Optima

Optima is the Frankston High School Pastoral Care program. The name of the program is derived from our school motto Optima Semper (‘best always’).

The purposes of the Optima program are:

• To enable students to explore what it means to be their best always for themselves, at school, and in the community.

• To help students build the skills and knowledge required to be their best always.

• For students to develop positive relationships with Optima teachers, who advocate for students by caring for their wellbeing, believing in their potential, and celebrating successes.

All students from Years 7-12 engage in one timetabled Optima lesson each week. These lessons comprise a targeted curriculum focusing on the following core areas:

Connectedness to their class, cohort and wider school community

• The Frankston High School Pillars and Values

• Reflection and Goal Setting

• Respectful Relationships

• Careers and Pathways

Students from Years 7-12 engage with the above topics according to a consistent scope and sequence that is designed to build on their prior knowledge and explore the concepts at a deeper level as they move up through the school. In addition, each Year Level also has additional focuses that are tailored to the unique needs of each cohort.

Students focus on building a sense of belonging to their class, their teachers and their Frankston High School community to support a smooth transition to secondary school. They become familiar with our school processes and expectations. They are also introduced to our school House system, meet their House Captains and engage in class activities and competitions for House Points.

Students focus on developing the skills to be respectful and resilient individuals as they move up in secondary school and tackle the challenges that come with being in Year 8. They also take more responsibility for their own learning journey and start to plan for Year 9.

Students focus on developing their skills in communication and advocacy for themselves and others. They begin to explore their own areas of skill and interest through the Morrisby Program which supports and informs their pathway decisions moving forward. They also engage in preparation for the Year 9 Upskills Program and City Experience excursion designed to build communication and teamwork skills.

Students focus on taking responsibility for the direction that their life will take, with an emphasis on preparing for Work Experience and making informed decisions about their senior-school pathways and post-school pathways.

Students focus on a holistic approach to success in their senior secondary education and are equipped with the skills to thrive both within and beyond the classroom. They are supported to maximise their educational outcomes and effectively manage the academic pressures of senior school whilst also prioritising their mental, physical and social wellbeing and preparing for life after school.