Discere Program
An Introduction
Beginnings of
Discere
• 2002
• Conference – Individual Needs
• Enrolment Issues (demand for more places)
• A program to allow for intake at 7, 8 and 9
level
• An opportunity to support the small number of
students at either end of mainstream learning
Concerns
• Isolation
• Out of mainstream
• Target for bullying
• Assessment and reporting
Key aspects
• Learning opportunity
• Focused
• Supportive
• Extending abilities of all students
• Resources/staffing
Structures
• Key component of learning process in Discere
to be ILP
• Core curriculum
• Some aspects with mainstream (yr 8 INVG8)
• Whole school reporting - VELS
What is Discere
today?
• A unique learning program for boys in years 7, 8
and 9
• A program for those who learn differently to the
mainstream population
• Withdrawal from mainstream classes
• Smaller class sizes
• More one-to-one contact with teachers and
students
• Two streams - Blue and Gold
Discere Gold
• A program for boys who need literacy/
numeracy/learning support
• Assistance accessing the mainstream curriculum
• Curriculum modification
• Assistance with organisation
• Development of independent learning strategies
• A supportive and understanding environment to
encourage achievement and success
Discere Blue
• An extension program for boys who need
greater academic challenge
• Accelerated learning
• Highly motivated learners
• High achievers
• An environment that encourages discussion,
debate, inquiry, independent learning,
motivation and excellence
How does Discere
work?
• Boys are withdrawn from mainstream core subject
classes for participation in Discere
• They have a homeroom teacher and morning year
level homeroom the same as mainstream but that
teacher is a Discere teacher
• They have a whole Discere homeroom/assembly
once a week
How does discere
work?
• Core subject classes are kept small – typically 10 - 12
students in a class
• Some classes will combine year levels in the stream –
for example yr 7 and yr 8 Blue English
• Some classes will combine the streams – for example
year 7 Blue and Gold Technology/Art/RE/Drama
• More excursions – research/real and independent
learning
How does discere
work?
• The program is well resourced with access to
computers, student support etc
• Students attend all year level,campus and
whole school activities
• Students participate in year level sport and
have the opportunity to represent the college in
ACC sport, performing arts, debating or other
extra curricular activities of their choice
How does discere
work?
• There are less teachers in Discere than in
mainstream
• Relationships are important students/teachers/families
• Testing/educational assessments may be
required
• A focus on developing independent learning the ILP
The ILP
• Independent Learning Project
• Students choose something they want to learn
about
• They develop their own research, class outlines
and work towards their outcome - film, novel,
construction, study
• They reflect on their learning
• Presentation night!
Why choose Discere?
• My son has always learned differently to others
in his class
• My son has been holding himself back,
struggling to catch up so he can fit in
• Recommendations from teachers, primary
school
• Recommendations from other parents /
students
• Take part in a unique learning opportunity
What if my son isn’t
in discere?
• St Bernard’s College has a pastoral focus
• Students are identified where they may need support
or are particularly strong in certain areas
• Integration means being a part of the whole school
• Support is available in the mainstream
• Student Support Services is for Individual Education
Plans, Integration Funding and Special Needs – Jeff
Mifsud 9289 1156/ jmifsud@sbc.vic.edu.au
Applications
• Application forms are available tonight
• Downloadable from SBC website
• Some information from primary school is very
helpful and provides a contact
• Students can start thinking about the ILP
• Application forms to be signed by parents and
student