Ivanhoe Grammar students to study at La Trobe University for 12 months

In an Australian-first, a northern suburbs school will base their Year 9 students at a university for the entire year.

Ivanhoe Grammar school will base Year 9 students, such as Matthew Brasacchio, Mia Giannopoulos, Sasha Braybrooke and Avjay Bhar, at “university campus” at La Trobe University. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Year 9 students will be based at a Bundoora university campus for a 12-month taste of tertiary education in an Australian first.

Under the program, officially launched last week, Ivanhoe Grammar School will send its Year 9 students to classes based at La Trobe University.

Students will combine traditional subjects such as maths and science with specialised research programs at the university.

STAGE TWO OF $150M SPORTS PARK UNDERWAY

NEW MEDICAL CENTRE EXPANSION AT CAMPUS

GOLF COURSE GETS NEW LEASE ON LIFE

Highlights include the creation of a businesses in an entrepreneurial program, in-depth research on refugees, the study of an international conflict and a “passion project”.

The first group of students moved in late last year and have already blended in with tertiary students at the La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary and a life science unit.

Ivanhoe Grammar School student Lucinda Roberts said she had been inspired to learn more about cancer research after attending the university science lecture.

“I found it really interesting and I learnt so many amazing things,” she said.

University campus head Stella Batsanis said the new program gave students access to exciting learning opportunities and would encourage independence.

“Year 9 is often seen as a year of unique adolescent challenges. I see it as one of unique opportunities to harness their growing curiosity and desire for autonomy,” she said.

“I’VE WORKED IN EDUCATION FOR 30 YEARS AND NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS.”

The campus has new learning spaces and students will be able to use La Trobe’s media lab, radio studio, sports facilities and science labs.

The facility was officially opened on Thursday by former Ivanhoe Grammar School student and future La Trobe University chancellor John Brumby.

Grammar school principal Gerard Foley said the program encouraged innovation.

“I’ve worked in education for 30 years and never seen anything like this,” he said.

@richardapearce

MORE NEWS:

PUSH FOR POOLS, HALLS TO OPEN FOR HOMELESS

STRANGLED WIFE KILLED FOR PREGNANCY, POLICE SAY

‘FORGOTTEN’ NORTH MELBOURNE SUBURB WANTS OUT