Year 11 from 2009

Co-curricular program a vital part of new Wycliffe Senior College

Commencing in 2009, Years 11 and 12 will form the new Wycliffe Senior College. In 2010, Year 10 will join Years 11 and 12 in the new program designed to prepare students for their transition to adulthood. Academic studies towards the NSW credentials of School Certificate (Year 10) and Higher School Certificate (Year 12) are naturally a centre piece of the program. However Wycliffe also seeks to support and challenge students to go into a rapidly changing global world with confidence and hope. A vital part of that preparation is the co-curricular program. This program does not celebrate the way of the tourist. While there is undoubtedly a "tourist" factor and an element of privilege to any program in a new location in Australia or overseas, the focus is on seeing the world from the perspective of others and coming as close to their daily lives and cultural challenges as possible. It is intended as a "step out of the comfort zone".

To that end the traditional Year 11 Western NSW Service Camp will be one of the options for students. Planning is currently underway. Further details will be provided by August/September 2008. At this point current and prospective Wycliffe students will be asked to nominate their initial preference for 2009 programs. The details below are preliminary only and subject to confirmation from third parties. In some circumstances, the program may be open to Year 12 students or Year 11 students may be able to select two of the programs (subject to their meeting curriculum commitments).

Where Year 11 students take part in a cross-cultural activity conducted during the April or July vacation period, they may access flexible vacation arrangements during the last week of Term 1 when other Year 11 students are on the Western NSW Service Program, Year 12 are undertaking Examinations and Years 7 to 10 students are on school camps. Nevertheless it is an expectation that all Year 11 students will be involved in one of the Year 11 programs detailed on this page.

Year 11 Whole Group Activities

There will continue to be plenty of opportunity for whole year group activities to build community and develop constructive relationships. Year 11 commences with a Study Skills Day away from the school site. There will be additional whole year activities through the 20 month program leading to the HSC

Western NSW Service Program

Modelled on the original Year 11 Camp Program, students will travel to rural areas of Western NSW. This program will be conducted at the same time as Year 12 1st Semester Examinations, usually during the last week of Term 1. This will now be one of the options for Year 11 students. The cost of this program is covered by the Year 11 Levy.

Hong Kong - China Cultural Exchange

Following the successful 2008 pilot, the Hong Kong -China Cultural exchange will now be one of the annual options for Year 11 students. We are currently awaiting calendar decisions at our sister school before confirming the dates of this program in 2009. It is expected to be held at least partly within the April school vacation. Full details of this program can be found on the Hong Kong-China Exchange pages. Acceptance of a student to this team will be by special application and separate agreement.

A partial payment of the costs will be met from the Year 11 levy. However an additional payment of at least $1750 will be required. This is an estimate only and final costs will be advised later in 2008 and will be sensitive to any increase in airfares. (Should students be able to access both this program and another Year 11 program such as the Western NSW Service Program, an additional payment representing the Year 11 Levy component will become payable). Students are encouraged to earn a significant part of the cost of the program through their own efforts.

Indigenous Community Experience

The school is in the early stages of exploring the opportunity for an Indigenous Community experience. The focus is expected to be on understanding indigenous communities, student reflection and personal development, including developing an understanding of opportunities for future service.

There are expected to be some additional costs beyond the Year 11 Levy. Places are expected to be limited to a maximum of 10 to 12 students. It is likely that the program will run in April or July vacations. The program may be open to Year 12 students in certain circumstances.

Additional programs from 2010 onwards

The most likely additions to this range of options will be an urban mission activity (possibly cross-cultural) within the Sydney basin.

^top