Streamed Classes
The majority of students in the School are placed in class groups with students of similar ability in English, Mathematics, Science and SoSE. These subjects are offered at three levels of difficulty in Years 9 and 10. Allocation of students to levels is made on the basis of performance rather than potential. All other subjects are taught in mixed ability groups.
Debating & Public Speaking
Lyneham High School has a strong history of debating. In 1998 and 2002 Lyneham’s teams got to the finals and semi-finals respectively. Lyneham High students have won distinction in public speaking and debating competition. Debating is also a regular part of Lyneham’s English curriculum, and the school aims to have four teams (one from each year level) entered in the ACT Debating Union’s Ford and Murray Trophies.
Scaffolding Literacy
Scaffolding Literacy was established at Lyneham in 2000. The program targets students with low level literacy skills and is used with whole class groups in English lines and one-to-one or small group tuition in the Study Centre and/or the Literacy Scaffolding room. Teachers use specific strategies, which enable students to read higher level texts with accuracy, meaning and fluency. The students’ reading is then used to support them in learning how to spell and write.
A student who is referred to the Scaffolding Literacy team is assessed on her/his reading skills. If support is required an individual assistance program is implemented with the student in the Study Centre. The duration of the program will vary according to individual student needs. This program is based on the strategies used at the Schools and Community Centre’s Parents as Tutors Program at the University of Canberra.
Learner Assistance
Students who have experienced difficulties with English and/or Mathematics may be placed in a special group with fewer students, taught by a teacher with additional expertise in helping these students to achieve.
ESL Assistance
An ESL teacher works in small classes with students who have learned English as a second language. Classes focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking in English and learning about Australian culture. Students also receive help with assignments in other subjects.
Learning Support Unit
The Learning Support Unit (LSU) is a special school setting within our school for eight students who have a disability. The Senior Special Needs Counselor in consultation with parents and teachers makes placement. The students take part in a full curriculum reflecting their individual needs and a range of integrated activities within the school. For example, roll call, assemblies, camp, carnivals, excursions and PE.
The Learning Centre
This area of the school is for students who have been identified as needing special assistance. Placement in the facility is made by the Education Department in consultation with each student’s parents and current school.
The Student Resource Centre
The Student Development Unit provides a relaxing and well-equipped environment for small group and one-to-one learning. Students may be referred to the Centre by their classroom teachers or attend for special programs, or extra assistance.
Disabled Students
The School caters for the needs of able and disabled students including those with hearing, visual, physical and intellectual difficulties. The Department provides itinerant assistance and there is a single person lift to enhance wheelchair access.
Double Helix Science Club
The School has a very active group of students who take part in the activities of Double Helix, a science oriented group run under the auspices of the CSIRO. Activities include guest speakers and excursions to places of scientific interest around Canberra.
Academic Competitions
Many Lyneham students take part in the academic competitions for which they are eligible and enjoy considerable success. Recent examples include English Competition, Computing Competition, Australian Mathematics Competition, Tournament of Minds, Alliance Francaise, the Australian History Challenge, Australian Geography Competition, ACT Science Fair, BHP Science Competition and the Australian Science Competition. The number of awards won by LHS students in these competitions far exceeds state averages and reflects the generally high standards expected and achieved throughout the school.
Year 10 Leadership Program
The Leadership Program is a program in which trained Year 10 students meet with a small group of Year 7 students on a regular basis to help them to settle into High School. The scheme has obvious benefits for the younger students, but also provides the older group with valuable training and leadership skills. Training takes place at the end of Year 9 and students meet with their groups regularly throughout Term 1. Year 10 leaders also join Year 7 Home Groups in order to assist beginning students in their transition to High School.
