Year 11 Overview

When the year 10’s enter year 11 at Mentone Girls' Secondary College, they enter a sub school that is somewhat different from the ones they have experienced in the past. The aim is to allow the students some independence and therefore take more responsibility for their learning.

There are no longer daily form assemblies, but rather a weekly timetabled session where processes, concerns etc are discussed. Students are therefore also responsible to return absence notes to the VCE office rather than a form teacher. When teachers are absent, often the year 11 classes are not covered and so, again, the students need to be responsible enough to come and collect the work left by the teacher. Signing in and out is done at the VCE office rather than at the General Office. These are simple examples of giving some independence.

The year 11's can be nominated and selected to be trained in a very successful program,” Supportive Friends". This allows the students to be approached with issues in their friendship group and either pass on to appropriate support groups or Student Managers/Welfare. The leadership opportunities at year 11 are wide, as they are in the college overall. The students vote for a year 11 Vice College captain who works closely in a team with the College and Vice College captains.

We also have a VCE committee, which is made up of a number of year 11's and 12's. This is where decisions are made regarding such occasions as the VCE Formal, fundraising and other important school programs. The SRC is also a strong student body where important issues are raised and discussed. A number of year 11's make up part of that body. Year 11's also pride themselves in the wearing of maroon jumpers, a VCE privilege.

Overall, the jump from year 10 into year 11 is a challenging one and so the aim is to make the transition as smooth as possible. We pride ourselves in supporting the year 11's as much as possible and make them welcome in our open door office. The connectedness is essential if the students are to achieve at their best.