College Profile.
Diamond Valley College offers a range of learning opportunities
Berry Street Education Model – Diamond Valley College staff have been trained by the Berry Street organisation to implement proven strategies in positive education. The Berry Street Educational Model reinforces cognitive and behavioural change.
High Achiever Program – The Diamond Valley College High Achiever Program provides additional opportunities for high achieving students. The team of teachers. The program creates learning situations that will allow students to achieve their maximum potential. Learn More
Sports Acdemy – The DVC Sports Academy offers prospective enrolments access to a High-Performance Athlete Training System while participating in a rigorous and comprehensive academic program. Learn More
VET Screen and Media HUB – Diamond Valley College provides exclusive access to AIE’s Games Development VETiS program in the Northern Melbourne VET Cluster. Diamond Valley College services 10 schools. Learn More
High Resolves Program – Year 9 and 10 students are given the opportunity to partake in the High Resolves program. The High Resolves Program has the objective of engaging and empowering students to take part and be active in their communities. Students engage in projects that encourage real world change. Learn More
Location.
Students of Diamond Valley College travel from a wide variety of communities, ranging from rural areas such as Yarrambat, Arthurs Creek, Strathewen, Kinglake, St Andrews, Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill, to more residential areas such as Hurstbridge, Wattle Glen, Eltham, Research, Doreen and Diamond Creek. The College operates an extensive transport system which enable students from the local community to travel to Diamond Valley College using the College Bus Network or via the Route 381 Public Bus Service. Diamond Valley College strives to maintain strong links with our local primary schools, through activities such as Performing Arts visits and leadership programs.
Organisation.
The College is committed to building positive relationships between students, staff and parents, as well as supporting students in the development of mature attitudes and behaviour, self discipline and community responsibility. Staff endeavour to achieve an environment where students feel safe, supported and valued as individuals. Student leadership, participation and acknowledgement of achievement is emphasised through initiatives such as leadership training, peer support, cross-age tutoring, the House System and college awards.
The curriculum and student management is organised via two sub schools. Year level coordinators manage the transition processes and subject selections, co-curricular activities and student behaviour. Students are organised in home groups with a pastoral teacher and these groups meet twice per week. The junior sub school (year 7 in particular) receives priority in the allocation of a home group teacher, as that teacher is generally their Mathematics and Science teacher or their English and Humanities teacher. The year 7 and 8 teaching teams also conduct a Personal Development for Learning program, with a focus on independent and interdependent learning. Year levels and sub schools conduct meetings specific to their needs. In the senior sub school, this includes visiting speakers and a strong focus on the Managed Individual Pathways Program. Staff who teach in each sub school attend regular meetings to discuss student learning, welfare and management issues.
Mission and Values.
The foundations of our community are the agreed values of Respect, Excellence and Responsibility. These values and behaviours are the result of collaborative work by all students, staff and parents. We promote these values consistently through our daily interactions. Diamond Valley College assists students in developing a culture for learning, by providing opportunities to obtain leadership roles, participate in the decision making process and work on civic tasks within our local community. Courteous, respectful and supportive relationships between students and staff are a feature of our College. Work with both pastoral and student groups emphasises the development of a supportive and positive school culture, where students feel free to express themselves and achieve their potential. A Student Leadership Program operates at all Year levels and the Student Representative Council provides a meaningful voice in College decision making processes. Expectations about student behaviour are high. All teachers develop a Classroom Management Plan within the framework of the College values and behaviours. Expectations and consequences are clearly communicated, and the rules are consistently and firmly enforced. Where difficulties arise, Diamond Valley College offers practical support to parents and students and ensures that this communication is open and honest.