Choosing a Secondary School

Cypress Avenue
Lower Templestowe 3107. Victoria.
Tel. (03) 9850 6333
Fax (03) 9852 0728

Principal:
Mr. David Tyson

Overseas Student Provider Code: 00861K

A Victorian State Secondary College.

Choosing a suitable Secondary School for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. At this stage in their lives, it is difficult to be certain about your child’s talents and abilities, or what their educational needs will be in a few years’ time. Unlike your choice of Primary School, which is often made based on proximity to your home, there are far greater factors to be considered in the choice of a Secondary School
Some Important Points to consider include:

TEACHING & LEARNING PROGRAMS

• A diverse curriculum with a range of options to provide your child with a balanced, structured and interesting program; allowing them to explore a range of subjects whilst finding and testing their abilities and strengths
• Programs which you are confident will be able to cater for the emerging talents of your child and which encourage achievements.
• Choices of LOTE, ie European and Asian.
• A comprehensive Music Program including school band, instrumental instruction, choir.
• Year 7 Orientation Camp and camps at other year levels.
• Special interest groups, ie. Debating, public speaking, clubs.
• Excursions, guest speakers to enrich school life.
• Acceleration and enrichment programs catering for students with special talents in specific areas, also allowing students early entry to VCE subjects.
• Clearly defined career path, providing students with qualifications required to access their chosen careers; Dual Recognition courses, in conjunction with TAFE Institutes, offering Vocational programs.
• Sports participation via- electives, inter and intra school sports teams and Outdoor Education program.

CARING FOR STUDENTS

Strong transitions programs and pastoral care will assist your child into settling more easily into School. Programs such as:

• Peer Support.
• Orientation Camps.
• Functions involving the whole family.
• Easy access to Co-ordinators.
• Home bases for lockers and form meetings.
• A strong ethos and positive learning environment.
• Opportunities to promote confidence, self esteem and preparation for adult life.
• Leadership opportunities encouraging personal development of students via Peer Support Leadership, College Captains, etc.
• Acknowledgment of student achievement through award nights, graduation nights and assemblies.
• Experienced, highly qualified enthusiastic and supportive staff who are committed to educational best practice.
• Academic competitions in a range of subject areas.
• Frequent and ongoing formal and informal reports to parents.
• Discipline, a clear statement of rules.
• Attractive, practical uniform.
• A friendly environment.
• Student support – services including a nurse, Student Welfare Co-ordinator and Careers Counselling.

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

• An Administration and teachers who are approachable and responsive.
• Provision for parental involvement via membership of College Council and its subcommittees.
• Transport arrangements which are safe and easily accessed.

RESOURCES

• Global communication facilities eg. Internet.
• Extensive and sophisticated technology facilities.
• Comprehensive Science Laboratories.
• Computer networked facilities.
• CD Rom and Audio teaching aids.
• Senior common room.
• Fully computerised library.
• Canteen.
• Hospitality facilities including Restaurant and Demonstration kitchen.
• Large student lockers.
• Sport facilities.
• Grounds which are well maintained with a variety of recreational facilities for students’ use.