Independent, non-denominational day girls’ school; Early Learning Centre to Year 12 (Early Learning Centre is co-educational)
Fintona is one of Melbourne’s leading independent girls’ schools with a long tradition of educating girls to the highest standard. Situated in the inner eastern suburb of Balwyn, Fintona caters for students from Prep to Year 12 and offers a co-educational kindergarten program. We value small classes – students have more one-on-one time with their teachers and this is why Fintona girls are consistently placed among the top VCE and NAPLAN performers in Victoria. The school’s teachers are its greatest asset and act more like mentors, working tirelessly to produce outstanding outcomes for students.
A commitment to the health and wellbeing of students is another ‘size’ factor that sets the school apart — a factor that is a powerful element in successful learning. A Fintona girl is not just another face but an individual with a unique personality. She will quickly feel at home in an environment which is supportive, respectful and caring — like being among extended family.
From its commencement in 1896, Fintona has espoused the view that “girls can do anything” and has encouraged students to be critical, independent thinkers empowered to take their place as active, effective citizens and leaders.
A friendly, supportive, personalised and very caring environment, with broad-based education programs, Fintona provides girls with a variety of experiences that challenge them beyond expectations, as well as establishing skills to help them cope with their life beyond school.
Facilities: Fintona’s beautiful grounds include landscaped, eco-friendly gardens, historic buildings and modern facilities, such as the progressive Early Learning Centre, Sports Centre and architecturally designed Art Precinct. Exciting plans are underway for a state-of the art Beyond Science centre.
Curriculum: Fintona provides a diverse academic curriculum where girls with a wide range of abilities are supported and nurtured. Its aim is to ensure students leave Fintona feeling confident, resilient, tolerant and optimistic about their future. The successful career paths of many past students is testament to the quality of a Fintona education.
To facilitate an optimal learning framework for students, Fintona is divided into four campuses – in the Early Learning Centre programs are based on world-renowned philosophies (Reggio Emilia and PYP) inspiring young students to explore, question and discover.
In Junior School, Prep to Year 4, the Primary Years Program (PYP) frames the learning for students based on an in-depth, inquiry-based approach.
In Middle School, Years 5 to 8, teaching gives priority to developing skills such as critical thinking, problem solving as well as good study and research habits.
In Senior School, Years 9 to 12, teachers prepare each girl for VCE success through academic and wellbeing support.
Fintona offers three languages (French, Latin and Japanese) and a large number of semester-length subjects. Academic and Music Scholarships are also available.
In addition to the rigorous, rich environment of the classroom, students participate in co-curricular activities to support their personal development and growth.
Opportunities for building resilience, self-esteem and responsibility abound through leadership positions, overseas trips and exchanges, the Connections Program offered in Year 9, House activities, Clubs and the Life Skills program.
Principal: Rachael Falloon.
Girls, Early Learning Centre is Co-educational