All students regardless of race, age or gender, by virtue of their dignity as human persons, have a right to an education that is suited to their particular needs and adapted to their ability (Pope Paul VI 1965).

The College recognises the entitlement of each student to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills that provide a foundation for lifelong learning.

A personalised approach to learning ensures the development of competence and confidence by actively engaging and challenging students to achieve their best. Personalised learning caters to the needs of students with learning difficulties or disabilities and those who require enrichment or extension.

Student data is used extensively to understand students’ strengths and areas requiring further support. Literacy and Numeracy support and intervention programs are provided to further assist students requiring additional support in these areas.

Additional classes for VCE students are available to ensure that students requiring one-to-one support, small group work or who enjoy a tutorial style approach, can benefit.

Enrichment

At Our Lady of Sion, boundless opportunity exists to enrich student learning.

Students who are keen to engage in debate on matters of political, environmental, peace, security, economic, human rights, health and social concerns can participate in the Model United Nations Assembly.

Similarly, students with a passion for problem-solving and creative thinking can participate in Tournament of Minds, which offers students challenge and growth through its six-week problem solving structure. Working in teams, effective problem-solving, thinking outside the square and the use of technology are skills promoted through our enrichment opportunities.

Students, with a particular love of English can participate in book clubs, debating, public speaking and creative writing competitions.

French and Italian students participate in the annual Alliance Française and Dante Alighieri statewide language competitions with outstanding results.

An extensive and rich Performing and Visual Arts program has led to individual students performing in Top Class for VCE Music Performance, the granting of the Grainger Wind Symphony Scholarship, the awarding of the Julia Flynn prize at the Catholic Education Melbourne Art Exhibition, the awarding of the Stoll Trust Prize in the Box Hill Art Show and students selected for the cast of the Catholic Education Melbourne Time to Shine performing arts showcase.

Additional opportunities for enrichment exist in our study tours and international partnerships program; see International Opportunities for more information.

Denise O’Hara Science Academy

The Denise O’Hara Science Academy, established in 2012, is a unique program for students in Years 9 and 10 to participate in a range of co-curricular science activities, and to encourage excellence in the field of science.

The Denise O’Hara Science Academy program broadens students’ knowledge in science. Students are offered a variety of experiences which can be tailored to their own chosen fields of interest.

Opportunities such as The University of Melbourne’s Conco Phillips Science Experience during which students can undertake a range of science activities under the guidance of scientists, 3D Modelling at Quantum Victoria, ACMI’s Code Breakers: Girls in Gaming, and undertaking experiments to learn more about micro-organisms at La Trobe University all provide insights into the unique and varied world of scientific endeavour.

Instrumental Music Program

The Our Lady of Sion College Music Department strives to imbue in students a passion and appreciation for music listening, playing and performance.

To achieve this we:

• actively support students in setting and achieving goals with independence
• value critical thinking and collaboration in learning
• value critical thinking and collaboration in learning view enhancing resilience and self-confidence as a priority
• provide opportunities to foster students’ sense of self within the community.

The primary focus of the Music Department at Our Lady of Sion College is to promote the enjoyment of music through creating and performing with others.

Many of our girls have taken up the opportunity of instrumental tuition and ensemble work which has led them to university studies in Music and participation in community orchestras, choirs and bands.

For more information and for an online enrolment form, please view the brochure for the Instrumental Music Program.

If you have any questions about the music program at Our Lady of Sion College, please feel free to contact the Music Office at the College.