Alfred Deakin High School

Alfred Deakin High (ADHS) is a year 7-10 comprehensive high school located in the suburb of Deakin. Established in 1966 and with an enrolment of 878. ADHS draws students from more than 40 different cultural backgrounds. The school community values the diversity of its population and celebrates the advantages that this diversity brings to the school. ADHS enriches student lives through innovative education, a pursuit of excellence in learning, and the celebration of personal success. Together we engage with the community and work to develop creative and confident young people. Our school values of excellence, respect, responsibility, and community are mirrored in our learning programs, our policies and in the overall culture of the school. The school promotes the development of individuals through a broad range of learning experiences. These include a strong core curriculum of English, Maths, Humanities and the Social Sciences, Science, Languages (French, Japanese, Italian & Indonesian), and PE & Health, and a diverse elective curriculum in the Makers curriculum (Technology and the Arts). Students are streamed into programs according to aptitude and interest, including the Unicorn program (for identified gifted and talented students),  Extension, accelerated learning pathways and flexible and personalised learning pathways. The school emphasises restorative practices and a pastoral care program focused developing social and emotional learning skills. The strong co-curricular program includes overseas and national excursions camps and activities that add value to experiential learning. Leadership opportunities are a focus at ADHS for developing confident, resilient and compassionate global citizens. The Panthers (boys) and Elements (girls) education programs for years 9 & 10 students, a year 10 Leadership recognition system, an active Student Executive Group, the Youth Leadership program offering Peer Support to year 7 students and an Advanced Outdoor Education program are widely recognised as examples of excellence. The Disability Awareness Program delivered to year 10 students in partnership with Woden School is unique in the ACT. The use of learning technologies is embedded in the teaching and learning environment at ADHS. Every student has a Chromebook and accesses their learning resources through the wireless environment.  Google Apps for Education (GAFE) is the online learning management system used across all classes –  to issue materials, check student progress and provide online feedback to their learning.  The school also has an E- Study and Gryphon program that cater for a range of student learning needs, including students requiring specific and individual learning support. A key feature of our work with students with special needs is their integration into mainstream classes according to their learning strengths. Strategies to improve literacy and numeracy in students have included a focus on quality teaching, building the capacity of staff to effectively utilise reading strategies across all curriculum areas, and targeted intervention support for all students identified through annual school-based numeracy and literacy testing. Students at ADHS value having diverse opportunities in a positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone’s individuality is respected. ADHS values the active and supportive relationships with its parents and carers and the inclusive and friendly relationships that exist in the school.