Vision 2015
Vision 2015 is essentially a ‘blueprint for the future’ for Ivanhoe Grammar School and provides the context for the re-writing of our Strategic Plan (2010 – 2015). It provides for ‘curriculum driven’ consolidation and revitalisation at all levels.
Whilst the current position of the School remains strong and its reputation high, Vision 2015 provides an opportunity to consolidate and further differentiate ourselves in a way that will provide for long-term sustainability and allow us to remain relevant and attuned to the needs of Students and the expectation of Parents.
Key features of Vision 2015 are :
- A curriculum centred restructure of the School
- A common experience for all Ivanhoe Grammar School students
- An emphasis on continuing to improve academic outcomes
- An emphasis on the quality of teaching
- A continued major international focus
- Maximising the benefits of our multi-campus status.
The curriculum relationship between campuses will be built around a common curriculum at all levels of the School. This will be based upon a:
- Senior Studies Program (Years 10 – 12) to be introduced in November 2009.
- Middle Years Program (Years 6 – 9) encompassing the current Year 9 experience but extending this to embrace a common Middle Years Philosophy and curriculum. The School is completing its research around the IB MYP (Middle Years Program) with a decision to be made on this in the next few months. Introduction would be in 2011. No change is envisaged as far as the pastoral link for Year 6 students, who would remain part of the Primary setting.
- Common Primary Curriculum (Prep – Year 5) for Students on both campuses.
An important aspect of Vision 2015 will be its emphasis on continued academic outcomes (building on our already strong base) and the quality of teaching. Research shows that in terms of the influence on student outcomes, teachers are by far the most important single influence. As a consequence, through Vision 2015, we will continue to develop the already high standard of teaching at the School through a series of initiatives including effective teacher appraisal, goal setting and targeted professional development.
There is a significant focus provided by the School in terms of an international outlook. To this end, in addition to the current initiatives that exist (Round Square, our involvement in Cambodia, increasing internationalising of curriculum content), a number of new initiatives will be introduced, including subject offerings (for example Global Perspectives at Year 10), extending curriculum links to the Round Square Pillars (internationalism, democracy, environmental awareness, adventure, leadership and service) and the themes of a United Nations Global Peace School (globalisation, diversity, peace building, social justice and sustainable futures).
I firmly believe that in educating young people for the world they will enter, a clear understanding of international/global issues needs to be a part of their formal education and that we should be characterised as “a National School providing an outward, global looking curriculum that is still essentially Australian, for a diverse Student body.”
Roderick D Fraser
Principal
View a PDF of the 2004-2008 Strategic Plan 