Senior School - Developing Self-Directed Learners
William Clarke College is divided into three sub-schools, Junior (Kindergarten to Year 4), Middle (Years 5 to 8) and Senior (Years 9 to 12) with each student being challenged to learn and apply the values of SPELL in life.
These values are:
- Serving others
- Participating fully
- Exploring Christ
- Learning to learn for life
- Leading by example
Serving
Houses support mission work in both Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands through fund raising. Some students have the opportunity to attend an annual Solomon Islands mission. Students in Year 9 are made aware of the diversity of wealth and lifestyle in the city of Sydney through the annual City Camp. Within the College senior students play important volunteer roles in College events and in assisting with co-curricular activities.
Participation
Students in each of the Senior School years have annual camps which variously focus on service opportunities, academic field work, leadership and preparation for Higher School Certificate study. Students are encouraged to involve themselves in a diverse range of co-curricular activities including music ensembles, drama group, sporting teams and inter-House competitions.
Exploring Christ
All students attend weekly Chapel services and Christian Development classes and have the opportunity to attend GLO (the student led Christian group). Senior students organise student led prayer groups and inter-school fellowship afternoons.
Learning
Senior School focuses on self-directed learners. Our learning programmes seek to promote thinking and encourage students to take responsibility for their learning. In partnership with their teachers, students seek to develop a deep understanding so that ultimately they are positioned to excel in the School Certificate, Higher School Certificate and in life beyond the College.
Leadership
Leadership skills are developed in students through the camping programme, through sport, music and drama opportunities and formally through the Prefects, House Captains and Sports Leaders, who are appointed each year. Additionally students are trained to be Peer Support Leaders for Year 7 students.
