Curriculum

While the School has a strong focus on science and mathematics, the curriculum is broad enough to develop students’ skills and capacities in other related fields.

In Year 10 all students study English and Mathematics, four of the many semester-length Science core and elective units on offer (many of these are only available at JMSS), Issues Studies (the interface between the Humanities and the Sciences), Creative Studies (a range of fascinating options in Computer Science) and Personal Learning and Wellbeing, which includes Physical Education. The school has a rich co-curricular program including several Languages and Music, with students being able to learn instruments at school, and play in small and large ensembles.

The school’s innovative curriculum is co-written with Monash academics and informed by the latest research in the sciences as well as in learning and teaching.

The school’s innovative curriculum is co-written with Monash academics and informed by the latest research in the sciences as well as in learning and teaching. This broad range of subjects leads to multiple pathways through and beyond the Victorian Certificate of Education. The school is working with the university to ensure there are a number of enhancement options for students in their third year of study at JMSS.

The learning programs at JMSS are enriched for students in two major ways:

• the Monash academic liaison staff have been able to bring the cutting edge of scientific knowledge and research into the classroom, both in some of JMSS’s unique studies and in VCE studies. This strong liason means that JMSS students engage in exciting activities such as astronomical observation nights, geological and biological field trips and camps, student-led conferences such as our annual nanotechnology conference, creation of advanced computer simulations and robots, and Mathematics immersion days.
• our students have access to first-class research and teaching facilities at Monash. The use of the Geoscience and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) laboratories, Monash Sporting facilities, Performing Arts Centre and research laboratories in the STRIP are examples of the many opportunities which have already been availed our students.

The JMSS experience is therefore unique in secondary education in Victoria.