Enhanced Curriculum Option​ (ECO)

The Enhanced Curriculum Option (ECO) is an educational program that is offered across years 7, 8 and 9. It has been designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students who are ready for an integrated program of learning that is rigorous and fast paced. The Enhanced Curriculum Option is designed to cater for the educational needs of students who are motivated and enthusiastic learners and capable of working at a significantly faster pace and in greater depth than their age peers.

The ECO pathway provides breadth and depth within the curriculum for highly aspirational students who are able to work enthusiastically as individual learners. It ensures each student is able to progress in a supportive yet challenging environment with a focus on academic rigour, displaying a positive mindset and a commitment to learning. ECO students are actively involved in investigating, problem solving as well as higher order thinking activities that are complex, meaningful and challenging.

The elective programme at Year 9 and 10 enables all students to select an appropriate individual pathway, which could lead to their future tertiary study options. There is also the opportunity at Newcomb Secondary College for students to select VCE units in Year 10.

Selection Process

Students are expected to show a strong commitment to ACADEMIC performance, positive ATTITUDE and high ATTENDANCE. Any student who has indicated Newcomb Secondary College as their first or second preference for secondary school can be considered as a potential applicant for the ECO program. An expression of Interest should be returned to the College together with your enclosed student information form.

ECO students are selected on the basis of an Expression of Interest, and supported by written recommendations from the student’s primary school. The selection process may require further discussions with the primary school, parents/carers and other relevant educational partners. This information will be used to select the students we believe will be best equipped to benefit from the ECO Program. Students will be expected to meet the Academic, Attitude and Attendance criteria at all times. The student’s place within the ECO program will be subject to ongoing review and consideration.