Inside Our Schools
Celebrating the diversity of
Independent schools across Victoria.
One of the defining characteristics of Independent schools is their remarkable diversity.
This diversity is often not recognised by people outside the Independent sector and sometimes even by those who work and study within it.
This video series, ‘Inside Our Schools’, captures the unique spirit of each school through the authentic voices of students, principals and teachers.
They reveal the differences and diversity not only between schools, but within the communities they service.
Ballarat Clarendon College
Ballarat Clarendon is committed to optimising student progress to ensure they maximise their competence, skills and capacity.
In this instalment of Inside Our Schools, we head to Ballarat Clarendon College where they are driven by a simple premise: every child can learn.
‘When students are taught well, kids can do just about anything. And we see that every day,’ says Jen Bourke, Principal at Ballarat Clarendon College.
Sophia Mundi Steiner School
'We place a big focus on the whole child: the head, heart and hands.'
The Sophia Mundi Steiner School is a progressive Prep to Year 12 school, nestled in the beautiful grounds of the historic Abbotsford Convent arts precinct.
It focuses on meaningful, human-centered learning, combining a Steiner education with the International Baccalaureate (IB) for Years 11 and 12.
The Japanese School of Melbourne
The Japanese School of Melbourne is the only school in Victoria that follows the Japanese curriculum.
It was established in 1986, in response to strong demand from expatriates looking to give their children a Japanese education.
‘Many children face challenges when living abroad, such as wanting to study the proper Japanese curriculum,’ says Teacher Taro Nanri. ‘I think that this school lets children with such concerns feel at ease.’
Heathdale Christian College
Schooling at Heathdale Christian College isn't just about the academics – it’s about the spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of education.
‘We are an open enrolment, so you don’t have to be Christian, but [students do need to] understand our unique biblical perspective,’ says Principal Ross Grace.
‘There are things that are distinctive about our school that align very strongly with families and their ability to send their children to an Independent school like Heathdale Christian College is a really special thing.’
Youth2Industry College
Youth2Industry College caters to young people who may not have had the most positive experience in mainstream education and are looking to move into an industry.
‘Whilst we absolutely want to wrap our young people in wellbeing supports, we also want to see them succeed academically. So, for us it’s about finding that balance,’ says Principal, Tom Witenden.
Bacchus Marsh Grammar
Bacchus Marsh Grammar caters to Melbourne's growing western suburbs.
In his time at the school, Principal Andrew Neal has watched it grow from 280 to 3,500 students. ‘One of the things we were determined not to lose is the notion of people knowing students individually and that’s been the cornerstone of our planning: How do we develop a school that is large, and has all the advantages of a large school, but also maintains a personal interest in individual students?’