overseas student prospectus

Geelong offers an exceptional Australian education. We ask each of our students to develop their strengths, ambitions and hopes, and to be responsible and caring citizens who have confidence in their capacity to make a difference. We engage our students and staff in our dynamic family; they care for each other and they belong to an international community that values commitment, scholarship, integrity and service. Through first class teaching and facilities, exceptional pastoral care and sound Christian values, we inspire our students to flourish, to embrace their learning opportunities and to lead positive, meaningful and engaged lives.

www.ggs.vic.edu.au An Anglican Co-educational Boarding and Day School Cricos Number: 00143G

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Students from many different countries have been educated at Grammar School since 1947. Students may seek entry for any of the years from the Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 12. Geelong Grammar School Campuses At Geelong Grammar School, we have four campuses: Bostock House ELC to Year 4, Day students only Located in the heart of Geelong, Bostock House is in the leafy suburb of Newtown. Toorak Campus ELC to Year 6, Day students only Toorak campus is located in the residential suburb of Toorak, Timbertop Melbourne, 's capital city. Year 9, Boarding only Corio Timbertop is located on 296 hectares between the country Middle School town of Mansfield, in the Victorian High Country and the Years 5 - 8, Boarding and Day students alpine resort of Mount Buller. Senior School Many students will spend time at more than one of the Years 10 - 12, Boarding and Day Boarding four campuses as they progress through the School. This The suburb of Corio is located 15 minutes drive on the outskirts offers an interesting and refreshing dimension to life at of Geelong, approximately one hour's drive from Melbourne Geelong Grammar School as students take advantage of Tullamarine Airport and about 50 minutes from Melbourne the different opportunities offered. Each of the campuses is CBD. The School's 202 hectare campus is situated on the edge explored in some detail in the material provided to you. of Corio Bay which forms part of Port Phillip Bay.

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If you are applying from outside Look at our website www.ggs.vic.edu.au, or write or telephone and request a prospectus. Complete the Student Application Form in the prospectus. All overseas students must sit an approved English Language proficiency test, Geelong Grammar School uses the Australian Assessment Service (AEAS). Please go to www.aeas.com.au to find your nearest testing centre. Return the completed Student Application Form together with the application fee and associated documents (as described on the Application form) to Geelong Grammar School. If possible, arrange to visit Geelong Grammar School. If you need assistance in locating accommodation in any Do this by contacting the Admissions Office to make an of these areas for either a short or long stay, please ask appointment that is convenient to both parties; otherwise the Admissions Office and a list of accommodation will be the Registrar will conduct a telephone interview with the made available to you. If you are planning to live in Australia prospective student, again at a time suitable to both further information about the cost of living, work and parties background information about Australia can be found in the Living in Australia section of the Department of Immigration If a place is available, and if your child is able to reach the and Citizenship (DIAC) website: www.immi.gov.au. You can required level of English proficiency, either by attending an also request information about accommodation from the English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students Council offices local to where you plan to settle in Australia. (ELICOS) school, or due to the high results from the AEAS test, an offer may be made to you. If you are interested in sending your child to Geelong Grammar School you will need to follow a number of steps.

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If your child needs to attend an ELICOS school a provisional offer may be made with the condition that he/she successfully completes the ELICOS course to the required level of English proficiency. If this level is not reached the offer may be rescinded, or your child may have to delay their entry until the required level is reached. Once the offer of a place is made you can accept this offer by paying the non refundable enrolment fees and the overseas health insurance costs. Later, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) form and a Confirmation of appropriate Welfare/Accommodation form (CAAW) is prepared and sent to you, this will assist you in obtaining a visa for your child. Overseas students are generally boarders from Year 5 - 12, but in certain circumstances they may live with their parents or a close relative and become a day student. For primary All students at Geelong Grammar School in Year 9 must students (Prep to Year 6) the School will require evidence board at our Timbertop campus. There are no exceptions to either from a passport that shows the student is a child of this policy. a full fee paying overseas student or a letter to the School from the parent(s) of the student in which he or she agrees If you are applying from within Australia to the boarding arrangements that the School makes for Your child may sit for the AEAS test in Australia, otherwise the student or where the accommodation and welfare the process is the same. arrangements are agreed to for a day student. Minimum levels of English language proficiency Students in the Primary and Secondary years are not permitted to reside with a Guardian, friend, or in a home For Prep to Year 4 students language in class is monitored stay arrangement. on an individual basis. English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers or Learning Support teachers are able to assist with language progression if necessary.

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 accurately pronounce commonly used words  listen to, understand and act on simple directions in the classroom and in everyday situations  when listening to information ask for help if the meaning is not clear  in reading show an understanding of the meaning of familiar and unfamiliar texts at this level  in reading be able to select relevant information from a passage when asked  in reading understand the overall meaning of texts and information used in Australian schools at the Year 6 and 7 level on familiar topics  write in a variety of styles used in Australian schools Students from Year 5 are required to take the AEAS test. at this level including personal, narrative, recount, The results will indicate how many weeks, if any, of English procedural, creative and informative Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS)  use correct word order and grammatical structure in are required. Geelong Grammar School recommends that simple sentences students attend Avalon College. Depending on the year of  research a topic and write a report using own words entry into Geelong Grammar School, the following levels of English language proficiency are required prior to entry: Australian School Years 8 and 9 (Level 3 and 4 Pre-Intermediate) Australian School Years 6 and 7 (Level 1 and 2 Elementary Level) Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:  maintain a conversation on everyday topics using correct known grammar  carry out face-to-face conversations giving their own opinions and ideas  pronounce known words correctly Overseas Student Prospectus 5 overseas student prospectus

 interact in a classroom in the same manner as an Australian student, expressing opinions and working productively in group situations  listen to lengthy pieces of information or instructions and respond to show understanding  research a topic from material used in Australian schools at this level, selecting relevant information and presenting this information in own words in different forms and for different purposes  in reading show understanding of and respond accurately to mainstream texts at the Year 8 or 9 level  write complex sentences showing correct use of known grammar and spelling  use drafting to improve the overall quality of their work  understand information given by Australian people at  write in a variety of styles used in an Australian school their normal speaking speed in different situations and including those listed in Levels 1 and 2 as well as respond appropriately explanatory and persuasive  take notes from information which is given orally Australian School Years 10 and 11  research a topic using a wide range of material and (Level 5 and 6 Intermediate) summarise and paraphrase key points Students successfully completing this course will be able to:  write essays using complex sentences, correct grammar and spelling, paragraphing structure and evidence to  maintain conversations with Australian people, expressing their own ideas in an organised manner support own opinions  write in a variety of styles used in Australian schools  use correct pronunciation, grammar and intonation when speaking including those listed in Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 as well as analytical responses and argumentative to text.

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gradually phasing in a checking system called Working with Children (WWC). The WWC helps protect children (under 18 years old) from sexual or physical harm, it also assists to prevent those who are a risk to the safety of children from working with them, in either paid or volunteer work. In the case of guardians, a volunteer card status is appropriate; there is no cost to the guardian to have this check. The School strongly recommends that parents insist their nominated guardian undertakes a WWC check. All guardians whom the school recommends to parents will undertake a WWC check, or will have a WWC card. For further information please contact the WWC Check on Guardians tel: 1300 652 879 (Australia Only), website www.justice.vic. gov.au/workingwithchildren or email workingwithchildren@ All overseas students are required to have a local guardian. justice.vic.gov.au. If you have no contacts that can fulfil this role, the school Guardians should: will help you find a suitable guardian.  Have a WWC card. It is better for your child if the Guardian you appoint is  genuinely interested in them and their welfare, and it is Be over the age of 25. important that it is not someone who will simply give in to  Be appointed/nominated by you and must be aware of your child's every whim. their responsibilities and prepared to take them up.

 Working With Children (WWC) Be able to communicate effectively with the School (in English) and with your child, and have empathy with your Since 2006 the state Government of Victoria has been child's culture and religion.

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 Should be a resident of Victoria (preferably Melbourne or Geelong) and able to be contacted easily. One who spends a lot of time overseas would not be appropriate.  Be prepared to work with your child and the School as required, and particularly with respect to grievances, behaviour, unhappiness or discipline.  Liaise regularly with the student's parents and the student's Head of House on all matters.  Take responsibility, in lieu of you, for exeat arrangements and ensuring that such are appropriate, supervised and of benefit to your child.  Take responsibility for arrangements over school holidays and any time when your child is away from school, ensuring that he or she is cared for during that time. Orientation Programme for New students  Advise your child generally, but particularly about personal issues, finance, budgeting, travel, transport and safe- Corio and Timbertop Campuses keeping of property. Geelong Grammar School runs an Orientation Programme  Be able to give authority for emergency medical of three and a half days in the week prior to the start of procedures, as well as consent for and payment for any Term 1. The programme is designed to help your child settle medical treatment. This must be agreed between you and quickly into the School and make the most of the many the Guardian. opportunities that exist at the School.  Be able to pay on behalf of you some minor expenses. It is an Australian Government requirement that all overseas You should liaise with the Guardian regarding all financial students must attend this programme. arrangements. Any expatriate students who have spent all or most of their life away from Australia are also invited to this programme.

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The Orientation Programme concludes with a relaxed lunch with parents, friends, Guardians, and siblings. Students leave with their parents or Guardian to return after a few days to either the Corio or Timbertop campus to begin the School year. This date together with all term and special dates for the year is provided in the information package posted to parents during October/November of the year prior to entry. Toorak Campus Geelong Grammar School offers an Orientation Session for all new students on the day prior to the first day of Term 1. During this session students will be:

 Shown their classroom, where they meet their classroom teacher. Students will spend three and a half days at the Corio  campus where they will be: Taken on a tour of the Toorak Campus, where they are introduced to specialist teachers in Art, PE, Drama, LOTE,  Introduced to living as a boarder at Geelong Grammar Library, Science, and Music. School. Students will also:  Introduced to the academic, pastoral and co-curricular  Participate in interactive games on the sports field with all programmes at the School. other new students.  Given the opportunity to live and study with some current At the conclusion of the Orientation Session students will and former students of the School. know their class teacher, where their classroom is and will  Introduced to some of the features of the Geelong have met some other teachers and new students. region, to elements of the Australian culture and more specifically, to life at Geelong Grammar School. It is anticipated that these arrangements ensure a more relaxed commencement to school.

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Bostock House Campus Every new overseas student's orientation is handled on an individual basis. Your child will be cared for individually at the beginning of term. Learning Resources available to Geelong Grammar School students Geelong Grammar School has five distinct learning environments across four diverse campuses. Each campus is a vibrant creative place where the natural flow from one year level to the next enables students to make a smooth transition through their primary and secondary education. Each campus provides a distinct and unique learning environment appropriate to the age of students for which Facilities available across all campuses it caters. Specialist classrooms are available for Science, Extensive library and research facilities; Arts and Multi- Technology, Art, Computing and Music. Students also have Media Centre; Music School; Technology Centre; Timbertop access to excellent library and research resources. farm and vineyard; three sports ovals; all-weather floodlit From Year 5, each student uses his or her notebook sports grounds; Handbury Centre for Wellbeing which computer as an integral part of the teaching programme, includes swimming pool, fitness centre and dance studio; with the aim of successfully integrating the use of Corio Equestrian Centre. information technology into all areas of the curriculum. Pastoral Care Prior to Year 5, classrooms are well-equipped with computers, allowing students easy access to both the At Geelong Grammar School the pastoral care structure is School's intranet and the Internet. deemed to be the most appropriate for supporting students.

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child does not agree with the behaviour or the views of others. At these times it is important that he or she is able to identify an appropriate approach or forum in which to state his or her grievance and not put at risk his/her place in the community. Ultimately, your child should draw any grievances to your attention and ask for your assistance in determining through which avenue of the School they should direct their concerns. Counselling For many day-to-day minor issues your child will be able to seek wise counsel from their peers or the senior students in the House. Students frequently seek out Prefects and the House Captain to assist them in understanding how Your child will be assigned to a House and within the House issues within the House might be resolved without causing in Middle and Senior School, they are matched with a Tutor. any ongoing concerns. Prefects have received some basic Students and Tutors meet regularly (at least once a week) to training in ways in which they might be able to mediate discuss School life, as well as educational goals (including and support a student who is feeling concerned that they study skills), happiness and other more routine or social have been misunderstood, or if they are just not feeling as issues. The Tutor is the first point of call for your child if connected to the House or their peers as they would like. they are feeling troubled by any aspect in their life. Prefects are encouraged to draw any and all issues with which they are assisting younger students or their peers to Living in a community in which the majority of our the attention of the Head of House, who is then better able students are either full or day boarders can be an intense to assist them to support their fellow students. This process experience. The importance of developing strong and also allows the Head of House to be mindful of when an respectful relationships with all members of the community issue is likely to require the input of an adult member of cannot be underestimated. There will be times when your

Overseas Student Prospectus 11 overseas student prospectus the community. Prefects are not expected to handle, nor should they attempt to handle, any matter beyond minor day-to-day issues. For matters that are beyond the ability of a fellow student to assist in resolving, your child is encouraged to speak to their Tutor or their Head of House or another adult member of staff with whom they feel comfortable discussing these issues. The Head of House will become involved if the matter is deemed to be of a serious nature or if your child would rather discuss a grievance with them. In the event that the matter is personal and he/she wishes to gain some greater insight into the issue by talking with somebody in a confidential setting they will be encouraged to talk the matter through with a Counsellor. of Campus etc). The adult member of staff may accompany your child in order to assist them in raising their grievances. The approach to resolving grievances between members of the community is documented in the Behavioural Policy. Should the matter be of a more serious nature, or if the grievance should exist with the Head of House, then your If the adult approached is not a member of the House child is able to make an appointment to meet with the Head pastoral team they will encourage the student to approach of Campus, Director of Student Welfare for Senior School their Head of House or their Tutor so that they are aware of students, or the Head of Middle School for Middle School any grievances that might exist. students. Ordinarily matters would not need to exceed Should your child not wish to discuss the grievance with the beyond this point, although matters of a serious nature Head of House or Tutor then they will be directed to take would be drawn to the attention of the appropriate Head the matter to the appropriate person with responsibility for of Campus, Vice-Principal or the Principal. Any student who pastoral care (such as the Director of Student Welfare, Head does not feel that their grievance has been attended to in

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Counselling for Tertiary study Our Careers Advisor works extensively with students from Year 10. Students participate in individual Career Counselling from Years 10 -12. Extensive advice on subject selection is available in Years 10 and 11 from the Director of Learning, the IB Co-ordinator and the Head of Careers. All Year 10 and 11 students complete Interest Inventories. Students in Year 12 can choose to complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. All students are required to visit the Head of Careers in Year 12 who will help in determining career choices. Students are informed of options, which will assist them with tertiary an appropriate manner has the right to take the matter to study applications, both in Australia and overseas. the Head of Corio, the Vice-Principal or the Principal. Students in Year 12 are taken through the tertiary If your child and the School are unable to resolve an issue, application process as it affects VCE and IB students in an independent party is available to act as conciliator. Victoria and other States. All Year 12 students complete Study Skills their applications to Australian universities in House groups, under supervision. All teachers encourage students to identify the different Assistance is given with organising attendance at SAT ways in which they learn so that they can extend their exams and with applications to USA and UK universities, capacity to assimilate skills and knowledge. Simple Study including advice on Personal Statements /Essays. Skills are taught in each subject and a formal component is offered each year in Year 10 Transition sessions. Extensive Speakers Programmes are arranged involving representatives from Universities, including International

Overseas Student Prospectus 13 overseas student prospectus student sectors, British Council about study in the UK, US Educational Advising Service about study in the USA and a GAP opportunities programme, where a student spends a year overseas or within Australia after Year 12 and prior to tertiary education. The University of Melbourne runs a Faculty Visit where representatives from the Faculties attend to explain more about Melbourne University's courses, but more particularly, about university life. International students attend the University of Melbourne's Schools Partnership International (MSPI), which offers special opportunities and assistance to International students. Our students attend an MSPI Day at Melbourne University each year, for lectures and activities. For further information please contact: Mrs Angela Mellier The Admissions Registrar Geelong Grammar School 50 Biddlecombe Avenue Corio Victoria 3214 Tel: +61 3 5273 9307 Fax: +61 3 5275 6151 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ggs.vic.edu.au

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