Berwick College, founded in 1977, is now a large school of approximately 1450 students in Melbourne’s growth corridor. The college promotes excellence in education and endeavours to fulfil the potential of all students. BerwickCollege will provide excellence in learning, rich and varied pathways, promote personal growth and positive relationships for all our students. Berwick College aims to provide a learning community through the following three values: excellence in learning (“We strive to do our best, we consider new ideas and encourage best practice, and we select our learning opportunities”); positive relationships (“We treat others with consideration and understanding, we are truthful and trustworthy, and we work with others”); personal growth (“We meet our expectations, we are accountable for our actions and we work with effort, energy and persistence”).
Facilities: The college has outstanding physical education and sporting facilities including a double gymnasium, tennis courts, state-of-the-art hockey field and use of the City of Casey athletics track, leisure centre and oval. In addition, there are excellent facilities in technology, performing arts and visual arts, ICT access in computer rooms and pods servicing every curriculum area. A purpose-built Senior School Centre complements facilities for Years 11 and 12.
Curriculum: Years 7 to 9 are well-catered for by a strong and diverse curriculum offering a comprehensive range of options across every VELS area. Languages offered at the school are German and Indonesian. Complementing the curriculum is the Year 7 Transition program, Years 7,8 and 9 High Achievers’ program and the Years 7 and 8 Numeracy Support through the GRIN program in Year 8.
The Berwick College Sports Academy (BCSA) is aimed at providing an integrated academic pathway driven by young students sporting aspirations. This elite program allows young student athletes to enhance and develop their sporting talent while concurrently receiving their college education. It is crucial to the Academy that students’ academic pursuits are of the highest priority and that each student’s interest and aspiration in sport assists them in achieving high results both academically and athletically.
The Berwick College Dance Academy (BCDA) will commence in 2015 and is a full-time academic and dance program, which will link students’ educational pursuits with their performing arts interests. The program caters for passionate and aspiring artists, increases student engagement and improves student outcomes. It is designed to prepare students for VCE Dance, VET Dance and Theatre Studies, as well as the world of professional dance. The course looks at units such as safe dance practice, flexibility vs. warm up, anatomy of a dancer and nutrition. The program caters for many styles of dance including Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre and Hip-hop as well as options to undertake Music and Drama. Students will also study a range of core subjects that include Mathematics, English, Humanities, Physical Education, Science and LOTE. The SeniorSchool curriculum for Years 10, 11 and 12 recognises the nature of individual pathways and aims to cater for individual differences by offering a vertical structure allowing for academic advancement and access to vocational pathways. A selection of SeniorSchool programs is offered including a wide subject choice in VCE, VET and VCAL programs. University enhancement also offered.
Sport: There is a strong sporting program including a House system and a history of very successful involvement at inter-school and state levels competitions.
Extra-curricular activities: Students are encouraged to take up opportunities that enhance or complement school life. Contemporary and traditional school bands; instrumental music, drama productions; singing; team and individual sports; tours and camps; clubs and excursions and student leadership and development are features of the program. The college has links with Germany, Indonesia and the City of Casey Sister City in Springfield, Ohio, USA.
Student welfare programs: Counselling is provided by student welfare co-ordinators, a guidance officer and a chaplain, as well as Learning Team Leaders, Assistant Learning Team Leaders and Home Group teachers. The college operates with a vertical structure comprising eight Learning Teams which are split into eight Home Groups and has developed a strong pastoral care program. Communication with parents is encouraged to discuss all aspects of programs, homework, welfare, uniform and discipline. A comprehensive careers education service is available.