicit Direction Instruction and Direct Instruction resources to teach reading, writing and spelling. This approach closes the educational gap for our students.
We explicitly teach Auslan and English so children can participate effectively in their learning. Children choose if they wish to use Auslan or speech in class.
Teaching focuses during literacy lessons include:
- how speech sounds and lip shapes match letters and spelling patterns. Children use these skills to read and spell words. Students are explicitly taught vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and handwriting. These skills help them to become successful readers and writers.
- learning about different types of writing: information reports, stories (narratives), writing an argument, and retells. This helps students to understand and value written text.
- communication skills for listening/watching; organising thoughts, paying attention, and asking questions with confidence.
Students are placed in groups that match their learning needs. They are taught in Auslan and / or spoken English to match their language and communication style.
F-10 students have two literacy lessons daily that may include:
- Phonemic awareness
- Phonology
- Vocabulary
- Reading Fluency & Comprehension
- Handwriting
- Morphology
- Grammar
- Punctuation
For a more in-depth look at Explicit Direct Instruction at Victorian College for the Deaf, you can view this document, or talk to our Literacy team at the college.
Year 7 to 10 Subjects
- English
- Auslan
- Maths
- Physical Education/Sport
- Science
- Art
- Humanities
- Clubs
- Careers
- Respectful Relationships
- ICT
- Health
Year 9 and 10 Work Experience
All year 9 and 10 students undertake work experience placements as part of their careers program. Work placements offer students first hand insight into specific industries or workplaces, allowing them to make better informed decisions about their future career choices. Placements will provide students with appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes concerning both paid and unpaid work, while preparing them for the demands and expectations of the working world.
In addition to external work experience placements, students can gain further workplace skills in their senior years through placement at our onsite social enterprises: Urban Block Garden, Tradeblock Cafe and Ablock Bike Shop.
Camping and Excursion Program
At Victorian College for the Deaf, our camping and excursion program is an extension of our teaching and learning program. Camps and excursions support our school curriculum by taking knowledge built in the classroom, and applying it to high engagement off-campus environments. In a supported setting, students are encouraged to build interpersonal skills and develop their resilience, independence and social skills.
Further Information
