Secondary School

The middle years are a wonderful time of experiential learning – thanks to our Jewish life programs, Arts and STEAM rotations, and clubs.

For our incoming Year 7 cohort, our Maavar Transition program offers a two-day taster of secondary school life at Yavneh. Students follow a secondary school timetable and attend lessons with Year 7 teachers to become familiar with the places and faces they’ll soon encounter.

The first weeks of Year 7 include support in organisation, wellbeing and device training.

Run by our dynamic Jewish Life team, our ‘ME, US and YOU’ program helps our students:

• Navigate their transition into adulthood via the bar/bat mitzvah course (Year 7 – ME)
• Become supportive peers (Year 8 – US)
• Find a strong sense of community consciousness (Year 9 – YOU)

We offer a diverse senior year’s academic program and we’re justifiably proud of what our students achieve

Our VCE program caters to our students’ interests and learning abilities, including VET subjects. It runs in tandem with a broad selection of relevant and engaging Jewish Studies electives.

We’re also focused on supporting our students’ wellbeing, through encouraging responsible decision-making as they enter adulthood. This includes educating on topics such as positive coping, stress management, help-seeking, safety, and drug and alcohol education.

The Wellbeing Department in the Secondary School is invested in the academic, social, and emotional development of our students as they transition into young adulthood. Each student is a whole person, with different abilities, talents and perspectives and we are committed to supporting each individual to achieve success and find fulfilment during these important years.

There are many ways student wellbeing is supported at Yavneh. We are guided by a deep love for and commitment to Modern Orthodox Judaism and religious-Zionism, ensuring that our values of: Love of Israel & Israel, Learning Torah & Practicing Mitzvot, Education, Derech Eretz / Menschlichkeit, Academic Excellence, Integrity, Family & Belonging, Community Mindedness, form the framework of the student experience.

One aspect of the student wellbeing program involves direct instruction, students’ understanding and skills, allowing them to build their wellbeing capabilities. Our teachers deliver curriculum that integrates the current research into positive wellbeing and the framework of relationship learning created by Dr Debow. However, we also know that wellbeing happens when students are involved in all aspects of life at school.

Whether learning in the classroom, hanging out with friends, participating in sports or lunchtime clubs, attending events and being part of community service, students at Yavneh are building their wellbeing, with the aim of flourishing.

The wellbeing and pastoral carer team at the College work with students, parents, and faculty to build a school-wide climate and culture that encourages personal, spiritual and academic growth and success, while fostering kindness, respect and diversity.

In addition, the Heads of Year run weekly programs to discuss topics relevant to each cohort, such as technology, kindness, substance use, relationships, and body image. These classes offer a group forum in which students can openly discuss current issues that impact their lives. The combination of these elements of wellbeing and our Jewish ethos informs our approach to each year level and how we respond to their particular needs. In doing so we can consider which elements of wellbeing at each year level might need particular focus or emphasis. To what extent certain types of information, skills and understandings are shared according to the maturity and developmental needs of that year level also forms part of our planning.

Classes, interventions, and programs promote the development of self-awareness, interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries. These skill sets assist our students in creating more effective work habits and a positive approach to learning. When necessary, the counsellor will recommend outside support and resources such as individual therapy, social skills training, and support groups.

As students enter the Senior Years and the reality of VCE and life beyond school suddenly becomes more concrete, they begin engaging regularly with the Careers Advisor at the College who supports them throughout the subject selection process, admissions period, and helps identify their likes and future directions.