Learning Spaces
At Catholic College we believe that learning spaces should be comfortable and well-resourced if they are to support effective learning. Little touches such as air conditioning to all areas, good lighting, appropriate furniture and colour all help to create spaces that create an effective space and place for learning.
Click on the link to find out more about the following learning spaces:
Arts
The Arts operate from the the McAuley Arts Centre, a modern purpose-built facility. The building provides specialist facilities both the Visual and Performing Arts. The top floor of the building houses a computer lab, dark room, video production suites and classrooms for painting, drawing and ceramics. The lower floor provides classrooms for Music and Media, individual practice rooms and a large stage for performances. Whilst used as a learning space, the Auditorium is used for College Assemblies, functions and College Productions.
The current master plan provides for a new music/drama/dance area to be added to the Centre in the near future.
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Physical Education
The College has four all weather tennis courts, an oval and full access to the Wodonga Leisure Centre which is 20 metres from the College. Local specialist sports grounds and pools are also accessed for learning.
Currently the College is planning to build two large bike enclosure. Our school bikes would be located inside one of the enclosures. We are keen for students to use the many bike paths in Wodonga to travel to and from school. This plan supports our Student Health and Sustainability plans.
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Science
The College operates four modern and well-resourced science laboratories. Each laboratory has facilities for the teaching of general science whilst some areas have been set up and resourced to cater for the teaching of specialist Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics. The College also employs a full time lab technician who supports all aspects of the teaching and learning program in Science.
In 2009, the College received a $1.5M grant to deliver vocational trade taining certificates in the areas of Aviation and Laboratory Skills. A new building program is being undertaken to provide for the delivery of these certificates. The wing includes a new preparation area, an industry standard laboratory and a classroom for learning theory and writing up reports. The facility will be completed during 2010.
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Technology
The College is is well resourced for teaching and learning in technology with facilities for Fabrics, Food, ICT, Systems, Construction and Design and Technology. The College has recently built new modern kitchen facilities for the operation of Food Technology classes. The new centre adjoins modern commercial kitchen facilities that are used for the provision of Hospitality studies. All other areas of technology are housed in a modern technology centre with rooms for electronics, fabrics, ICT and a large modern workshop for working with resistant materials including wood, metal and plastic.
In 2009, the College was granted funding to deliver vocational trade training in the area of General Construction. A new purpose built facility is being constructed to replace the insufficient existing facilities and will be ready to commence operation during the 2010 school year.
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Library Resource Centre
The modern library resource centre supports learning and teaching throughout the College. The main library maintains a substantial collection of reference material, fiction and non-fiction material. The library also provides access to a large range of online references and digital multi-media resources and is well equipped with the latest ICT resources.The main library building caters for combinations of whole class, small group and individual learning.
Library services are not restricted to the limits of the physical library building. Using the College's ICT resources, the latest digital resources are available to all learning spaces within the College or remotely over the Internet. Online resources include the electronic catalogue, online encyclopedias, reference material and electronic databases and streaming video and mutlimedia via ClickView—A virtual library supporting learning anytime—anywhere.
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Senior Study
The College operates a large Senior Study to support students in their final year of school. It is directly connected to the office of the Senior School Teaching and Learning Team and is supervised by experienced senior school teachers. The study is divided into two separate rooms. The larger room allows for both independent and small group study. Students have access to a bank of computers and resources for printing and copying. The smaller room is set up for quiet independent study. All senior students are required to spend their study period in this area.
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Gathering Space
The celebration of achievements and learning is an important part of life at Catholic College. The College has a number of gathering spaces that at used for celebrations. The Peter Casey Auditorium, seating over one thousand people, is used for whole school assemblies, performances, exhibitions and school poductions. Other indoor and outdoor venues around the College are used for smaller gatherings of Year levels, class and smaller groups for assemblies, presentations and smaller exhibitions and performances of student work.
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Discovery 9 - Nganala (formerly Westmont Aged Care Centre)
In 2010 this newly refurbished Centre will open for Year 9 students. The Centre is opposite the main campus in Bowman Court. Previously, it operated as an Aged Care Centre. The new Year 9 campus provides for the engaging learning program currently being finalised.
During 2009, 8 classroom spaces will be created and the current flexible learning spaces will be upgraded. The large garden spaces will also be utilised for passive recreation and learning.
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Language Centre
A building linked to Nganala, is currently being refurbished for the study of LOTE. Over time, we plan to add 4 classrooms to the front of the current building. In 2010 the LOTE staff will be located in the building with the small rooms being used for aural and oral work, small group tuition and the kitchen for cultural activities. Years 8 to 12 classes will be located in the Nganala classrooms.
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Learning Spaces
Learning spaces throught the College are constantly being improved to support teaching and learning. All learning areas are connected to the College's high speed wireless network. Students are able to use laptop computers or mobile iPod devices to connect to the network resource or internet from any learning space within the College. Data projectors and interactive whiteboards are progressively being installed into key areas accross the College.
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Beyond Walls
Learning does not end at the phyisical limits of the College walls. The College's modern ICT infrastructure and high speed wireless network allow students to access resources outside the walls of the classroom and remotely over the internet from anywhere in the world. Courses are increasingly being developed for the College's Learning Management System allowing students to continue work remotely when they are not on campus. A large range of online resources can also be accessed via the virtual library.
The College has many advanced trees and grassed areas that provide superb outdoor learning areas. Many areas are also shaded by large sails. Seats and tables enable students to move between the walled learning areas and the ‘unwalled' spaces.
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