Co+curricular+Policy+and+Rationale

1.1 The staff at High School Apocrypha is committed to providing an extensive co curricular program that includes exciting activities which will stimulate student’s interest in school life.
 * Co Curricular Policies and Procedures **
 * 1. Purpose **

1.2 The co curricular program is designed with the intention to further develope in students, in areas of the students own interests and abilities, the knowledge skills and disposition needed for a seamless transition through the stages of learning as described in the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) framework. The student’s participation in co curricular activities will be regulated according to guidelines stipulated in Section 4

2.1 This policy applies to students, teachers, principals, administrative staff, parents and volunteers who chose to participate in any of the schools co curricular programs 2.2 This policy applies to any external organisation which participates in any way with the co curricular program 2.3 This policy adheres to DEECD rules and regulations covered in the Act (see section 3.3). E.g. Duty of Care, Health and Safety Regulations 2.4 This policy is intended as a guideline for students and staff wishing to create activities for the co curricular program. It is by no means to be used as a deterrent or to prevent students and staff from participation in the program 2.5 This policy recognises the rights of every individual to participate regardless of race, religion or socioeconomic status These guidelines are designed as a means of satisfying requirements to the DEECD, the VRQA and The Act. Also, to ensure that the whereabouts and safety of all students participating in co curricular activities are known at all times. They are by no means intended to discourage or prevent students from participating in school sanctioned co curricular activities or creating activities in which they have a particular interest:
 * 2. Scope **
 * 3. Policy Guidelines **

3.1 Students are eligible to participate in any school sanctioned co curricular activities as long as they have satisfied the requirements of the Student Behaviour and Discipline Code of Conduct

3.2 Co curricular activities are to be structured and supervised both within and outside of the school context

3.3 Students are allowed to create clubs with the approval of the Co Curricular Coordinator (See 5.1). Examples of clubs are listed below:

Book Club, Chess Club, animal welfare club, Philosophers Club etc.

3.4 The school agrees to fund all co curricular activities as long as they are approved in writing by the AP, the Co Curricular Coordinator and meet all regulatory requirements Students need to register their interests in Co Curricular activities with the Co Curricular Coordinator before participation is allowed 3.5 All Co Curricular activities which remove the students from school grounds need to be booked via the Co Curricular Coordinator prior to the commencement of each term. Such activities may include but not limited to camps, excursions, sport programs, performance Arts programs, charity and fundraising events. 3.6 Co curricular participation is strongly encouraged at High School Apocrypha, hence the school has approved up to ten school days per term for Co Curricular activities. Anything beyond this would require written request to and approval by the AP and Daily Planner.

As we are a new school, we expect our administrative staff to be busy with duties specific to DEECD and VRQA compliance as well as the day to day running of the school. Hence we have dedicated two administrative positions specifically for the purpose of supporting school and SRC sanctioned co curricular programs. The first is Co Curricular Coordinator and the second is the Camps Coordinator whose duties are listed below:
 * 4. Procedures **

4.1 It is the responsibility of the Co Curricular Coordinator to: 4.2 High School Apocrypha is committed to a broad co curricular program which includes a variety of outdoor and out of school activities which we generally referred to as “Camps”. Any activity that takes students out of school grounds for more than one day will be referred to as a Camp and the school has seen fit to assign a Camps Coordinator.
 * Promote activities
 * Liaise with staff e.g. Sports teachers, Arts and drama teachers, camps coordinator
 * Book excursions
 * Keep records of all payments and parental permission slips
 * Chair meetings
 * Promptly process students applications for co curricular activities
 * Regularly inform AP and Daily Planner of upcoming events
 * Explore opportunities for new activities
 * Keep a registry of all Clubs, Excursions, Camps and Events

It is the responsibility of the Camps Coordinator to:
 * Book all selected camps and prepare budgets for transport and equipment costs
 * Prepare required documents for parents and students, including consent forms, emergency procedures and contact details given to Principle and PA, transport and daily activity schedules
 * Ensure adequate staffing and inform Daily Planner of staff requirements
 * Convene meetings for all required staff
 * Prepare information for students on camp activities and individual requirements
 * Ensure all relevant DEECD documentation is complete and up to date
 * Prepare information for local councils for provisional approval and liaise with local authorities regarding school requirements and responsibilities

4.3 Staff and Students wishing to form clubs will need to register their intention to the AP Co Curriculum Coordinator and the SRC. They are obliged to provide updated information via the schools website and other school forums so as to encourage student participation 4.4 Club meetings are not to clash with the schools timetable and are to be conducted in vacant rooms during school hours and in the library after school hours.

** RATIONALE **

At Apocrypha Secondary College we are committed to generating in our students an intrinsic motivation towards education. We embrace the advice of our educational and philosophical forefathers1 adapt their ideas and theories to provide and support an extensive co curricular program that gives the opportunity for students to explore areas beyond the scope of the conventional curriculum2 3. Inclusiveness, student welfare and opportunity are core values at Apocrypha Secondary College where we embrace the principles of an holistic and open education that is tailored to facilitate a broad spectrum development of our students3 4 6.

Our co curricular program is incorporated into and designed to complement our curriculum. By funding a well organised and implemented co curricular program we can provide the opportunity for students to develop in a less formal setting than a classroom, thus eliminating the effects their socio economic status may have on participation5 9. We intend to create an educational culture where an individual’s achievement and participation in group activities are equally encouraged and valued6 7. Administrative support is available to initiate and support activities that will generate an understanding in our students that they are capable of being self sufficient and creative individuals8 11. Our program is primarily designed to enrich the student’s school experiences and to generate a sense of belonging and pride10 12. By encouraging students to initiate and drive activities, they can begin to form valuable personal and social skills, at the same time developing strengths and abilities which may lead to previously unforeseen career pathways.

Maintaining a high retention rate throughout all year levels is complemented when implementing a broad co curricular program7. Considering influences such as school, teacher, background and contextual factors, as well as the students own attitude and achievements, student engagement, and in turn retention in schools, increases significantly with increasing participation in co curricular activities. Recent studies have produced mixed results when investigating the effect co curricular activities have on adolescent behavioural outcomes specifically with delinquency, substance use (tobacco, alcohol and drugs) and sexual activity. However there is enough support to suggest that a well structures program such as the one we propose will minimise delinquency improve self esteem and generally lead to positive adolescent outcomes9 - 13.

Ultimately, it is the intention of the co curricular program to allow students the opportunity to freely enjoy the activities which have been designed for them or by them and reflect positively of their memories of Apocrypha Secondary College.