Carey is a Christian co-educational school, offering education from Early Learning to Year 12 (International Baccalaureate and Victorian Certificate of Education). Carey works in partnership with families to develop wise, independent, motivated young people who will engage with and lead in their local, national and global communities.
As one of Australia’s leading co-educational schools, the whole-school has a 50:50 gender balance that fosters the development of confidence, communication and self-esteem in both boys and girls. Students participate in community service projects, study different cultures, religions and beliefs, learn the importance of social justice and human rights, and are encouraged to respect and appreciate the world beyond their own experience.
The recruitment and development of a highly professional teaching and support staff is a Carey priority. Carey is known for being innovative and leading the way in best practice teaching and learning. The school’s approach to Student Centred Learning is a philosophy that requires students to be active, responsible participants in their own learning, with the teacher working in partnership with families as mentor, facilitator and guide. All decisions at Carey are made to improve student learning. Students will always be at the heart of everything we do at Carey.
Wellbeing: Carey’s commitment to Positive Education is directed by a strengths-based approach to wellbeing. Students at all year levels are explicitly taught positive interventions that build greater personal happiness and resilience. Mentors work with students through the House system to build on character strengths. There is a conscious focus on the positives through the application of designated strategies; this enables students to manage their own learning. Positive Education is evidenced in the staff approach to student guidance, including process-praise and an acknowledgement that all students, at all stages, in all areas of the curriculum have the capacity to learn.
Student welfare is paramount at Carey. The school is structured to ensure that every student is well supported by our pastoral care system. Classroom teachers in the Junior Schools and Mentors within the Middle and Senior School House systems develop meaningful relationships with the small group of students in their care and their families. Students may also access additional support from the School’s registered psychologists, chaplains, nurses and advisors as needed.
Curriculum: Carey’s curriculum provides something to challenge, stimulate and encourage every student. In Years 11 and 12, students study either the IB or VCE. A wide range of subject choices and extension activities are offered, including Vocational Education and Training (VET) and University Extension. At Years 7 to 9, the curriculum provides students with grounding in traditional academic subjects and also offers a range of electives to foster individual interests and abilities. The Middle School’s focus on real-world learning challenges students to explore beyond their physical and emotional boundaries, studying lifestyles and environments different from their own. The Junior School takes a collaborative, balanced approach to learning that includes both instructional and inquiry-based teaching. Classes cater for individual abilities, offering opportunities to enrich, extend or support.
Co-curricular: We believe in the importance of maintaining a balance between study and recreation. Carey offers coaching and competition in 25 sports. Boys compete in APS (Associated Public Schools) competition and girls in both APS and AGS (Associated Grammar Schools) competitions. Extensive and outstanding music and drama programs make full use of Carey’s theatre and performance spaces. Individual and group lessons are available across a range of instruments and vocal styles to foster creative expression. Students can join a wide range of bands, orchestras and choirs to develop their performance ability. Other co-curricular activities include debating, chess, media, yoga, dance, cycling and the St John Ambulance Division. An exciting Outdoor Education program provides a breadth of programs as part of all student learning. The progressive building of competencies, commencing at Year 4, culminates in a choice of 16 programs in Year 10 operating throughout Australia.
Facilities: Carey’s facilities are purpose-built for age group and activity. The separate Early Learning Centres and Junior Schools at Kew and Donvale include specialist music, drama and art facilities as well as play areas. The environment of Middle School (Years 7 to 9) provides a small community within the school that generates a collegiate approach. The Senior School (Years 10 to 12) has been constructed as a campus-style pre-tertiary environment with a variety of spaces for independent study, group work, social gatherings and relaxation. At every level, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their environment and its care. A Performing Arts Centre and fully equipped theatre accommodate Music and Drama classes and related activities. Sport and Physical Education make extensive use of the gymnasium, ovals, and the indoor swimming and diving pool at Carey’s 14-hectare sporting complex at Bulleen. An Outdoor Education facility, Camp Toonallook, on the Gippsland Lakes introduces students to water-based activities and bushcraft.
In 2016 Carey opens the Centre for Learning and Innovation which will accommodate new learning spaces, science laboratories, a new Information Resource Centre and a United Nations room.
A wide range of technology is used throughout the school such as digital whiteboards and an extensive laptop program, including a one-to-one iPad program from Prep to Year 6. An online Learning Management System provides easy access to class notes, references, texts and administrative information for students and parents.
Principal: Mr Jonathan Walter