Maths & Science Academy
Provides deeper learning, academic excellence & innovative thinking
“Our goal is to enhance the passion and skills of our students by exposing them to professional partnerships, enhanced learning opportunities and world class enrichment programs so they can succeed in 21st century careers as leaders and innovators.” – Mrs. Katrina Barnes, Head of MSA.
Our Maths & Science Academy (MSA) provides deeper learning, academic excellence and innovative thinking through an integrated and practical STEM curriculum. The MSA program commenced in 2012 and is located on our Western Campus.
- For entry in MSA see enrolment process information below.
- The MSA Program is available from Year 7 – 10 and upon completion of the program students move into the General Excellence Program and are encouraged to complete a VCE senior pathway.
- VCE-VM pathway is also available for MSA students.
Rowville Secondary College aims to provide the highest quality education to all our students. Our mission is to equip each student with the skills needed to successfully live and work in Australian society. Positive attitudes to learning leading to excellence in outcomes will come from vibrant, challenging and exciting programs. The College staff work closely with parents and the community to ensure that these goals are achieved. Should you require further information about RSC, please do not hesitate to contact us.
“I am really excited to be in the Maths & Science Academy, it’s my dream to work as a Marine Biologist. I am loving all the STEM related subjects we do. I have also made nice friends.”
“I love the challenges MSA provides and learning together with like-minded students helps me grow. Our professional teachers are experts in STEM, which makes MSA a stand-out program be in.”
“MSA provides real-life experiences and opportunities that compliment what we learn every day in the classroom.”
why choose our Maths & Science Academy?
- Your child clearly demonstrates a strong passion and keen interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
- To ensure your child becomes job ready in an agile work force. At MSA we do this by participating in world leading projects such as zebra fish breeding, designing experiments for the international space station, Lego robotics, swimming with dolphins and designing remote control cars.
- To assist your child to build robust partnerships with leading STEM organisations and gain exposure to potential future employers.
Our Partnerships include:
- BioEYES with Monash University
- Youth Space Science Innovation Challenge with Swinburne University
- KIOSC with Swinburne University
- Lego League with Macquarie University
- Engagement programs with The Melbourne Museum
- Community Development Projects with Engineers Without Borders
- Enrichment projects with Strathmore Space Centre
- Environmental Field work with Parks Victoria
- Local engineering and environmental projects with Knox City Council
- Wildlife Conservation with Sea All Dolphin Swims
- Crystal Growing Competition with Royal Australian Chemistry Institute
- World class learning with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
MSA ENROLMENT PROCESS
YEAR 6 to YEAR 7 STUDENTS
THIS PROGRAM IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED AT THE SCHOOL.
- Once enrolled, interested families/students must submit an RSC Expression of Interest form.
- The applicant will be invited to MSA Immersion Day, the day encompasses a Numeracy evaluation, Mathematics workshop alongside a STEM based workshop. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of the MSA experience. The MSA Immersion Day will be held at the Western Campus, Paratea Drive, after the Department of Education placement date – which in 2024 is Wednesday 17 July.
CURRENT YEAR 7-10 STUDENTS
- Please submit an RSC Expression of Interest form and we will be in touch regarding the additional supporting documents we will require prior to an application interview being arranged should there be available places.
Maths & Science Academy Curriculum
1/3 of the curriculum is focused on Maths & Science Specialism and 2/3 core & elective subjects.
- The Maths and Science Academy program engages and inspires students by embedding inquiry based learning, problem solving and STEM activities into the curriculum. Students are provided with opportunities to enhance and develop their maths and science learning, build leadership skills, work productively in teams and establish links with the community.
- Unique field trips which allow students at each year level to apply their knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
- Maths and Science Academy classes work with inspiring university mentors and visiting scientists who help students to discover the ‘real’ science behind the curriculum.
- In Year 9 and 10, students will have the opportunity to select subject electives they are interested in.
- At the end of Year 10 students students move from the MSA program into the General Excellence program and are encouraged to complete a VCE senior pathway capitalising on the accelerated subjects they have completed in the MSA program.
- Course selection takes place every year in July, early August, and our students entering Year 9 to Year 10 in the following year are counselled by our teachers and careers team. Visit our course selection website for more information.
- RSC offer our Year 10 students comprehensive one-on-one careers counselling, student and parent information sessions and the opportunity to attend careers expos. Our goal is to equip our students with everything they need to make the right decision about their senior pathway choice. We also have careers coordinators on both campuses.
Year level overview
YEAR 7 STUDENTS
English: 6 periods | Full Year
MSA Mathematics: 6 periods | Full Year
MSA Science: 6 periods | Full Year
MSA STEM Project: 6 periods | Full Year
Music: 4 periods | Full Year
Humanities: 6 periods | Semester – swaps with:
Health & PE: 6 periods | Semester
Art: 6 periods | Semester – swaps with:
Drama: 6 periods | Semester
Total of 40 periods per fortnight cycle.
Periods are 70 minutes.
Learning Mentor is 20 minutes.
YEAR 8 STUDENTS
English: 6 periods | Full Year
MSA Mathematics: 6 periods | Full Year
MSA Science: 6 periods | Full Year
MSA STEM Project: 6 periods | Full Year
Food & Fibre Technology: 4 periods | Full Year
Humanities: 4 periods | Full Year
Health & PE: 4 periods | Full Year
Art: 4 periods | Semester – swaps with:
Visual Communication and Design: 4 periods | Semester
Total of 40 periods per fortnight cycle.
Periods are 70 minutes.
Learning Mentor is 20 minutes.
YEAR 9 STUDENTS
PER SEMESTER
- English: 6 periods
- Enhanced Maths: 6 periods
- Enhanced Science: 6 periods
- STEM Specialism: 6 periods
PER YEAR
- 6 x 4 period electives
Must select at least two choices of humanities. May select LOTE (year long) and EAL (year long), arts & technology.
- 2 x 6 period electives
Must select at least one choice from Health & PE, may select from arts and technology.
Visit course selection for elective choices.
Total of 40 periods per fortnight cycle.
Periods are 70 minutes.
Learning Mentor is 20 minutes.
YEAR 10 STUDENTS
PER SEMESTER
- English: 6 periods
- Enhanced Maths: 6 periods
- Enhanced Science: 6 periods
- VCE Unit 1 & 2 Systems Engineering : 6 periods
PER YEAR
- 2 x 4 period electives
Choose from LOTE (year long), EAL (year long) and vocational (year long), humanities, science, technology, Health & PE and arts.
- 2 x 6 period electives
Choose from Health & PE, arts and technology.
- MSA VCE Acceleration
Choose from Psychology, Biology and General Maths.
Visit course selection for elective choices.
Total of 40 periods per fortnight cycle.
Periods are 70 minutes.
Learning Mentor is 20 minutes.
YEAR 11 STUDENTS
VCE & VCE-VM PATHWAYS
The MSA program is available from Year 7 – 10. Upon completion and students move into the General Excellence Program. Students are encouraged to complete a VCE pathway that capitalises on their work in the MSA program.
