Koonung Secondary College has a strong sense of community. Set in a green, spacious and inviting environment, it is a traditional school with highly experienced teaching staff. They have strong values, set high standards and have high expectations for students. Uniform is compulsory and absenteeism is very low. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for leadership opportunities.
Facilities: A 180-seat theatre, library, two gymnasiums, soccer pitch, an international standard hockey pitch, 12 Modgrass tennis courts, eight netball courts and excellent ICT facilities including interactive whiteboards and ceiling-mounted digital projectors, a well-equipped library resource centre with an after-school hours homework program, a large open-plan senior study centre, an amphitheatre and a middle years study centre.
Curriculum: There is a strong focus on academic rigour, homework and practice. French, Chinese and Japanese are taught to Year 12. Sister schools are now established in Arras (France), Matsudo (Japan) and Dalian (China), allowing regular student exchanges. Compulsory core subjects are combined with extensive elective and enrichment subjects at Middle School and a wide range of VCE subjects are offered. Year 10 students have the opportunity to take a VCE subject and complete it in Year 11. A Student Entry Enhancement @ Koonung Program is offered from Year 7 to Year 9 for highly motivated Grade 6 graduates who enjoy school and learning. Year 8 students have the opportunity to undertake Project Based Learning, which prepares them for their participation in the Year 9 Live Life program. LiveLife is a Year 9 program developed by the school and designed to encourage individuality, a sense of community, strong values and self-esteem. It runs each Wednesday and students are given the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and to make a real difference to their community. In Year 10, the Pathways program allows students to participate in activities that help them to make important study and career decisions. A 1:1 Notebook program introduced at Years 7, 10 and 11 in 2012 now runs across all year levels.
Extra-curricular activities: Music tuition is available and many bands and ensembles perform on a regular basis. School musical productions, dramatic and cultural arts festivals are held regularly. Inter-school sport competition occurs weekly. Recreational and study camps are organised so students may experience at least three camps during their school life.
Student welfare programs: Pastoral care is provided for the first 20 minutes of each day in Years 7 to 10. Discipline and welfare policies emphasise responsibility and mutual respect. All senior students make use of careers counselling.