Ivanhoe Diploma

The Ivanhoe Diploma is an exciting program available to all students in Years 10 to 12. Students participate in a number of learning and leadership activities, both within and outside the School covering a broad range of areas. These include creative pursuits, physical activity, civic engagement, intercultural understanding and leadership. Students keep a personal portfolio of their achievements and activities over their senior years at the School which are then assessed by a team of teachers.

The program is voluntary and is structured so students can design their own program, based on their skills, passions and interests. Students who already participate in programs outside the School can also get these approved to be counted towards the Diploma.

There are five essential elements of the program which students must complete and accrue 180 hours in total in:

• Creative Thinking
• Physical Activity
• Civic Engagement
• Intercultural Understanding
• Leadership and Responsibility

For each section, students are able to choose the type of activity that best suits their interests.

Through participation in the program, students will gain valuable skills over a broad range of areas including:

• Problem-solving
• Self-discipline and persistence
• Overcoming Challenges
• Commitment and seeing a task through to its end
• Helping Others
• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Developing an understanding and empathy for other cultures
• Understanding other people’s perspectives
• Mentoring
• Leading
• Showing initiative

Structure

Students work with their Mentor who will help them formulate their Award Program and will work with them to achieve the Diploma by the end of Year 12.

After the Award Program is designed, a plan is developed and students commence their program by keeping a record of all of their activities in their personal portfolios. This is regularly reviewed and assessed by the student’s Mentor.

At the end of Year 12, students submit their personal portfolios to their Mentor for assessment. A panel of teachers assess the portfolios and then participants attend a brief meeting to present and discuss their achievements.

The Diploma is flexible and students can base their program around their skills, passions and interests. Students gain valuable skills and gain an Award that recognises their commitment.

Participants could also qualify for an Ivanhoe Diploma with Honours if they commit to more than the required hours of participation in each area. Once the Action Plan is complete, students can discuss the possibility of achieving Honours with their Mentor.

Past Students

Daniel Proietto, of the Class of 1996 and now Chairman of the Board of Governors, completed the Ivanhoe Diploma during his time at Ivanhoe Grammar.

“Participating in the various activities that form part of the Ivanhoe Diploma will open your eyes to other experiences and may assist you to choose a future career or pathway.” – Daniel Proietto

Michael Gorton AM of the Class of 1976 also completed the Diploma:

“My career was certainly strengthened by having had a range of experiences in public and community life. As an employer, in a legal firm we look for well-rounded people and not just those who are gifted academically. Those with a broad view of the world and community life in general can usually be more effective in solving problems and being a more effective contributor in the workplace.”