Student Services
The philosophy of Student Services is to assist students in ‘unlocking their potential.’ This is done by:
- helping them develop, self awareness and reliance on self, to deal with life choices;
- assisting them in their development of a purposeful life and taking responsibility for their actions; and
- providing programs that understand all students at QAHS and who they are as individuals.
The Head of Student Services leads and manages the following areas:
• Student Support Services
• Student Welfare (Mentor Learning Communities)
• Student Compliance (Responsible Behaviour Management)
• Creativity, Action & Service (CAS)
• Enhancement Programs
• Homestay Program
• Students with Special Requirements
• Extra Curricular Programs and Events
Creativity Activity and Service (CAS)
CAS is a fundamental part of the Diploma Program experience. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counter-balance to the academic self-absorption some may feel within a demanding Academy environment.
The IB goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate and active citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their books - a spirit of community.
In keeping with the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Program, our CAS Program encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others. Students may participate in theatre or musical productions, sports and community service activities. Through these activities students will develop greater awareness of themselves and concern for others, engagement with the world of ideas as well as the ability to work cooperatively with other people. Students are expected to be involved in CAS activities for the equivalent of 150 hours by the completion of the Diploma Program.
A system of self-evaluation encourages students to reflect on the benefits of CAS participation to themselves and others and to evaluate the understanding and insights acquired.
Creativity is interpreted broadly to include a wide range of arts activities as well as the creativity students demonstrate in designing and implementing service projects.
Action can include not only participation in individual and team sports but also taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects.
Service encompasses a host of community and social service activities. Some examples include helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals and working with refugees or homeless people
Mentor Program
Academy students study an extremely rigorous curriculum which requires them to adopt new approaches to learning. With this in mind, QAHS implements the Mentor Learning Community Program to ensure that all students achieve to their potential through developing a range of strategies and behaviours.
Under the program each student is assigned to a mentor who acts as their on campus parent. Each mentor is assigned approximately 12 students and is responsible for:
a) Meeting with their Mentor Learning Community on a weekly timetabled basis (including teaching ToK)
b) Mentoring the group to develop appropriate study and learning skills
c) Monitoring the academic progress of each of their students
d) Liaising with parents and other support services as needed
e) Meeting with each student one-to-one on a regular basis to discuss progress and provide mentoring.
The Mentor Learning Community is the key mechanism for ensuring the wellbeing of all Academy students.
