Founded in 1980, Newhaven College provides a diverse academic curriculum with a caring pastoral approach in a scenic environment. The ethos of the school is based upon mutual respect between teacher and students, in which high standards of social and academic expectations are actively encouraged. The college has an affordable fee structure and provides an extensive bus system across Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
Facilities: Our Junior School and Middle School (Prep-Year 9) are housed at the expansive 82-acre Phillip Island Road Campus which includes a separate Year 9 Environmental Centre that enjoys stunning views over Westernport Bay. Facilities include a library, full-sized oval, sports pavilion and all weather sports courts, brand-new purpose-built music, art and science rooms, a Student Welfare Centre and a student Health Centre. A Trade Skills Centre with a Plastics and Metal Workshop, a Wood and Joinery Workshop and a Food Technology Centre opened in 2015 and the new Library, IT and Administration building is nearing completion and will open mid 2015. Year 10-12 students attend the Boys Home Road Campus and facilities include a Year 12 Hub, the Surfing Academy, sports and performing arts auditorium, library, sports courts and purpose built music, science and food technology facilities. A shuttle bus system runs between campuses so that students are able to access facilities at both campuses.
Curriculum: A broad curriculum and wide range of extra-curricular activities are taught from Prep to Year 12, with Year 9 students attending the award-winning Year 9 Environmental Centre for a full year. Courses in Year 10 are chosen from core subjects and specialist electives such as Business, Music, Art, Drama, Japanese and Technology Studies. Advanced classes in Mathematics are provided in Years 9 and 10. Remedial assistance in English and Mathematics is also available. The composition and organisation of the Year 10 curriculum provides a very sound basis for VCE. A broad range of subjects is offered to VCE level across all key learning areas. VET and university enhancement programs are available.
Sport: In addition to Physical Education, regular Sport classes and Inter-House sporting events, Newhaven College is a member of the South Eastern Independent Schools Association (SEISA). Students from Year 7 to 12 participate in winter and summer sports fixtures and a variety of sports carnivals.
Inter House Sport: Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country, Surfing and Netball.
SEISA (Inter-school Sport): Cricket (Boys), Softball (Girls), Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, Football (Boys and Girls), Netball (Girls) and Hockey.
SEISA (inter-school) sports carnivals: Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Golf, Surfing, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Badminton and Darts.
Surfing Academy: The Newhaven College Surfing Academy is the first of its kind in any Victorian School. The program is divided into three tiers: Tier 1 provides experience, exposure and safety awareness of the ocean for all Newhaven Students. Tier 2 is the VCE VET Sport and Recreation program that offers career pathways into the surfing and sports industries. Tier 3 is the ‘High Performance Squad’ who receive specialist professional coaching as well as intensive gym and after school training.
Music: Newhaven College supports an exciting and vibrant musical culture through our extensive instrumental program and a variety of performance avenues.
Instrumental Music Tuition is available on a group or individual basis with our highly accomplished music teachers. Currently lessons for Viola, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba, Piano, Classical Guitar, Acoustic or Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion and Voice are offered.
Students may participate and represent their school as a member in the following musical groups which perform at assemblies and community events; Senior Band, Senior Vocal Ensemble, Junior Band, String Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Boys Vocal Group, Girls Vocal Group, Middle School Choir and Junior Choir.
The College regularly hosts Soirees that serve the dual purpose of showcasing excellence and providing students with vital performing experience.
Cultural: Performing and Visual Arts are strongly represented across the curriculum in terms of subjects and also through exhibitions, drama productions and musical performances. Inter-House and Inter-School cultural activities include Dance, Drama, Debating and Public Speaking, Speed Art and Theatre Sports. The annual Senior School Production provides a variety of opportunities for students with dramatic, stage production and musical abilities to express themselves. Students exhibit their artworks, design and technology and textiles pieces in the main throughout the school. VCE students works and performance pieces are exhibited and performed at the annual ‘Celebration of the Arts’. Year 9 hold ‘ArtsFest’ each year, a week of creative workshops instructed by experts specialising in techniques such as stage design, theatre make up, glass bead making, film production, portrait painting, aromatherapy and circus skills, just to name a few.
Student welfare programs: Personal and social development is fostered through a strong House system. The school’s pastoral care places emphasis on tolerance, compassion, honesty and respect for one another. Newhaven College provides a qualified nurse, counsellor and special education co-ordinator. Work experience programs are available and close contact with local, rural and metropolitan universities and TAFE Colleges complements course advice and careers counselling.