Templestowe College is situated in the leafy eastern suburbs and is a place of rapid growth and change. It is seeking to be a school at the cutting edge of educational change in Australia, but at the same time not abandoning the best aspects of traditional schooling. It is committed to a student-centred approach to education and attempts to personalise each student’s learning experience wherever possible. The vision is to be “a dynamic and caring learning community recognised for future-focused personalised learning”.
Facilities: Excellent facilities exist for all curriculum areas. Of special note are the facilities for science and art and the technology wing. A central Resource Centre is open for students from 7.30am to 5pm four days a week for supported homework and study. There is a modern sports centre, external basketball courts and an oval adjacent to the school. The college supports ESL students through its accredited language centre.
Curriculum: All students in Year 7 to 12 are provided with netbook computers to help them personalise their learning and to assist delivering engaging curriculum. The curriculum is designed to provide access and success for all students and to ensure Years 7 to 9 studies lead to a full range of options at VCE level, while Italian is offered as an elective at all year levels. Years 10 to 12 subjects include core subjects along with specialist arts, business and technology courses. Templestowe College believes in supporting students at all levels of academic ability. It offers VCE over three years to enable students to spread out their academic program and for the more capable students to attempt Unit 3 and 4 subjects in Year 11 and repeat them again in Year 12, which they can do without penalty. This enables students repeating subjects to refine their understanding the second time around and maximise their Australian Tertiary Admission rank (ATAR). The school offers VET Hospitality on site but can also assist students to access over 28 other courses delivered as part of the Mullum and Central Cluster of schools and TAFEs. Templestowe College offers a select entry VCAL class (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) at Years 10 to 12 where students wanting to pursue a trade gain skills in Work Related skills, Literacy and Numeracy through a range of practical hands on activities.
Sport: Templestowe College has an active sports training program that fosters student fitness and maximises success when competing. An onsite gymnasium has been accessible to students since Term 2 2011.
Extra-curricular activities: Student Representative Council, school production and Rock Eisteddfod, a strong instrumental music program, Year 7 orientation camp, other camps related to surf and skiing and Community Service in Cambodia. There are also many house-based activities such as debating and master chef and regular lunchtime activities.
Student welfare programs: The Student Support Model is centred around the House system and Learning Mentors. Heads of House provide ongoing continuity of contact for parents in relation to pastoral aspects. Learning Mentors are student selected and oversee all aspects of the student’s school life as well as helping them develop and achieve their learning goals and develop leadership skills. Templestowe College has a careers co-ordinator and a full-time chaplain. Homework is an essential component. This is supported by online tutoring “MyTutor” and homework club. All students are required to wear the college uniform