Aitken College was established in 1999 and has rapidly grown into an established and prominent low-fee independent school in the north-western area of Melbourne. AitkenCollege is divided into four schools catering for age-appropriate academic and social needs: Fairview (Prep to Year 2), Cumberland (Years 3 to 6), Dunhelen (Years 7 to 9), and Brookhill (Years 10 to 12). Building on a foundation of Christian values, the mission of AitkenCollege is to enable students to become informed and compassionate members of the wider community by inspiring academic achievement and creativity, nurturing self-worth, encouraging environmental responsibility and committing to service with and for others.
Facilities: Set in an attractive rural setting of more than 40 acres, Aitken College features sports facilities including gym, hard courts and synthetic sports field; Chapel and Performing Arts Centre including specialist drama and music rooms; science laboratories including environmental science; Technology Centre including woodwork workshop and computer aided design (CAD) laboratory; ICT laboratories and farm area. Environmental initiatives at AitkenCollege include its own water supply, treatment of sewage and wastewater on site, extensive solar panels, native gardens and wetlands. AitkenCollege is highly rated as an environmentally sustainable school.
Curriculum: The academic program includes a strong emphasis in the early years on literacy and numeracy, core studies in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Physical Education and an extensive elective program that includes Music, Drama, Art, Technology, Product Design and Commerce. All students commence studying Indonesian in Year 7 and may elect to continue at higher levels. Senior students undertake a wide range of VCE and VCAL programs with careers education and support. More than 90 per cent of Year 12 graduates have recently been offered a tertiary education place. The Life Skills and Religion & Values Education programs are undertaken by all students and are complemented by a weekly chapel service.
Sport: All students are encouraged to participate in inter-House sports including athletics, swimming, cross-country and orienteering. Primary and secondary students compete against other nearby schools in these sports plus others, including football, cricket, basketball, netball, softball, table tennis, soccer and volleyball.
Extra-curricular activities: Aitken College offers a wide range of activities to complement the academic program. These include choirs, bands and ensembles, musical and drama productions, family science activities, academic competitions, debating, public speaking, writers’ workshop, community service activities and Interact (a junior division of Rotary).
Student welfare programs: Students have access to the Student Services Centre for counselling and chaplaincy support. The Learning Centre provides support for individual needs, learning difficulties and oversees extension programs. The Careers Centre provides guidance for subject choice in the senior school and supports students in applying for tertiary education places. Leadership opportunities are provided for students from Years 3 to 12. An out-of-school-hours care program is available to families.