ELTHAM College prides itself on a culture of excellence and creativity. A collaborative environment helps teachers focus on uncovering students’ individual talents, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to education. By adapting to your children’s needs and helping them to gain self-confidence, ELTHAM helps each child achieve real results. With a mission statement of ‘Growing hearts and minds’, ELTHAM’s young people are encouraged to be involved in their learning and to develop their abilities in a range of areas. Students learn from everything life has to offer and have the disposition to thrive in an ever-changing world. The college’s broad curriculum gives students the opportunity to explore a range of possibilities fully supported by dedicated and inspirational teachers. At ELTHAM, they believe teachers do so much more than teach. Teachers guide each young person to become empowered individuals with confidence, optimism and resiliency to manage their future.
Facilities: The main campus sits on more than 40 hectares and has excellent facilities, including a performing arts centre, a visual arts complex, libraries, a sports arena, a heated indoor pool, a multi-purpose hall, a LifeWork (Careers) Centre, playing fields, all-weather hockey field and an environmental reserve.
The Junior and Senior School buildings comprise a range of flexible learning and communal spaces. They are exciting places in which to learn. The tertiary-inspired Senior School building provides extra resources and privileges for students in Years 10, 11 and 12, including private study areas and a café. The city campus, at 398 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, houses the Year 9 program. This special program has been designed to respond to the learning and social needs of young people at a time when they are navigating their way to adulthood. The City Experience challenges students’ personal and academic development, and offers a wonderful opportunity for students to be active citizens. An understanding about the value of ownership and accountability is fostered and key steps are taken towards greater maturity and life-long learning.
A state-of-the-art Hospitality Training Centre offers VCE/VET courses and students from Year 8 and above are given the opportunity to work at the college’s restaurant, Swipers Gully, which is open to the public. In addition to parent letters, ELTHAM keeps parents updated on college news and events through weekly e-newsletters, an interactive intranet website accessible to parents, students and staff, a user-friendly app, a biannually published magazine and a strong presence across various social media. ELTHAM’s Alumni Association, along with its parent and community group (ELTHAM College Community Association), ensures that parents, community members and past students can be deeply entrenched in the operation and direction of the school, both now and into the future.
Curriculum: From ELC to Year 12, ELTHAM College encourages students to recognise their developing interests, skills and talents. The fundamentals of education are delivered in a comprehensive yet innovative format. The Early Learning Centre offers a fun, creative and nurturing environment where children can experience a learning adventure and are valued as individuals, including a Bush Adventuring program. In the Junior School, essential skills such as literacy and numeracy are developed alongside inquiry-style learning in Art, Technology and Design, Health and Wellbeing and Thinking Skills. All Junior School students participate in specialist sessions in Music, Physical Education, Library and Mandarin Chinese. The Junior School programs promote confidence, friendships and a love of learning. In the Year 3/4 HiSTORY Centre, teachers and students negotiate their way through historical and contemporary events. The Year 7/8 program offers choice and opportunity with a focus on problem solving, working together, critical thinking and positive action. Students follow a comprehensive core skills program including Literacy, Numeracy, LOTE (Chinese and French), Physical Education, Sport and Outdoor Education. Study within a real-life context is offered across areas such as performance and teamwork, philosophy and action, technology and design, creativity and innovation, wellbeing and environment. Year 9 students spend four days a week at the college’s city campus studying themes focused on the rich history, design, makeup and functions of the Central Business District. Students are exposed to the business world and areas of community service. An extensive outdoor education program commences in Year 3 and continues to Year 10. Senior students in Years 10 to 12 have access to one of the broadest VCE offerings in Victoria including VET in the VCE programs and first-year university courses. The focus is on providing students with the skills, attitudes and abilities to graduate from ELTHAM fully prepared for success in further study, working and living.
Sport: All students participate in sport and physical education. However, this is optional for students in Years 11 and 12. In the Junior School, the sporting emphasis is on participation and achieving personal bests. In the Senior School, the sports program is divided into house sport, school sport, community sport and year-level sport.
Extra-curricular activities: A vast range of activities is available in the broad categories of arts, theatre, music, sport and academic competitions. Students are invited to join a variety of groups, clubs and societies.
Student welfare programs: When care is required outside the normal demands of the classroom, an extensive support service is available to meet individual needs. ELTHAM has qualified counsellors and access to an educational psychologist, available for personal and academic counselling. Referral may be through teachers, mentors or LifeWork Coaches. Students may also refer themselves for assistance in their academic or personal life. Counsellors are also available for parent consultation.
Principal: Mr Simon Le Plastrier.