Good Shepherd Lutheran College NT

Child Care Directory lists Good Shepherd Lutheran College NT in Howard Springs, who continued to provide excellent Explorer Country care, education and support for the children and their families of Howard Springs Australia.

The Junior School is located on the Palmerston Campus and caters for students from Transition to Year 5. Classrooms are set around attractive grounds with extensive grassed areas. Each classroom has computers for student use as well as a dedicated ICT facility for class lessons. The campus has a wonderful Resource Centre Read More...and a new Multipurpose area which is used for devotions and assemblies. The new Resource Centre and Multipurpose Hall were officially opened in June 2010 and have been excellent additions to the College, for student and wider community use. Good Shepherd recognises that developing every student?s individual talents as well as nurturing their emotional and spiritual growth is vital to the development of the whole person. Students are encouraged to become independent learners and this occurs in an environment that supports students to take risks and to extend themselves in a culture that values the experience as well as the outcome. The College is introducing the International Baccalaureate Curriculum which has the Primary Years Program for Transition to Year 5 students. In this program students are encouraged to be inquirers, thinkers and communicators using inquiry based learning, in an environment that is challenging and supportive. Learning is based around Units of Inquiry with a strong emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy. Students participate in a Christian Studies program that encourages them to develop an understanding of Christian beliefs and values. The Junior School has specialist teachers for Japanese, Music and Physical Education. Mathematics is taught using a hands-on constructivist approach. There is an emphasis on learning number facts and strategies students can use to recall them quickly. While students learn the four operations, the importance of using them in real life situations is highlighted. Interactive computer programs and interactive whiteboards enhance the students? interest in learning Mathematics. At Good Shepherd, it is recognised that students have individual learning styles and learn at different rates and teachers endeavour to meet the needs of all students. A specialist Learning Support Teacher works with parents and teachers to develop Adjusted Education Plans for students who need support or extension activities. Interesting Facts The Junior School has a strong focus on developing the partnership between home and school. Volunteers are welcomed into the classrooms and are valued for their contribution. There is a strong sense of community within the Junior School and this is supported by Class Carers who plan social events and support for families. Good Shepherd Lutheran College understands that the Middle School (Years 6 to 9) is an important time for building positive relationships with peers and adults as young people seek to define their identity, beliefs and place within the broader community. We strongly believe that children in this age bracket need learning experiences that are integrated, relevant, challenging and rewarding, and include practical activities that empower them to take responsibility for their own learning. We appreciate that each child is a unique gift from God and we commit to helping parents nurture their children's growth and development. To fulfil this commitment, we provide a Pastroal Care program that emphasises the partnership between God, parents, our staff and children entrusted to our care. Learning Through the Middle Years The Middle School is in the process of implementing the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP). There are eight subject areas integrated through five areas of interaction that provide a framework for learning within and across the subjects. Students are required to study Language A (English), Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History and Geography), Physical Education, Language B (German and Japanese), Technology (which includes, but is not limited to: Metalwork, Woodwork, Plastics, Food, Textiles and ICT), Arts, (which includes, but is not limited to: Music, Visual Art, Creative Arts and Drama). In addition to these eight subjects, the College runs Christian Studies as a ninth subject. The MYP provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world and become critical and reflective thinkers. Students with special needs are welcomed at Good Shepherd. Our Learning Support Coordinator monitors and oversees the learning needs and academic progress of students with special needs, liaising with the Heads of Middle and Senior Schools, the Chaplain, Learning Area Coordinators and Teachers to support positive learning outcomes for all students Interesting Facts Every student at Good Shepherd Lutheran College belongs to a Pastoral Care Class. Here, they are under the care of a teacher whose role is to be the first point of contact for parents, students and other staff in most matters relating to the student?s happiness and growth within the College?s program. Pastoral Care Classes meet every morning to share important daily information and to organise and monitor longer-term matters and activities. Our Pastoral Care program is overseen by the College Chaplain. There is a high degree of support for the Learner Profile within the teaching and learning at Good Shepherd Lutheran College. The Profile characteristics are present within all classrooms and through an ongoing process will form part of all planning and programming of units of work. The Learner Profile characteristics along with our College values have become part of our College?s shared language and provide help guide all of our actions. From the document: ?MYP: From Principles into Practice? Inquirers They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. Knowledgeable They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions. Communicators They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. Principled They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. Open-minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience. Caring They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. Risk-takers They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. While the College provides a safe and happy environment that supports our students? social and emotional growth, the emphasis in Senior School is on preparing students for their entry into further study or work and for life as responsible and contributing citizens. The Journey from Senior School to Community With a variety of pathways open to our students upon completing Senior School, we provide information, guidance and support to ensure a smooth transition into tertiary studies, employment or community enterprises. The team of Specialist Staff provide professional assistance to the students to help them make important transitional decisions. The Senior School uses the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) curriculum, as prescribed by the Northern Territory Board of Studies. All Good Shepherd students are supported in achieving their best in the NTCET. The College offers access to Vocational Education & Training courses to complement NTCET subjects. Students of the Senior School enjoy additional skills training to help them: set personal goals and evaluate their own progress enthusiastically embrace and take responsibility for their own learning and learning pathway use initiative, be flexible, work independently and contribute as part of a team develop a broad perspective on all aspects of life develop effective communication skills, including the use of Information and Communication Technologies apply the College values in their lives and in service of others Our students also have opportunities to undertake Work Experience and access Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses as part of individual student educational pathways. ^ Less