Kealba was established in 1970 and actively promotes excellence for all students in academic and extra-curricular pursuits. The professional staff are committed to working with families towards these goals. The success rate at VCE is excellent, with virtually all students graduating to further education or gaining ongoing employment. A home-group structure based on co-operative learning and respect for others operates from Years 7 to 10. Uniform is compulsory.
Facilities: The college provides networked computers with internet access on a ratio of one computer to every two students. Laptop computers are also available. The music faculty has three practice rooms and offers tuition in a wide range of instruments. Modern facilities are provided in science, technology and drama (including a theatrette) and the library is well stocked with reference materials. The grounds are expansive with an oval, soccer pitch, Modgrass tennis courts and Plexipave courts, and there is a hall with a separate circuit-training gymnasium.
Curriculum: Students are taught in all Key Learning Areas, with a strong emphasis placed on the use of computers for design, research and presentation. Languages offered are Italian, German and French. A full range of VCE subjects is available and vocational education courses are on offer to senior and mature age students.
Sport: Sport is an integral part of the curriculum for all students, with a program providing the opportunity to participate in traditional individual and team sports.
Extra-curricular activities: Students have the opportunity to become involved in the instrumental music program (tuition and instrument hire are available) with the concert bands giving regular public performances. Also offered are debating, drama productions, student publications, Student Representative Council, public speaking and an extensive work experience program. Camps are available to students and include a snow-skiing program and an innovative sailing program, in conjunction with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Club. Students in Years 9 and 10 have the opportunity to participate in the Police Corps as part of the Victorian Youth Development program. The college is training staff to implement a Bike ED program with the recent acquisition of 30 new bicycles.
Student welfare programs: A full-time welfare co-ordinator provides a confidential service for all students and their families and referrals to specific professional counsellors can be arranged. Students may choose to train in peer mediation, peer support and peer drug education. A trained careers and vocational education counsellor is available to assist with subject selections, work experience placements and employment opportunities. Assistance is provided for students from non-English speaking backgrounds and for those with literacy and numeracy difficulties. Voluntary after-school tuition is available in English, Mathematics and Science.