Entry (Year 7)
At Bundoora Secondary College, our Entry learning programs build on the experiences gained in primary school and prepare students for the BUNDOORA DIFFERENCE, an approach centred on inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world scenarios.
Our Entry curriculum provides a strong foundation for PACE21 subjects and deep learning electives. Through cross-curricular, project-based, and inquiry-based learning, students develop essential skills while exploring a variety of teaching and learning approaches. By the end of Semester 1, students are empowered to make informed choices for their PACE21 subject selections for the following year.
To support a smooth transition to secondary school, we reduce the number of teachers through themed subjects. This helps students feel supported and enables them to build positive, trusted relationships with the staff who teach and guide them.
Entry subject offerings
Pathways and Learning (PAL)
PAL fosters a strong sense of community. Students build supportive connections with peers in their PAL group, guided by a dedicated PAL teacher who provides academic and wellbeing support. PAL teachers help students engage in learning activities related to careers, health, safe environments, and learning dispositions.
English
Students develop essential skills in language, social concepts, and interactions with the world. The program builds foundational, cultural, and civic literacies, critical and creative thinking, and communication skills, strengthening reading, viewing, writing, speaking, and listening abilities.
Maths
Students build knowledge in number, algebra, measurement, geometry, statistics, and probability. Mathematics is used to model real-life scenarios, apply strategies, and verify answers. Students learn to reason mathematically, explain their thinking, and use technology for problem-solving.
Rhythm & Movement
Students develop motor skills through dance, minor games, athletics, fitness, and gymnastics. The focus is on technique refinement, biomechanical principles, collaboration, and creativity through teamwork and choreographed routines.
Humanity & Culture
Through integrated units, students explore ancient, First Nations, and contemporary cultures, developing skills in history, geography, and visual art. The program fosters intercultural and ethical understanding, collaboration, and creativity.
Experiment & Design
Students learn laboratory skills and conduct experiments using the scientific method. Design thinking enables hands-on creation and prototyping of innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Is Water More Precious Than Gold?
This subject introduces the Deep Learning inquiry model. Students investigate water as a precious resource, compare its abundance in Australia and another country, and report their findings. They plan a deep inquiry, build a portfolio of evidence, create an authentic product, exhibit their work, and reflect on their learning process.
Instrumental Music
All Entry students can learn an instrument and participate in the school’s music programs. Instrumental music lessons are fully subsidised for Semester 1, and offered at half-price for students continuing in Semester 2.
Hands On Learning (HOL)
HOL supports students who benefit from additional strategies for emotional regulation. The class acts as a circuit breaker to regular schooling, encouraging the development of social skills and engagement in practical outdoor activities. Students learn horticulture and urban agriculture by developing and maintaining food production sites and native gardens.
Specialist Electives
In Semester 2, students use the subject preference system to select from a range of specialist electives, similar to the PACE21 offerings. Options may include:
German – Level 7
Drama
BSC Farm
Music Performance
Make it with Food
Make it with Wood
Make it with Digitech
Ball Sports
Visual Arts