Educating for a sustainable, thriving future
At Cornish College, we educate for a sustainable future, engaging students beyond textbooks and encouraging them to consider how their decisions impact the world around them. Our 100-acre setting provides Early Learning to Year 12 students with space to stretch their legs and their curiosity.
Underpinning this is our holistic education that sees students engage deeply across disciplines, critically evaluating problems and finding creative solutions. Such skills are vital, says Principal Nicola Forrest.
“At Cornish, we develop the heart, the mind and the person,” Nicola says.
“Our unique learning environment and well-rounded education ensures our students become the best people they can be. Our powerful curriculum and passionate teachers develop critical thinking skills in our students, empowering them to make a difference today for a sustainable tomorrow.”
100-acre classroom
Cornish’s extensive 100-acre setting provides students with space to stretch their legs and their curiosity throughout an EcoCentre, hobby farm, olive grove, orchard, vegetable gardens, nine-hole golf course and its own island. Other facilities include the well-resourced library, ICT and performing arts facilities, a gymnasium, science laboratories, sporting facilities and a new Senior Studies Centre — a powerful learning environment.
A diverse, comprehensive curriculum
Our early learning program draws upon the Reggio Emilia approach where children are collaborative learners. We are also an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school. Enriched by sustainability education — including the Eco-Kids garden and Dhumba-dha biik walks to connect students with the land — and cocurricular opportunities, our primary curriculum combines concepts and inquiry, ensuring students engage deeply with their learning.
Deep, transferrable learning continues throughout our secondary school, with a curriculum focusing on concepts beyond the topics. This, combined with an emphasis on inquiry, problem-identifying and problem-solving, ensures students apply their knowledge and skills across disciplines.
Our senior program provides flexibility for students’ career pathways, with the option to complete VCE over three years, creating space for wellbeing and cocurricular opportunities. Students also enjoy a new Senior Studies Centre — a powerful learning environment.
Our learning environment ensures students thrive
When we measure success, we favour a holistic approach, putting student health and wellbeing on the same level as academics.
Students explore diverse interests alongside their academics, with cocurricular opportunities spanning the arts, STEM and sport, and community programs to develop positive relationships and mental health. These enrich our curriculum, encouraging students to draw upon our values of compassion, integrity, respect and creativity — always with courage – to make a difference.
Making a difference today for a better tomorrow
We educate for a sustainable, thriving future, with structures that mobilise the attitudes, skills, knowledge and values required for young people to make a difference and become the best individuals they have the capacity to be.
*Dhumba-dha biik, Boon wurrung language for ‘Talk Country’, is used with permission.
Principal: Nicola Forrest