Newhaven College HAS the goods

Newhaven College Middle School teachers Melanie Flower, Steven Scott and Cynthia Young recently presented at the Geography Teachers Association of Victoria (GTAV) Conference, showcasing the College's innovative Humanities and Science (HAS) class.

Unique to the region, Newhaven College's Middle School is purposefully designed to meet the specific learning and developmental needs of students aged 10 to 14, across Years 5 - 8.

Learning experiences are designed to be challenging, joyful and relevant, encouraging students to engage, explore and grow with confidence.

Three years ago, the College's Director of Learning, Karen Milkins-Hendry approached a small team of Humanities and Science specialists with the idea of creating a 'super-subject' that seamlessly combined the Humanities and Science curricula.

Through planning, collaboration and creative thinking, the team developed the HAS Program, which has transformed the learning experience for the College's Middle School students.

The presentation at the conference followed an invitation from GTAV to contribute an article to its quarterly newsletter, which led to a further request for the teachers to speak about the HAS program.

The interest from the peak body representing Geography teachers in Victoria was a strong endorsement of the innovative work being undertaken by the College.

The interest from teachers attending the conference was high, with many questions including how HAS could be implemented in other schools.

Several teachers from schools across Victoria, including some prominent Melbourne schools, expressed interest in visiting Newhaven College for a day to observe HAS classes in action.

The College said the positive reception was a rewarding recognition of the time, thought and energy invested in developing HAS.

"The program provides teachers with opportunities for creative and collaborative teaching, while students benefit from making connections between Science and Humanities and developing a deeper understanding of the world around them and their place within it," a College spokesperson said.

"With a pioneering program which is attracting interest from schools across Victoria, the HAS journey has been an exciting one. It is just one example of how Newhaven College Middle School is continuing to engage, innovate and educate young people."

Prospective families are invited to attend the upcoming College Tour on Wednesday October 14 to experience the campus, meet staff, and learn more about the College's programs and facilities.

Bookings can be made via newhavencol.vic.edu.au. For further information, please contact the Admissions Team at admissions@newhavencol.vic.edu.au.