FAQS
We’ve tried to answer all of your questions below but if you have further queries please email us for an immediate response.
How did Melbourne City School come about?
Melbourne City School is a brand new school which opened in Melbourne’s in February 2010. The school is a P-12 school, initially offering Prep-Year 7 in 2010 growing to include years 8 and 9 in 2011/12, with the senior years being introduced in 2013. The school has emerged from the initiatives coming out of ELTHAM College which has a long history of providing progressive education for the knowledge era led by eminent educationalist Dr David Warner (CEO of ELTHAM College of Education and Melbourne City School).
The school has been specifically designed to meet the needs of families who live or work in the city. It aims to provide a convenient, relevant, contemporary, non-hierarchical environment which encourages learning and understanding through relationships with people, ideas, information and materials.
The structure, approach and curriculum of the Melbourne City School is designed to release each individual’s talents which in turn helps them to grow the skills and confidence they need to adapt in an ever changing world.
What is different about Melbourne City School?
The relationships between adults and young people are based on mutual respect. Learning is developed through inter-relationship and personal individual exploration.
The school itself has been specifically designed to provide a variety of learning spaces introducing an environment that stimulates learning in surprising ways. What is one day a drama space can also be a maths class, a music laboratory, and a science design and technology area. Our focus on interdisciplinary investigations is supported by the physical environment which provides options for each individual’s development.
Melbourne City School offers a softening of boundaries between the school and the city. It is not a separate world but one that is part of and connected with the community.
Where is the school located?
Our 19th century building is on the corner of King and Little Collins just one block away from Southern Cross Station. The internal space has been specially refurbished to provide the ideal environment for learning with brand new equipment and facilities in a range of bespoke learning spaces. We are in the enviable position of having a blank canvas to work with so we have designed an environment that works ideally with our educational approach. We also have an internal courtyard which will provide our young people with a secure outside space for learning and play.
Why open a school in the city?
The vision behind the school is to provide convenience to families who live and work in the city. The school will provide an environment that blends with city living and works in accordance with the changing and developing needs of 21st century families. The school will access the rich resources of the city, engaging with people, resources, community and expertise to enhance the learning experience beyond the confines of the school itself. ELTHAM has operated a Year 9 campus in the city since 1996. The rich fabric of society, business and community that the city provides has enhanced the learning of students.
Using the city resources
Melbourne City School students will access fabulous state of the art resources in the city on a day to day basis.
- Melbourne City Library – not only will students have access to high volumes of resources from the library itself – the Head of the Children’s Library will be a visitor to the school – providing guidance to students on using the resources and offering the school access to the latest resources to support the curriculum and individual interests.
- Melbourne City Baths - students will have access to two fantastic swimming pool - with professional teaching from a highly experienced Austswim coach.
- Princes Park and Oval – with access to stadiums, tennis courts, netball courts and volleyball areas, students will have regular visits throughout their school week to enjoy these facilities as part of their HPE program.We will also use other resources such as art galleries, museums, the aquarium and outdoor adventure playgrounds. The city landscape provides a rich tapestry of opportunity for learning, exploration and of course - fun.
We will also use other resources such as art galleries, museums, the aquarium and outdoor adventure playgrounds. The city landscape provides a rich tapestry of opportunity for learning, exploration and of course - fun.
What time does school start and finish?
We operate from 8.30am to 3.30pm for normal nine to ten week terms, however we also offer a before and after school program from 7am to 7pm each day. We are open 52 weeks of the year, so families can be flexible about when they take their holidays. Our school structure offers flexibility and individuality to meet the wide and varied needs of modern families.
Are learning advisors teachers?
Yes, all of our learning advisers are fully qualified registered teachers but the term learning advisor marries with our philosophy of non-hierarchy. The term encapsulates our view that the learning advisors facilitate and stimulate learning with each individual child adding meaning and creating understanding together.
Where will my children play?
We have a dedicated courtyard play area which will provide valuable outdoor play. The courtyard offers a secure play area utilising the latest play equipment and multiple textures and surfaces. The large building also provides ample room for indoor play.
What about meeting the standards in literacy and numeracy?
In addition to meeting the Victorian Essential Learning Standards, we aim to develop our own standards incorporating our progressive vision. Our students will participate in NAPLAN testing so that families and learning advisors have diagnostic material on literacy and numeracy to support planning.
Do the students wear a uniform?
We have developed our own range of SchoolWear which offers comfort, flexibility and individuality to families. Parents and students can select from a range of clothes and can mix and match to their taste.
Does the school have a religious affiliation?
No, Melbourne City School - like ELTHAM College of Education - is an entirely independent school and is not affiliated to any religion. However the school does explore world religion within the curriculum and provides context and understanding about the diverse communities and cultures of the world.
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