PRINCES HILL SECONDARY COLLEGE

Princes Hill has provided an exemplary educational opportunity to the communities of Carlton, Fitzroy, Parkville and Brunswick for more than 100 years. The college is renowned for its capacity to foster achievement and excellence in a school environment that nurtures the diversities of individual students’ talents and abilities. The school also has a reputation for excellence in the performing and visual arts with its students receiving top awards each year in the VCE. The school is a leader in the area of sustainability education with students actively involved in making a difference to their community and environment. There is a strong tradition of parent and community collaboration in school programs and decision-making.

Facilities: The school is housed in award-winning buildings that have been fully upgraded to host state-of-the-art educational facilities across all curriculum areas. There are extensive computer networks, photography, ceramics, art, media, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, wood and metal design areas, as well as the college theatre and music centre. The school also owns the Mirimbah Country Centre at the foot of Mt Buller, a fully equipped site providing students with year-round access to outdoor education activities.

Curriculum: Princes Hill provides a comprehensive curriculum that aims to develop students as independent, creative, articulate, healthy and perceptive young people who value and enjoy learning and are well prepared for adult life. The Year 7 program has a special emphasis upon transition, with each class having their home room and working predominantly with a small group of core teachers. In Years 7 to 10, the curriculum is structured around the VELS with an emphasis on the generic domains of Thinking, Interpersonal Skills and Personal Learning. The LOTE programs in Italian and French are supported with overseas study tours to sister schools in Italy and France each year. In Year 9, all students are engaged in the Wilderness Week program, which involves expeditions to iconic wilderness areas around Australia. At VCE level, students are able to select from a comprehensive range of more than 35 VCE and VET studies.

Extra-curricular activities: These include lunchtime clubs and activities, tutoring and mentor support, instrumental music tuition and concert bands, inter-school sport, debating, writing competitions, artist-in-residence programs, performing arts plays and productions, art exhibitions, literacy and numeracy enrichment, student leadership training and peer support.

Student welfare programs: Each class has a home-group teacher who maintains close contact with students and parents. Year-level co-ordinators and the student welfare co-ordinator are available to assist students and families. The school also offers a peer support and tutoring program for students. The school provides extensive support for ESL students and an integration program for students with special needs.