– David Reynolds, Principal at Melton Secondary College
Principal David Reynolds recognises that implementing a range of specialised programs to support the learning of a growing and increasingly diverse student cohort, coupled with high quality professional practice, is critical to the school’s success.
Melton Secondary College lies in the outer west of the greater metropolitan Melbourne area. The school has grown significantly over the past few years and this growth expected to continue – the current population of just over 1,000 is projected to almost double by 2020.
The school’s vision is for all students to learn at the highest level possible within a community of learning that fosters the growth and development of the whole person. The central part of its mission is a curriculum that ensures students flourish into adults, citizens and employees with the intellectual, social and emotional skills necessary for success in the 21st century.
Many students at the school have experienced trauma. According to David, “Students bring not just the standard adolescent issues, but for many, they have been betrayed by adults. Not all the kids have received unconditional care and love and we need to understand what that means for their education journey.”
In addition to the school’s focus on positive relationships, Melton Secondary College offers support to all early career teachers through its mentor-mentee program, in which all first-year teaching staff are paired with an experienced teacher who teaches the same subject. The support provided through this pairing includes structured fortnightly meetings to discuss teaching strategies and adjust to the routines of the school.