Igniting a hunger for learning, unlocking creativity and exploring the concepts of global thinking form the basis of our daily purpose. The responsibility of educators is profound: preparing students for a world in which the knowledge economy wields great influence, where people are constantly connected, and where the ability to think critically and globally is fundamental to achievement. There is no room for complacency and the responsibility demands an agile and progressive school with strong leadership and a committed Faculty. This is the promise that Westbourne Grammar makes.
Each day is undertaken within the framework of the School’s vision: Shaping Learners to Inspire the World.
Across Westbourne’s two campuses (Williamstown and Truganina), and six learning centres (Amici – Early Learning Centre, Westbourne Junior, Middle, the Year 9 Imagine Program, VCE and the International Centre) the curricular and co-curricular programs recognise and extend academic, sporting, creative and social abilities and develop a learning method that responds to the unique character and qualities of each learner.
The learning environment embraces and unifies a diverse population at each level which is representative of the real life cultural, ethnic, religious and political spectrum. Westbourne Grammar provides a safe and fair environment that enables learners to develop a strong sense of themselves, to explore their intellectual capacity and to stretch their imagination.
History: Starting and sustaining a school requires foresight, intellect and grit. It also requires an unwavering commitment to an idea and, for almost 150 years, the idea of creating learning environments of possibility has underpinned the development of Westbourne Grammar School. A history reaching back to 1867 informs the future and, whilst the landscape, buildings and human diversity have changed with time and need, the commitment to supporting an exceptional learning community has endured.
From origins in Williamstown, the school has expanded its footprint and its role in the community. Westbourne’s Truganina Campus opened almost 40 years ago and the facilities and programs continue to respond to the needs of a growing community.
Facilities: Exceptional buildings, grounds and resources support the learning culture at Westbourne.
The Amici Early Learning Centre is a stimulating space in which new degrees of wonderment, creativity and thinking emerge. The Reggio Emilia inspired program is based on the philosophy of Loris Malaguzzi, who established community-managed schools and infant/toddler centres in the city of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. The Centre provides child care and an individualised Early Learning Program for children from the age of six weeks until approximately five years.
An historic waterfront property accommodates the Williamstown Campus for Prep to Year 3 from which students articulate to the Truganina Campus. The Junior School at Truganina serves Prep to Year 6, and the Senior School Years 7 to 12, with a unique purpose-built centre in which the Year 9 Imagine Program is delivered. The expansive built and natural environments incorporate playing fields, reflective spaces, neoteric technology resources, sophisticated creative and performance amenities and numerous common areas. Modern multi-purpose buildings incorporate a Health Centre, International Centre, 200-seat Lecture Theatre, Food Technology area and School Shop to complement the learning facilities, and the Chapel, Auditorium, Gymnasium and Music School add additional support to the transformative educational environment.
Curriculum: The structured school preparation program at Amici includes music, Japanese, computer and library skills. The Junior Schools share a common curriculum that emphasises basic skills (particularly literacy and numeracy) and introduces Japanese at the Prep level, along with music and physical education, and contains a strong creative arts component. Information technology is integrated into teaching programs.
At the Senior School the curriculum for Years 7 and 8 is based on the core subject areas of mathematics, English, LOTE (Japanese and German), humanities, science, visual and performing arts and physical education. In Years 9 and 10 the core subjects are supplemented with a range of electives. All Year 10 students undertake a Unit 1 and 2 VCE subject. All Year 11 students undertake a Unit 3 and 4 VCE subject. Approximately 30 choices of VCE subjects are available to students in Years 10 to 12. University enhancement courses are also available. At the International Centre, international students undergo intensive instruction in English prior to entering mainstream classes, after which time they attend dedicated ESL classes.
Sport: Physical development is supported by a comprehensive selection of activities and inter-school and inter-House competitions. Outdoor education is core curriculum from Prep to Year 9 and available as elective subjects until Year 12.
Extra-curricular activities: Excellence in performance and creative pursuit is encouraged through participation in drama, music, debating, public speaking, photography, chess and outdoor activities.
Student welfare programs: The student wellbeing network recognises that social and emotional wellbeing underpins effective learning and positive behaviour. A proactive Restorative Practice model provides the framework for personal safety, peer support and leadership programs, as well as a drug education program. A chaplain, two student counsellors, a careers counsellor and full-time nurse are available.
Scholarships: Academic scholarships are offered for entry into Years 7 and 9 with music scholarships for all year levels in the Senior School.
Campuses: Westbourne Williamstown (Prep to Year 3), Westbourne Amici (child care and early learning), Westbourne Truganina (Prep to Year 12)
Principal: Ms Meg Hansen