1. science

Introduction to MSA Information Evening
Mr Glenn Fankhauser
College Principal
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Rowville SC Our Vision for an Eclectic
School
“Opportunities for all
- aim high, embrace learning,
reap rewards
Rowville
Secondary
College
We will be exemplary in
our passion for learning,
with high expectations
for achievement and a
dedication to providing
for diversity of talent
and interest. We strive
to see students leave
Rowville Secondary
College confident, happy
and ready for success in
a changing world.
HOW DO WE DO IT?
• Broad based program with
Learning Neighbourhoods in
Year 7, significant elective
choices in middle and senior
school focused on at school
then post school success
• A program for students with
talent and passion in
performing or visual arts,
uses exposure through the
arts world to enhance
learning
• A program for students with
talent and passion for sport,
uses sport as the basis for
enhancing learning
General
Excellence
(Gen Ex)
Rowville
Sports
Academy
(RSA)
Rowville
Institute of
the Arts
(RIA)
Rowville
Maths and
Science
Academy
(MSA)
• A program for students with
talent and enthusiasm for
mathematics and science,
which uses their curiosity as
the basis for learning
BRINGING IT TOGETHER!
This is what we value and what we value we explicitly teach
through our ConnectEd program and then through all that
we do
Respect: act as you would like to be treated
Responsibility: brave enough to play your part
Excellence: nothing but your best
Community: we are all in this together
SO WHAT CAN WE GET?
Maths Science Academy Staff
Mrs Daphne Clements:
Director MSA
Mrs Andrea Bellgrove:
Curriculum Coordinator
Mrs Melissa Fraser:
Student Management
Mr Tom Fay:
Maths Science Coordinator
Mr Matthew Randell:
Assistant Science Coordinator
-Robotics Teacher
Miss Amy Henry:
Maths Teacher-Connect Ed Coordinator
Mr Daniel Sherlock:
Science Teacher–Design and Exploration
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Our MSA Program is designed to...
•
Inspire high quality learning innovation, creativity and collaboration
•
Provide a rich learning environment with ‘real world’ applications
•
Engage with our scientists and mathematicians in residence
•
Provide for extensive laboratory experiences
•
Emphasise critical and higher order thinking skills
•
Provide opportunities for academic competitions
•
Incorporate a variety of technology applications
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Subject
Number of periods
per cycle
English
9
Enhanced Mathematics
9
Enhanced Science
6
Health and Physical Education
6
Humanities
6
LOTE (Indonesian)
6
The Arts
6
Mathematics Design and Exploration
6
Science Design and Exploration
6
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Subject
Number of periods
per cycle
English
9
Enhanced Mathematics
9
Enhanced Science
6
Health and Physical Education
6
Humanities
6
LOTE (Indonesian)
6
The Arts
6
Mathematics Design and Exploration
6
Science Design and Exploration
6
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Subject
Number of periods
per cycle
English
9
Enhanced Mathematics
8
Enhanced Science
6
Health and Physical Education
4
Humanities
6
LOTE (Indonesian)
6
Mathematics Design and Exploration
6
Science Design and Exploration
6
Elective (Student Selected)
9
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
•At year 10 LOTE is not compulsory but encouraged
• If no LOTE –students choice of 2 electives outside MSA
•The focus becomes acceleration into VCE
• Maths science subjects in Year 10 & Year 11
• Possibly first year university subjects in year 12
Subject
Number of periods
per cycle
English
9
Enhanced Mathematics
9
Enhanced Science
6
Elective 1 (LOTE)
9
Elective 2 (or a VCE Unit 1/2)
9
Science Design and Exploration/Laboratory Skills
6
VCE Unit 1/2 General Maths A &/or Biology &/or
Psychology
9
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Rowville Maths and Science Academy

What the data says
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
How can you tell if we make a difference?
Check the evidence.
 The evidence is representations of academic
growth over two years. We will show the
dimensions of
 Reading
 Numeracy
 We can compare the growth over two years
from Yrs 5 – 7 and over two years from
Yrs 7 – 9

Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
How can you tell if we make a difference?
We can compare the growth for MSA
students over two years
 from Yr 5 – 7 (Most of the learning
occurs in the primary school years)
 from Yr 7 – 9 (All of the learning
occurs at RSC).
If the growth is greater at Yrs 7 – 9 it is
RSC that is making the difference.
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
How to read the charts
The charts summarise a measure of growth:
Student A goes from a score of 400 – 500
over two years, the relative growth is 100.
Student B goes from a score of
700 – 720 over two years, the
relative growth is 20.
Student B gets a much higher score
Student A’s growth is much more.
The charts represent growth.
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
High, medium and low growth
High growth is defined as the growth made by the 25% of
students in Victoria with the highest growth.
Medium growth is defined as the growth made by the next
50% of students in Victoria.
Low growth is defined as the growth made by the 25% of
students in Victoria with the lowest growth.
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Reading the Charts

The Blue Line shows
relative growth for
students across Victoria.

If a school is performing on
average, it will have 25%
low growth50% medium
growth 25% high growth.

If a school is performing
well, it will have
•
lower levels of low growth
•
higher levels of high
growth.

The school at right is doing
well.
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Reading growth over two years
Yr 5 – 7 (2013)
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Reading growth over two years
Yr 7 – 9 (2013)
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Numeracy growth over two years
Yr 5 – 7 (2013)
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Numeracy growth over two years
Yr 7 – 9 (2013)
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Numeracy growth over two years
Yr 7 – 9 (2012)
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Numeracy growth over two years
Yr 7 – 9 (2013) – a reminder
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
2013 numeracy results –a closer look
The most able students make the
greatest growth
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
Design and Exploration is designed around principles of inquiry and may
involve some of the following activities:











Mathematics Trail (University of Melbourne)
Science works Museum
Scientific laboratory/industry
Fieldwork/excursion
Robotics
CSIRO Incursions
Collaboration with Universities
Mathematics/Science team Investigations
Current mathematical and scientific issues (e.g. Genetic engineering)
Past mathematical and scientific discoveries (e.g. compound interest
and banking)
Ethical issues in science (e.g. Stem cell research; Nuclear Energy)
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
•
Competitions
Hawaii/Duel Down Under, Robotics Competition
Mathematics Games Day
Australian Mathematics competition
Australian National Science Quiz
Rio Tinto Big Science Competition
Mathematics Talent Quest
University of Melbourne Maths Competition
Australian Infomatics Competition
Citizenship opportunities:
Interact Rotary Club Membership/Activities
Discovery Day activities
Lunchtime Mathematics and Science Club
Primary school (maths games, science labs and peer tutoring)
•
Interact Club with Rotary

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
CSIRO
Mathematician in
Schools
Dr Jason Looker
CSIRO Scientist:
Dr Megan
Gillespie
Scientist in Schools:
Dr Dale Quinn
•
ROTARY AND INTERACT
•
•
•
University
Engineering
Lecturers and
Students
Staff and Student
Mentors from the
King David FRC
team
Professor Michael
Heimlich
Macquarie
University
BAE Systems
• Connect Ed: at years 7–12 students participate in classes
centred around wellbeing, community awareness, resilience
and pathway development
• At year 7, a peer support program whereby year 10 students provide
assistance, guidance and support to year 7 students, is offered
• The Senior School team along with the Careers Co-ordinator and Managed
Individual Pathways Co-ordinator, provide assistance and career advice to
students
• Each class has a learning mentor (generally the Connect Ed teacher) who
guides the students towards all areas of schooling success when needed.
• All students from years 7-10 will develop a digital portfolio. This allows them to
showcase their achievements at school during student lead conferences in
term three.
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
•
The MSA program is built around students extensively
using a Laptop to engage in digital learning
experiences
•
Currently we have purchased ACER Aspire (revised
yearly) laptops and a clear process has been
established to support students in using their laptop as
part of their everyday learning experiences, this
includes both parents and students acknowledging a
clear user agreement
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
The application process includes:
1.
The submission of an Expression of Interest *
2.
The online registration for the Entry Exam is done via the school
website (MSA – entry exam) - $75 (a late fee of $225)
•
PAYMENT Online. No PAYMENT = No TEST
•
Payment is by Credit Card Only
•
No refund if you do not sit the test/do not get into the academy
3.
If deemed necessary, students may also need to attend an interview
*Expression of Interest form is available from the college website.
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
The exam is externally set and marked by Edutest. Parents
will receive feedback on test performance.






Aptitude Test: Verbal Reasoning (30 Minutes)
Numerical Reasoning (30 Minutes)
Achievement Test: Reading Comprehension (30 Minutes)
Mathematics (30 Minutes)
Writing Test: Creative (15 Minutes)
An email notification regarding arrangements for the day
will be forwarded to parents
** The exam will be conducted on the 21st May @ Western
Campus
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
1) What are the fees for MSA?
$1200 per year - $600 non refundable deposit paid on acceptance into the
academy. Further $600 due on 7 November 2014.
Inclusions – College fees, Printing, Laboratory Coat and Protective Glasses,
Combination Lock, School Magazine, Software Programs, Maths/Science
Excursions/Incursions, Science Workshops, Materials for Maths /Science
Exploration & Design Days, Technical Support which relates to the uploading of
software and assistance on the help desk.
Exclusions – Non Maths/Science Excursions/incursions, Camps and Urban
Experience, Instrumental Music Tuition, Laptop and Repairs, Laptop bag, Text
Books, Calculator and Electives.
(A Sport Levy for Years 7 & 8 of $70.00 is also required)
2) What are the costs associated with the Laptop

Laptop in 2014 - $847 First payment by 6th November 2014

Technical Support for Repairs

Payment arrangements – Parents will be notified
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
How are students assessed?

At years 7 – 10 according to the Victorian Learning Standards (VCAA & ACARA )

Assessment practices mirror VCE

Assessment at VCE in line with the VCAA requirements
Can I change the preference for my child’s secondary school next year?

YES. You can let the primary school know once you have received the offer
from RSC
Will the student be able to transfer into General Excellence?

Our MSA program is delivered in a way that should a student wish to transfer
between programs, they can easily do so.
Will my child have to travel between campuses?

Only students at VCE level may have to travel between campuses and this will
be dependent on their subject choice.
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”
EOI / Application
Being accepted NOW

WEDNESDAY 13th May
Online Registration closes
(late registration Fee $225)

THURSDAY 21st May
Entry Examination at the
Western Campus

INTERVIEWS
By the end of term 2

EARLY TERM 3
Letters of Offer posted
Rowville Maths and Science Academy | “Excellence from the beginning”