Independent Learning Classes
Catering for Each Girl
While most students are well catered for in the traditional year level class structure, there is a great deal of accepted research which indicates that some students learn in different ways from the general group, and their needs can be better addressed in an alternative arrangement which assists them to move towards their full potential.
The St Catherine's Independent Learning Class (ILC) is an alternative to, but runs parallel with, the regular class structures in Years 7, 8 & 9. The introduction of this initiative in 2009 sees St Catherine's once again at the forefront of educational thinking and practice.
In the ILC environment, students work on individually-designed programs suited to their particular needs. Core curriculum necessary for sequential learning is covered, and in addition, students can pursue additional academic interests or consolidate any areas of need.
The ILC timetable is more flexibly arranged, while the combination of subjects may differ according to staff expertise.
From established practice, students who gain from an ILC structure are those who:
- Exhibit high intellectual potential
- Are under-achieving but identified as capable
- Find the traditional classroom limiting, sometimes affecting behaviour
- Need to revise or consolidate due to interruptions to schooling as a result of illness or other factors
- Prefer to work at an individual pace or have shown interest and ability in being able to learn in an independent manner
In recognising that class placement needs to be carefully considered, the offer of a place is, in the final analysis, made by the Director of Student Wellbeing, Mrs Lyn Henshall, following an application and intensive consultation process.