From the Head of Secondary

Our team of dedicated teachers is supported by an experienced pastoral care team that seeks to instil the core Carey values of Courage, Respect, Humility, Integrity and Kindness in our students.
Paul McCarthy-edit
Big enough to offer a diversity of learning opportunities, small enough to care.

Every parent wants their child to go to a school that really cares about them; a school where every teacher knows students by their first name; a school that understands them and can cater for their individual needs; a school that shares their values and instils these in their individual needs. Carey Baptist College Forrestdale is that school.

With just two streams of students in each year group in the secondary school, Carey Baptist College Forrestdale is small enough to care for each of our students as individuals. Our team of dedicated teachers is supported by an experienced pastoral care team that seeks to instil the core Carey values of Courage, Respect, Humility, Integrity, and Kindness in our students.

In this safe and supportive learning environment, your child will develop the confidence and learn the skills required to engage with the the academically rigorous content provided. With a strong focus on differentiation, our teachers strive to lift the performance of all students, including those who struggle and those ahead of year level expectations.

At Carey Baptist College Forrestdale, not only do our students enjoy an academically challenging education in a safe and supportive Christian environment, they also have access to a broad range of learning opportunities that are not afforded to many students.

Mr Paul McCarthy

Head of Secondary

Curriculum

Carey will continue to provide a curriculum that can meet the needs of all students. We offer a balance within a Christian-based approach to all areas of the curriculum, enabling students to demonstrate mastery in the major learning areas. We give instruction and assessment consistent with the requirements of the Western Australian Curriculum as directed by School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).

The Middle Years (Year 7 to 10) of Secondary School are about developing competence and mastery in the core curriculum areas of Mathematics, English, Science and the Humanities. Students develop a breadth of experience and competence by exploring elective subjects that can lead to higher levels of expertise and enjoyment of learning.

The Senior Years (Year 11 and 12) of Secondary Years focus on creating graduation pathways that are suited to the individual skills and interests of each student and importantly are about establishing secure pathways into University or the Vocational and Training sector.

UniReady
The Curtin UniReady Program is an alternate entry to the university pathway run by Curtin University. It provides a pathway for students into selected courses at Curtin University. If completed successfully, the program will provide students with a notional ATAR of 70 and English competency (Curtin’s minimum entry requirements for undergraduate courses). Students will then be eligible to apply for selected Curtin University undergraduate courses. The UniReady in Schools Program will contribute to a student’s WACE, as well as providing entry to Curtin University.
Extensive Enrichment Program
The Carey Extensive Enrichment Program is a co-curricular program designed to engage students in an area of passion and interest for them, in the desire that all students will feel connected in community and feel engaged and empowered on their learning journey. A range of activities are introduced, and will change every term, based on season, student interest, available skillset and student feedback. A number of these clubs will connect students with local businesses and organisations in our community. To see a list of potential activities and program overview, click here
Outdoor Learning
We believe in the value of immersing young people in the natural world, which is why outdoor learning plays an integral role in our curriculum. We give children opportunities to learn in nature; a rich outward experience for inward growth. Our campus is in a bush setting, with wetlands and bush areas intentionally retained to provide high quality, on-site outdoor classrooms. The landscape that surrounds us provides unlimited opportunities for academic, personal, community, and spiritual growth. Experiential learning provides rich, real-world experiences, facilitated by passionate and skilled educators who promote a lifestyle of continued learning from child to adulthood. As of 2021, we now offer both Horticulture and Permaculture as electives for our Secondary students who wish to dive deeper into their learning and relationship with nature.
Technology
All students use technology on a daily basis, gaining important skills and learning how to navigate the digital world. Secondary students begin using a device in Year 7, provided by the College on a rental basis, to ensure a robust curriculum offering and efficient learning for the various core curriculum subjects and electives.
Extension & Streaming
Students will be streamed in various forms throughout Secondary School to match them with other students of similar ability and to challenge them to expand their learning. Students may be invited to alternate classrooms to provide additional opportunities for learning. At other times students may stay within their normal classroom setting but be offered differentiation in their learning by their teacher.
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Curtin UniReady Program_Forrestdale

Pastoral Care

Our Pastoral Care Team and educators work together for the wellbeing of students throughout their journey in Secondary School. Positive, healthy relationships assist our students to effectively navigate the challenges of adolescence and help them to thrive in the school environment.

Our Behaviour Code is founded on our core-College values and healthy behaviour is expected, taught and affirmed. Our dedicated Psychologist and Chaplain partner with Carey educators and Leadership to ensure a safe and caring environment.

At Carey, Pastoral Care is based on our core belief that we are all made in the image of God. Our approach to Pastoral Care reflects our commitment for every student to grow, develop and achieve their potential. Our systems are framed with this commitment, reflected by high expectations in learning and behaviour. We expect our students to strive for excellence in their achievement and also encourage and enable others to do the same.

The Chaplain plays a key role in our Secondary Pastoral Care team, coming alongside students when there are social, emotional or spiritual challenges.

Visit our Chaplain's Corner

Christian Education

Consistent with our vision and mission, the College views Christian Education as a key foundation in our curriculum.

At Carey, we recognise and respect that developmentally, students are exploring, questioning and deciding much of their worldview. We believe in offering opportunities for wise inquiry and authentic experience towards the transforming love of God and this cannot be forced. We believe in the importance of values and ethics and for this reason, have developed a Beliefs and Values studies course that is age-appropriate for each year group. Our students learn how religious experience has consequently shaped the human experience and begin to see the significance of service.

Additionally, Christian values and faith permeate our teaching methodology and College culture. Our Christian educators may include prayers or Christian reference within the classroom, our College Assemblies reflect and honour God and our Chaplain offers relevant courses to students that connect our students with the Bible.

College Life

We’ve been intentional in building a college community that not only focuses on academic achievement, but social connections, sporting and creative programs, and strong community networks.

The Arts
  • Highly respected Arts and Music programs.
  • Instrumental Music Tuition from Pre-Primary onwards.
Sport
  • Inter-school sporting competitions for Years 7 and above.
  • Co-curricular sport options, according to student interest.
Camps and Events
  • Regular excursions and incursions.
  • Camps for students in Year 7 to Year 10.
  • Annual Christmas Concert.
  • Focus on different calendar events such as Mental Health Week, R U OK Day, Harmony Day, Anzac Day and Book Week.
  • Regular Secondary School assemblies.
Learning
  • Curriculum Support and Enrichment Programs.
  • Regular assessment and reporting to parents on student progress.
  • Specialist teachers in Art, Music, Languages and Physical Education.
  • Sustainability and care for our world taught through our Community Vegetable Gardens and horticultural program.
  • Developing focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).
  • Access to devices such as Chromebooks and iPads. All classrooms are equipped with an interactive e-board or Apple TV.
  • Lunchtime Activity Groups at select times of the year: Chess, Lego, Gravitrax, Art and Writing Club.
Support
  • Active partnerships with parents.
  • On-site Chaplain offering renowned courses for a child’s social, emotional and spiritual development.
  • Values-based school culture.
  • Strong pastoral care emphasis with high behaviour standards.
  • Celebrate cultural diversity.
  • Our educators are invested in developing inclusive strategies for all students based on the positive partnership model.

Year 7 Orientation

Your child becomes an integral part of the Secondary School community as they begin Year 7 at Carey. Our Orientation Day gives all students an informal start to school while they are in Year 6. We place an emphasis on building relationships and familiarity with staff and students — while having fun!

Carey educators and Pastoral Care staff journey with Year 7 students, and Pastoral Care Programs are in place for extra support.

There are plenty of opportunities available for students to explore hidden talents through our range of Electives and Co-Curricular activities. Students also attend a Year 7 Camp, which focuses on building relationships with peers by encouraging inclusivity and participation.

Workplace Learning Program

Carey Baptist College offers Workplace Learning as an Authority-Developed Endorsed Program. All General and Vocational Education Training students in Years 11 and 12 complete Workplace Learning as part of their studies. Workplace Learning consists of an application, safety, interview and induction process. Students then take part in practical, on-site placements which run for two weeks during Term 2. Year 10 students also access Workplace Learning Program towards the end of Term 4.

Workplace Learning provides students with the opportunity to explore their curiosity and future career prospects.

Many students successfully gain casual employment and apprenticeships as a result of the Workplace Learning Program.

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