The Horizon program so far this term has been amazing. I love learning about my possible future and the steps that can get me there. Instead of our usual classes, we get to focus on things like future careers and social issues, but in a way that actually makes you think and ask questions. It’s not just sitting around listening to teachers, we do a lot of practical work, which means we explore topics by ourselves and in groups. Plus, every Thursday we have Trail Days where we get to go out to the city to learn more about ourselves in general (either career wise or personally), which breaks up the week and makes learning way more fun and real. So far this term we have been on a bike ride to Wombat Bend, visited RMIT and ACMI and have made a podcast about careers. We have also been to the Courts, Melbourne Gaol, Big Issue and the State library.
I’m really enjoying how different it is from normal school, and I feel like I’m learning things that actually matter in regards to my future. In Altruism Hour we planned bake stalls to raise money for McAuley for Women and Children (McAuley), who support women and children who have faced family violence and homelessness. As a class we raised $603 which will be donated to McAuley. I’m really looking forward to Horizon Camp in Term 4 and other activities and tasks coming up in the next few weeks.
Caitlin S, 9E
So far, the Horizon Program at OLMC has been very beneficial. Not only have I formed new friendships, Horizon has opened many new opportunities and fostered a more optimistic outlook on my future. At the start of Horizon, we were introduced to the three Horizon values, Independence, Connectedness and Resilience. These values are also interlinked with daily life after high school, which Horizon is trying to prepare us for. The Horizon cohort demonstrates these traits through supporting one another through challenges while embracing opportunities which are not usually offered through the standard curriculum. These opportunities foster both individual success and collective achievement. I’ve also enjoyed gaining practical knowledge in the classroom that will be valuable in everyday life, helping me build skills for the future and setting me up for success.
Examples of this practical knowledge include exploring future career paths, understanding banking, interest, budgeting and taxes and learning about social issues such as homelessness and violence. Overall, Horizon has helped me learn beneficial skills and I can’t wait to gain more from Horizon this term!
Orla M, 9E
Lucy Davies
Horizon Coordinator
