Learning with us
Vertical Homerooms
Building stronger relationships across a wider age-range and broadening horizons between year groups.
What are Vertical Homerooms?
Vertical Homerooms are based on our three College house groups and are intentionally small groupings of approximately 15 to 18 students. These homeroom groups are grouped vertically so that a diverse range of age groups across Years 7 to 12 are represented in each group, allowing for intentional peer mentoring of students both academically and relationally, as well the development of a coaching-based leadership structure within the student body.
Vertical Homerooms allow for the unique development of House identity and culture, which subsequently facilitates an increased sense of belonging within the student cohort.
How do Vertical Homerooms work?
There are three House groups at Macquarie College, these being Charlton, Dobell and Shortland. There are approximately 11 homeroom groups in each House. The homeroom groups will include no more than 18 students in 2022.
This intentional reduction in homeroom size allows groups to become more like a family with the homeroom group itself part of a larger house family. The intentionally small, vertical homeroom system allows all students to be known as individuals and to receive a supportive and nurturing environment for personal growth and discovery.
The house leader is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of their student house across all aspects of MC’s Senior School programs and the strategic development of future student house-related programs and initiatives at MC. They oversee the day-to-day pastoral care and nurture of all young people in their house, support homeroom teachers, develop a distinctive house culture through the implementation of regular house based community activities, support the implementation of MC’s camps program and Invictus memory events, as well as having a focus on supporting the academic development of students in their house.
A new and exciting program
Vertical Homerooms were introduced as a new program at Macquarie College in 2022.
House Groups
Our Vertical Homegroups are based on our three house groups: Dobell, Shortland and Charlton.
Homeroom teachers
The role of the homeroom teacher is to know each student relationally and to understand the individual needs of each student in their homeroom. They are the first connection point for student pastoral and academic needs. Their role is essential in ensuring that all students feel known and know others, as well as supporting the positive development of each individual through spending time with each student daily.
If you have any questions regarding our Vertical Homeroom system, please feel free to contact our office.
Student experiences beyond the academic program
