ELTHAM College

ELTHAM is an academic school like no other. We’re constantly adapting to the changing needs of young people and their world. We support them on their learning journey to unlock their talents through one of Victoria’s broadest curriculums. Most importantly, our teachers guide each young person to become empowered with the self-confidence and independence to manage all aspects of their future lives.

We aim for our graduates to step into life after school as proactive young people, equipped with the skills and desire to continue successful learning. Not only do we make learning exciting and relevant to life, we also create a liberating environment where teachers and students share trust and friendship and work together in mutual respect. Our culture is also about teaching self-discipline. We do not have a one-size fits all policy, but instead foster a culture and program that works with each individual, that empowers them to own their behaviour, be accountable and develop as resilient young men and women.

ELTHAM was conceived in 1973 as a new concept in independent, coeducational schooling. It was founded by a dynamic group of community members who were seeking schooling for their children that would look beyond average educational practice to education that fostered the talents, confidence, initiative and passion for learning in every individual.

ELTHAM College grows the heart and mind of each child. We believe school is a daring adventure where children learn to think for themselves, in preparation for a future of exciting possibilities. Located in an extraordinary environment, students experience an engaging, rigorous, world ready curriculum while being supported with warmth, care and respect.

ELTHAM College offers students opportunities beyond the traditional academic domain, with exceptional visual and performing arts, sport, technology, hospitality, outdoor education, international exchange and intercultural connections programs that challenge and inspire. We believe that all students should strive to achieve their personal best. Undertaking studies at the appropriate time will enable the best learning, and in turn the best possible outcomes, for all students.

We offer a three year VCE program which provides the opportunity for students to apply to do one Unit 3/4 study in Year 11. Students collaborate with our LifeWork staff during Year 9 to plan their VCE subject choices and refine the type of program they wish to undertake. Students also have the ability to combine academic and vocational courses throughout their VCE studies, thus developing a breadth of skills and an opportunity to experience different learning styles.

We pride ourselves on a vast curriculum. Specially designed programs have been developed to ensure that each young person at ELTHAM has the opportunity to explore and enhance their talents. Teachers work with students to tailor a learning program to suit their needs, abilities, passions and aspirations. Our teachers dedicate themselves to a section of the school in order to plan exciting learning experiences for each developmental stage

We pride ourselves on a vast curriculum. Specially designed programs have been developed to ensure that each young person at ELTHAM has the opportunity to explore and enhance their talents. Teachers work with students to tailor a learning program to suit their needs, abilities, passions and aspirations. Our teachers dedicate themselves to a section of the school in order to plan exciting learning experiences for each developmental stage.

Providing a nurturing and balanced learning environment is the focus of our Prep neighbourhood. Each child is visited in their home prior to commencing school to ensure we build strong relationships and understand the unique attributes of each child from the very beginning. This exciting time in children’s lives is carefully managed by the Prep teacher to ensure each child starts with confidence and experiences positive first days at school.

Years 1 – 2 form a learning neighbourhood. Within the curriculum young people continue to experience new elements of the program including science, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and wellbeing workshops. They investigate big questions using an inquiry model and grow essential enabling skills in relation  to their literacy and numeracy. Their art, drama and music programs are exciting and stimulating experiences that motivate creativity, exploration and on-going learning. The instrumental element of the music curriculum enables students to try a range of instruments including violin, cello, recorder and keyboard.

Our Years 3 – 4 students are part of our unique History Centre. Each week students and staff spend time ‘in role’ in a story that frames their learning. They negotiate their way through contemporary and historical events that may include confronting the problems experienced in Australian pioneer life or exploring ancient Egyptian times.

Students create spectacular environments in which their story takes place, and experience a true learning adventure. Through the story the students learn about values and beliefs of others – loyalty, trust, negotiation, conflict management, group decision making, tolerance, problem-solving and more.  The History Centre gives practical and creative meaning to the enabling skills of literacy and numeracy.

During adolescence young people are working through a critical time in their learning, relationships and emerging sense of self. Our Year 5 ­­– 6 program fosters an environment where students continue to develop strong foundations for learning, explore their passions, celebrate their successes and build positive relationships with their peers and teachers.

This is achieved by creating a structured learning environment that balances opportunity for authentic decision-making and guided student choice. We provide young people with the opportunity to explore our diverse range of learning programs, with strong foundations in English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities, The Arts, critical and creative thinking.

For many students their journey begins at Year 7. It is an exciting time, when students have the opportunity to explore many new and challenging learning experiences, as well as building on the fundamental skills developed through their Primary years. New friendships will be formed as students experience the joys and challenges of adolescence. Our program at this stage focuses not only on our young people’s academic development, but on their emotional and social wellbeing

The Year 8 program is designed to enable our young people to consolidate the skills they have learned and the understandings they have developed. All students have the opportunity to explore their leadership skills and are expected to take on additional responsibilities within their communities to lead their peers. They begin to think about their future and ask questions about their potential pathways through school and beyond.

ELTHAM students take advantage of one of the state’s broadest VCE offerings. We believe that all students should strive to achieve their personal best. Undertaking studies at the appropriate time will enable the best learning, and in turn the best possible outcomes, for all students.

We offer a three year VCE program which provides the opportunity for students to apply to do one Unit 3/4 study in Year 11. Students collaborate with our LifeWork staff during Year 9 to plan their VCE subject choices and refine the type of program they wish to undertake. Students also have the ability to combine academic and vocational courses throughout their VCE studies, thus developing a breadth of skills and an opportunity to experience different learning styles.

Our rigorous academic programs provide students with the opportunity to excel, while the option to participate in VET programs helps students relate learning to work, develop important workplace skills and go onto post-school vocational options.