My child is making the transition from a smaller school. How do I know they won’t be left behind / lost in the crowd?

 

We understand the transition to a larger school can feel daunting. To support students, all Year 7 and 8 classes are based in home rooms to reduce movement and help students feel settled. Every student also participates in a mentor group program, giving them a consistent mentor teacher who provides additional support beyond their classroom teachers. Our dedicated sub-school team, which includes a Year Level Leader, Wellbeing and Programs Leader, Team Leader and additional education support staff, work closely with students both in and out of the classroom to ensure no student is left behind.

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What wellbeing support is available for students?

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Student wellbeing is a priority at our school. We have a full-time Year Level Leader to provide day-to-day support, including help with minor friendship or wellbeing concerns, and a full-time Wellbeing and Programs Leader to coordinate broader support. We also run a range of targeted and whole-school wellbeing and health promotion programs. Additionally,all staff are trained in the 'Notice, Inquire, Plan' framework from Safeminds to identify and respond to student needs effectively.

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What is my role as a parent/carer in supporting my child during secondary schooling?

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Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their child’s success at secondary school. This includes maintaining at least 90% attendance and notifying the school of any absences, regularly checking Compass, attending parent–teacher interviews, and communicating with classroom teachers. It’s also important to ensure students have the necessary equipment and resources and are well prepared for learning each day by establishing consistent routines around sleep, physical activity, nutrition and screen time.

 

Who do I go to if I have any concerns about my child’s academic progress, wellbeing or engagement? How do I make contact with staff?

Your child’s Year Level Leader is the first point of contact for any concerns about academic progress, wellbeing, or engagement. If needed, they will connect you with other relevant staff to ensure your enquiry is addressed appropriately. Parents can call the front office on 58711700 or can email any member of staff via Compass.

 

How will the school communicate important information with me as a parent/carer?

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Cobram Secondary College is committed to maintaining strong links between home and school. Compass Parent Portal (webpage and App) allows you to securely view your child’s progress, timetable, attendance, book parent/teacher/student conversations, view reports and obtain current school news, via newsfeed and links to the school newsletter. Parents should also check the website regularly and our social media platforms regularly. Parents may also receive messages from Compass, emails or text messages from the school. A parent/carer newsletter is also published every two weeks and is available via Compass.

 

What camps, excursions and other activities are students able to participate in?

 

Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, including summer and winter sports days, athletics and swimming carnivals, local excursions and curriculum-related events. We also offer rewards activities for students who meet behaviour and attendance expectations, as well as camps at certain year levels and through specific programs.

 

What support and programs are available for students who need extension / are performing above the expected standard for their year level?

 

We offer a range of opportunities for students performing above the expected standard. Selected students can participate in the Victorian High Abilities Program (VHAP), which includes a high abilities camp. Students also have access to leadership programs from Years 7–12 and, for younger students, in-school exchanges to complete topics from VCE units.

                       

What support and programs are available for students who need additional support?

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Students who need additional support can access a variety of programs and services. Education Support staff provide in-class assistance, and selected students may have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) tailored to their needs. Some students are supported through the Disability Inclusion Profile process, while targeted literacy and numeracy intervention programs are also available. In the middle and senior years, a range of subject options allows us to further support students of differing academic abilities.

 

What is the College’s mobile phone policy for students?

 

Our mobile phone policy aligns with the Department of Education guidelines. While we understand students may need to carry phones for communication and safe travel to and from school, devices must be switched off and securely stored in lockers or bags during the school day. Parents can contact students through the front office if needed.

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What equipment and resources do students need for their classes?

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Students require an appropriate laptop for learning - please refer to the enrolment pack or school website for specifications and recommendations on the types of devices that are appropriate. Redgum computers in Cobram have a range of devices that meet the requirements, however families can elect to purchase a computer anywhere they like.   Booklists are published annually to outline the resources needed for each year level and subject. Families can purchase these items through the booklist provider or another supplier of their choice. Support is available from the College for families who are unable to provide a computer for their child.

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Where can I purchase school uniform items?

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Most uniform items can be purchased through Work Locker in Cobram. Specific details about required items are included in the enrolment pack or via the school website.

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What are the expectations for attendance? What support does the College offer parents to help students attend school more regularly?

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We expect students to maintain at least 90% attendance, as regular attendance is essential for success. Our Sub-School team closely monitors attendance and works with parents and carers to provide support and guidance where needed. We also offer a Re-engagement Program to help students who face barriers to attendance or have become disengaged from school.

 

Is there a canteen for students to purchase food and drinks?

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Students cannot purchase items directly from the canteen; however, lunch orders can be placed via the myschoolconnect app before 8.30am each morning (see the enrolment pack or contact the front office for details). To support students in being ready to learn, free food is available every day through the canteen, and a free breakfast program runs on selected days.

 

How does the school deal with conflict & bullying?

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Cobram Secondary College is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment where bullying will not be tolerated. The schools Bullying Prevention Policy addresses how Cobram Secondary College aims to prevent and respond to student bullying behaviour. Bullying complaints will be taken seriously and responded to sensitively at our school, we encourage students or parents to speak to the relevant Year Level Leader. Students are welcome to discuss their concerns with any trusted member of staff including teachers and wellbeing staff, and are encouraged to complete an incident report with their Year Level Leader where they require an incident to be followed up.

 

What subjects are available for students?

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The Victorian Curriculum separates Year Levels into key stages which determine the number and type of subjects offered. Grades 3-8 are considered the ‘breadth stage’ where students should experience a wide range of subjects, and Years 9-10 the ‘pathways stage’ where students begin to narrow down and select subjects appropriate to their intended pathway. Curriculum structures at Cobram Secondary College are designed to adhere to these stages.

 

Students in Years 7&8 will complete core subjects English, Mathematics, Science, Health, Physical Education, Learn to Learn and Humanities over the full two years, as well as semester length subjects Music, Drama, Art, Woodwork, Digital Technology, Food Technology, Metal/Plastic Technology and Visual Communication & Design for one semester each over the two years. 

 

Students in Years 9&10 begin to have some choices over their subjects, whilst still completing mandatory studies in English, Mathematics, Health, Science and Careers and Work. Students have a broad range of subjects to choose from, with subject offerings often changing. Included in subject offerings are a wide range of hands-on subjects.

 

Students in Years 11&12 will complete a VCE certificate, with the option to complete a Vocational Major (VM) as part of their certificate. We offer a wide range of VCE subjects each year, with subjects being determined by staffing, student numbers and student preferences.​

 

What other programs does the school offer?

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Music - Cobram Secondary College offers an amazing music program. All students of Years 7-12 have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument within the instrumental music program.  Tuition is offered in the areas of brass, woodwind, percussion, vocals and guitar. Students in the program have the opportunity to perform at several events throughout the year in the Junior Concert Band, Senior Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble and other musical ensembles. Students receive one lesson per week and attend at least one band rehearsal. It is an excellent opportunity for students to work and relate with students from other year levels as well as their own.

Vocational Education & Training (VET) - Students are now able to offer a range of VET subjects and earn a nationally recognised qualification on-site through one of our many VET certificated staff trainers. VET offerings may change from year to year based on staffing and student numbers.

School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships (SBAT) and work experience - Students in Year 9&10 (subject to age) can begin to complete an SBAT or work experience to gain industry experience and qualification whilst continuing to study. For more information on SBATs and work experience please contact Maria Hart.

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