English

English is central to the way students communicate, understand and interact with others and the world around them. Students are encouraged to become confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed young adults. Secondary students at Ashwood School continue to develop knowledge, understanding and skills across the three interrelated strands of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 (Language, Literature and Literacy), with each strand building students' abilities across listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing. Reading instruction is underpinned by explicit, systematic synthetic phonics, ensuring students continue to strengthen their decoding and word-recognition skills as a foundation for reading with growing fluency and independence. At Ashwood School, these skills are taught in ways that are meaningful and functional for everyday life, with instruction tailored to each student's individual point of need. Our School Library complements English learning, with students enjoying weekly visits with their classroom teacher that foster a love of fiction and non-fiction texts and support the development of literacy skills in a rich and engaging environment. 

Mathematics

Mathematics gives Secondary students essential knowledge, skills, and processes in Number, Algebra, Measurement, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability, alongside the reasoning and problem-solving abilities needed to interpret and respond to real-world situations. In line with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, learning at this stage places a growing emphasis on building the numeracy capabilities students need for personal, work and civic life, preparing them for the practical demands of adulthood and independence beyond school. At Ashwood School, learning experiences across each strand are adjusted to match each student's individual goals and abilities, with a focus on applying mathematical thinking to everyday, functional contexts including budgeting, time management, measurement and problem-solving in real-world settings. This approach supports students in building confidence and competence in numeracy as they

transition toward further study, employment and independent life. 

Humanities

Humanities encourages Secondary students to understand the world around them and their place within it. Through History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business, students explore people, places, communities and the events and ideas that have shaped our world. Learning is inquiry-based and encourages students to ask questions, investigate topics and make connections to their own lives and experiences.

Secondary students build their understanding of rights and responsibilities, community participation, and making informed decisions about money, work and everyday life. From Year 9, Work 

and Work Futures becomes a key focus. Students meet with a career consultant, who administers the Morrisby  Profile to identify their personal strengths and employability skills. This helps students and their families begin exploring post-school options and make informed decisions about future pathways. 

Science

Science encourages secondary students to be curious about the world around them, ask questions and investigate how things work. Students build their knowledge across the Chemical, Biological, Physical, and Earth and Space Sciences, while developing key skills in scientific inquiry: making predictions, conducting investigations, testing ideas and evaluating evidence.

Learning is hands-on, with students exploring scientific concepts through practical activities and investigations. They connecttheir learning to real-world topics such as health, the environment and technology, strengthening their ability to observe, reason, solve problems and explain their ideas.

Excursions to Monash Tech School give students the chance to take part in hands-on STEM experiences alongside specialist educators, with access to a wide range of engaging resources and technologies.

Personal and Social Capabilities

Building students' personal and social capabilities is a core part of learning at Ashwood School. Social skills are taught explicitly through structured SWPBS and RRRR (Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships) lessons, helping students develop communication, self-regulation and relationship skills that support their engagement both in and beyond the classroom. These capabilities are further developed through excursions and camps, which give students real-world opportunities to practise and apply their skills in new environments, building independence, confidence and social connection.