Hillcrest Secondary College, serving the northern suburbs of Melbourne, is set in 11 hectares of award-winning gardens landscaped and maintained by students. It is a multicultural, co-educational government school with a curriculum based on academic and vocational studies.
Facilities: Two IBM computer rooms, a state-of-the-art multimedia centre, modern resource centre with online internet access, art, photography and dark room facilities, drama and performances facilities, music complex with practice rooms and keyboard laboratory, science laboratories. There are specialist technology workshops for automotive, woodwork, sheet materials and electrical, electronics studies, textiles and hospitality classrooms, gymnasium with full-sized basketball court and weight-training facilities and a senior study centre with access to computers and the internet. Internet facilities are also available to students throughout the college.
Curriculum: At Hillcrest high achievers can join a multi-level extension class. Students may choose to specialise in VET programs accessed on the campus and other courses are available in conjunction with the neighbouring TAFE. The college emphasises student development (in particular, leadership) through programs such as peer support and mediation, Advance, Student Representative Council and student action teams. The college also offers the VCAL. The college offers extensive ESL support in small groups at all year levels and through team teaching in the regular classroom. A large range of vocational courses including School Based New Apprenticeships, instrumental and classroom music, educational partnerships with tertiary institutions and industry, and a multi-level extension program. The college is a registered training organisation for VET programs.
Student welfare programs: Overseas student co-ordinator, student welfare co-ordinator, careers counsellor, VET counsellor, work experience co-ordinator, peer support program and peer mediation, Student Representative Council, student support structure including experienced and caring level co-ordinators and home group teachers, integration and teachers’ aides and educational psychologist.