Ararat Community College Secondary is a co-educational school catering for students in Years 7 to 12. With a firm belief in the development of partnerships between students, staff and parents to achieve quality outcomes for young people, the college has high expectations of its students and prides itself both on its academic and cultural offerings. The motto is: “Engage, Inspire, Enjoy”.
Facilities: Ararat College is housed in expansive and well-maintained grounds. With specific centres for both Middle Year students and VCE students, those who attend Ararat College enjoy the space and comfort of dedicated learning areas. The school also features separate Science and Language, Technology and Arts centres, as well as a library and computer rooms. Sporting facilities include a gymnasium.
Curriculum: Ararat College caters for the diversity of students by providing a broad VELS-based curriculum for Years 7 to 10, emphasising the development of numeracy, literacy and computer skills. The wide range of co-curricular activities is the school’s strength and the friendly and supportive learning environment is a valued feature of the college. Teachers endeavour to make learning purposeful, challenging and relevant through individual and group work. A quiet working atmosphere exists, wherein teachers seek to promote respect, openness and sensitivity of others. Programs include involvement in sporting competitions up to state level, instrumental music tuition, public speaking and debating events, and a college musical production, held annually since 1984. In addition there are various student leadership opportunities, camps, outdoor education and extended education programs, a work experience program for Year 10 students and academic and vocational programs.
Sport: An extensive sporting program is on offer, including athletics, swimming, cross-country running, cricket, football and netball.
Student welfare programs: Pastoral care is operated through Home Groups with teachers put in charge of small groups of students. In this role, teachers assist students and parents with any problems or issues, with each treated seriously, promptly and with discretion. The college’s chaplain plays a major role in pastoral care, and is always available to help students work through personal problems including family separations, discipline, relationship breakdowns, personal problems and development. The college nurse is also available to offer education on health issues on both an informal and a structured level.