Right School Right Place A Guide to Victorian Government Schools Enrolling International Students Published by the International Education Division For information including how to apply Department of Education and Early Childhood Development visit our website, www.study.vic.gov.au, or contact an education agent in Melbourne February 2013 your country. © State of Victoria (Department of Education Department of Education and and Early Childhood Development) 2013 Early Childhood Development The copyright in this document is owned by the State of International Education Division Victoria (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development), or in the case of some materials, by third parties (third party materials). No part may be Tel: +61 3 9637 2990 reproduced by any process except in accordance with Fax: +61 3 9637 2184 the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, the National Education Access Licence for Schools (NEALS) or Email: [email protected] with permission. Web: www.study.vic.gov.au An educational institution situated in Australia which is not conducted for profit, or a body responsible for administering such an institution, may copy and communicate the materials, other than third party materials, for the educational purposes of the institution. Authorised by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002. ISBN 978-0-7594-0700-8 Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an accessible format, please telephone 1800 809 834, or email [email protected] This document is also available on the internet at www.study.vic.gov.au 3 Right School Right Place 2013/2014 Where our s t u d shapes our future Choosing the right school and right place opens windows of opportunity for life. This guide gives education agents, students and their families information about Victorian government schools. It includes the educational advantages all schools offer and unique features of individual schools. Inside you will find the key detail needed to help international students choose the right school and the right place to achieve their education goals. www.study.vic.gov.au 1 General information General information – Welcome 3 – About this guide 4 – Important information 6 – Comparing schools 8 – Taking the next step 10 Location – Location of Victorian Government Schools 12 Profiles – Melbourne A-Z 14 – Victorian cities (excluding Melbourne) 98 Subjects – VCE subjects by school 108 – VET subjects by school 110 2 Welcome We are delighted you are considering study in Victoria. Through this guide you’ll discover Victorian government schools are exciting, multicultural places where culture, learning and global friendships are embraced. No matter which school you decide on, a supportive and diverse education community awaits. Victoria has successfully hosted international students over many years. By enrolling in a Victorian government school, you’ll join students from around 85 countries. Through shared experiences, new ideas and interests, every global learner makes a special and valued contribution. The windows of opportunity opened by a quality education are almost endless. In Victoria, you will benefit from a distinct blend of education, outside school activity, welfare and support. Some of the advantages that make international students’ time with us fulfilling and enjoyable include: Academic excellence English language skill University pathways Student welfare focus Multicultural community Great lifestyle choices Victorian government schools are respected around the world for high education standards and individual student care. Everyone working in the Victorian education system is dedicated to creating a positive and enriching environment where students can achieve their education goals. In Victoria you will be challenged, encouraged and nurtured along the path to global citizenship. We wish you every success. 3 About this guide Right School Right Place is a resource guide for education agents and international students planning to study in Victoria. It contains information about Victorian government schools and provides 91 individual school profiles. 4 Using this Guide In this publication you will find profiles of accredited Victorian government high schools, containing information about their location, number of students, special programs offered, contact details and a brief overview of the school environment. Using this information, a list of schools can be created that meet a student’s educational needs, and further research undertaken by visiting school websites. Finding information Right School Right Place is divided into four easy-to-follow sections: Page 2-11 General information Information about the guide and its use, including contents, welcome, about this guide, important information, comparing schools and taking the next step. Page 12-13 Location A colour coded map to help quickly find a school in Melbourne or another Victorian city, complete with cross-reference index to the map location and school profile page. Page 14-107 Profiles Alphabetically ordered, separate summaries for each accredited school offer a snapshot of what sets the school apart and its distinctive, nurturing education community. Page 108-111 Subjects Each school develops an original curriculum using course units from the Victorian Certificate of Education and Vocational Education and Training subjects showcased in these pages. Ask an education agent if a subject area is omitted. www.study.vic.gov.au 5 Important information Victoria is Australia’s education state, recognised worldwide for its high standards. All Victorian government schools are committed to providing international students with an outstanding education experience and high levels of personalised support. 6 Access to resources Accreditation Study expenses All international students studying in In every Victorian government school, At some schools, additional costs may Victorian government schools enjoy a students gain advantage through unique be encountered for optional activities range of advanced education resources. learning environments and high like camps or private music lessons. education standards. Accredited schools However, in general, international participate in a rigorous quality program students should expect to pay for: The Victorian school system offers: to ensure exemplary education, student support and best education practice. • Tuition and subject levies VCE (Victorian Certificate To achieve and maintain accreditation, • Homestay accommodation of Education) consisting of schools demonstrate their quality • Overseas student health cover subject units that provide education approach through: • Textbooks and stationery a tertiary pathway • School uniforms (if applicable) • Broad school community support for Victorian School of Languages, international students Tertiary pathways offering tuition in over • Record of student achievement from 40 languages early school to Year 12 Most international students plan • Desire for continued improvement to continue their study at university. English language tuition, across all services provided Victoria has Australia’s highest school to for language proficiency and • High levels of student engagement university transition rates. So, Victorian VCE studies and teacher satisfaction educators are skilled and experienced in • Quality academic, accommodation, propelling students to this goal. Support services, for student welfare and language support VCE gives students the choice of welfare and personal growth • Students successfully transitioning to preferred tertiary study progression to a Victorian university or tertiary study overseas. Career Resources, offering Once accredited, schools are involved students vocational guidance in a formal quality assurance system that revisits accreditation every four Academic, sporting and extra- years. A system of measuring outcomes curricular learning activities keeps student performance levels high and maintains supportive and engaging VET (Vocational Education learning environments. and Training) career oriented subject units All schools published in Right School Right Place are accredited. Schools are VELS (Victorian Essential constantly achieving and renewing their Learning Standards) prep to accreditation, so if your school of Year 10 curriculum interest is not listed, please contact the International Education Division. www.study.vic.gov.au 7 omparing schools Many features (educators and staff, location, student numbers, special programs, community) contribute to the individual personality of a school. Victorian government schools provide consistently high academic standards, but their nurturing environments are what actually yield student success. 8 Location Curriculum Unique features Victoria is a diverse state. A summary of VCE (Victorian Certificate The characteristics of each of Education) and VET (Vocational school contribute to its positive Accredited schools support international Education and Training) subjects learning environment. students right across the state. Of the appears towards the end of the guide. schools profiled in this guide, 82 are Victorian government schools are located in Melbourne. The remaining 9 From this array of course offerings, renowned for their culture of growth schools are sited in other Victorian cities. each Victorian government school and encouragement. A range of activities develops its own distinctive curriculum. from music productions to camps, This method of independent