The focus of the educational program offered at Murdoch College recognises that:
- Learning requires the active participation of the learner.
- Learning best occurs in an environment that offers security, understanding, acceptance, respect, direction and guidance from a caring adult.
- Learning occurs in a variety of ways and at different rates.
- Learning is both an individual and a social process.
- Learning is enhanced when instructional experiences are developed in partnership with the larger community.
- Learning is enhanced when learning experiences are based upon a broad spectrum of knowledge, skills and attitudes.
- Learning is enhanced by the effective application of technology.
Our students will demonstrate:
- Well-developed communication skills in a variety of media and contexts.
- A positive self-image.
- A capacity to think critically, to be creative, and to adapt to change.
- A sense of personal and social responsibility.
- The ability to be self-motivated and self-directed.
- A capacity to be innovative and to work co-operatively.
- Respect for other people and tolerance of different points of view.
- An aesthetic awareness and interest in the expressive arts.
- A personal ethic that reflects sound core values.
The Purpose of our Mission Statement:
- Describe the kind of college we want to be.
- Create a unity of purpose and commitment.
- Provide a framework and direction that will guide us in all our activities.
- Encourage, facilitate and respond to change.
What we mean by demonstrating 'Well developed communication skills in a variety of media and contexts':
- Speaks, reads, writes and listens and comprehends language with competence and effect.
- Presents an argument, idea or artistic statement convincingly.
- Uses a variety of media and technologies to communicate effectively.
A positive self-image:
- Has confidence in capacity as a learner.
- Has confidence in ability to cope and succeed.
- Creates a positive vision for self and future.
- Values oneself as a person of dignity and ability.
- Values the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Respect for other people and tolerance for different points of view:
- Respect for individual and cultural differences.
- Awareness of and respect for the Australian mosaic.
- Respect for different viewpoints and perspectives.
A sense of personal and social responsibility:
- Contributes time, energies and talents to improving welfare of others.
- Reflects on role as a community contributor and a responsible citizen.
- Considers consequences and accepts responsibility for choices.
The ability to be self-motivated and self-directed:
- Sets priorities and achievable goals.
- Monitors and evaluates progress.
- Motivated to work towards personal and shared goals.
- Accepts responsibility to direct own learning.
- Creates options for self.
The capacity to be innovative and to work co-operatively:
- Monitors own behaviour as a group member.
- Assesses and manages group functioning.
- Values contributions from all group members.
- Creates intellectual, artistic, practical and physical products, which reflect originality and high standards.
- Uses appropriate resources and tecnhology.
The capacity to think critically, to be creative, and to adapt to change:
- Selects and applies strategies to the resolution of complex issues.
- Uses appropriate criteria to create or identify possible alternatives and make decisions.
- Applies knowledge, facts, concepts and skills in new situations where they are appropriate.