Building the roots to success

The academic programme at Timbertop is the bedrock upon which challenge, success and resilience is built. Whilst the isolation of our community, life in Units and the outdoor programme stand out in the minds of anyone who has heard of Timbertop, the academic programme is where our students put their perseverance, creativity and courage to the test each day. Alongside the multifaceted physical and pastoral programmes, for four and a half days a week, students are involved in a full Year 9 academic programme led by dedicated and enthusiastic staff who are focused on instilling a love of learning, curiosity and confidence in every student.

Timbertop Curriculum

Our programme allows students to engage in fundamental learning experiences in their core subjects and broaden their learning through the elective stream. The programme is designed to equip Year 9 students for the demands of Senior School upon their return to Corio Campus.

The academic curriculum consists of the core subject areas of English, Mathematics, Science, History (Australian Curriculum), Outdoor Education Studies and Positive Education.

Alongside these core disciplines, students choose five electives (semester units) from French, Japanese, Chinese, Music, Geography, History, Visual Arts, Health and Physical Education, and Agriculture and Land Management. Some may be studied across both semesters.

Timbertop Curriculum Guide

Private Instrumental/Vocal Tuition

Private tuition is available in most instruments for all students, with supervised practice sessions every week. Serious instrumentalists and vocalists are encouraged to study music as an elective as well as have private lessons. Unfortunately, due to the isolation of the campus, lessons on more obscure instruments cannot be guaranteed.

There are solo and ensemble performance opportunities for instrumental or voice students both within and outside the School. Recitals in the Chapel are a much-loved part of the Timbertop routine as are concerts held throughout the year.

Reading programme

All students are actively encouraged to read for pleasure. In such an active programme as ours, it is important that time is set aside for reading at the end of each day. Generally, students are in bed at 8.50 pm each night and asked to read quietly until lights out at 9.20 pm. It is our experience that most students come to thoroughly enjoy this time, even those who readily admit that they are more at home with a television or mobile phone rather than a book. we hope this habit will be lasting.

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Timetable of a typical week Life at Timbertop