Your guide to every secondary school in Wyndham
There’s no shortage of secondary schools in Melbourne’s west, so how do you choose which one is right for your children? From VCE results to programs on offer — here’s a comprehensive A-Z guide of high schools in Wyndham.
Wyndham Leader
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With more than 20 schools offering a form of secondary education in Wyndham, it can be daunting for parents deciding where to send their children.
We have compiled a comprehensive guide to each school, VCE results, student numbers and what sets each school apart from the others.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
EMMANUEL COLLEGE
St Paul’s Campus (all boys): 423 Blackshaws Rd, Altona North
Notre Dame Campus (coeducational): 2-40 Foxwood Drive, Point Cook
Weblink: ecmelb.catholic.edu.au
School category: Catholic
Number of students: 1952
Zone: Both campuses serve the parishes of Yarraville, Spotswood, Newport, Kingsville, Altona North, Williamstown, Altona and Laverton.
Transport: Students travel on local buses or there are a number of charter services available. All details of these services are available on the college website
2018 VCE results: 98 per cent passed; median study score of 30
School strengths: The school’s Pastoral Care programs underpin the relationship between students, teachers and home. The school believes healthy pastoral care and relationships contribute to students remaining engaged in school and learning. The school encourages students to pursue their own personal best as the foundation of school life.
Future plans: Strong enrolments at each campus ensures the school can continue to offer an extensive suite of academic and co-curricular programs tailored to specific student needs and interests. Growth in the region is allowing the school to expand school facilities and the range of student programs.
HOPPERS CROSSING SECONDARY COLLEGE
2 Fraser St, Hoppers Crossing
Weblink: hopcross.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 1509
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: 98 per cent passed; median study score of 27
School strengths: The school is focused on providing an education for each individual student and developing their potential. Teachers focus on the delivery of a Common Instructional Teaching Model centred on 9 High Yield Teaching Strategies. It has a number of co-curriculums and enrichment programs across Years 7-12 including international exchange programs, student leadership, high achievers, literacy and numeracy programs.
Future plans: The school has experienced rapid growth since 2005 from 945 students to more than 1500 students and as a result has implemented many changes to improve the academic culture at the school, improve school grounds and facilities and raise academic standards. The school’s long-term goals are heavily focused on further raising academic standards and student engagement in learning.
MACKILLOP COLLEGE WERRIBEE
1-29 Russell St, Werribee
Weblink: mackillopwerribee.com.au
School category: Catholic
Number of students: 1656
Zone: School only accepts enrolments from within the Werribee Parish, exceptions are given for current or past siblings.
Transport: The school is within walking distance of Werribee train station. Both private and public transport buses can be used to get to the college
2018 VCE results: 99 per cent passed; median study score of 29
School strengths: MacKillop College provides a highly inclusive environment for students with many diverse and interesting opportunities in sports, leadership, music, international programs, debating, art, language and science. Through a comprehensive and well-balanced curriculum, the college caters for students’ individual needs, fostering their intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical and psychological growth and wellbeing.
Future plans: The college currently has extensive equipment, facilities and programs to provide students a safe and enriching environment to learn and has plans to expand what it offers in the future. Next year the college will celebrate its 50-year anniversary, a chance to look back on its success and look at what the possibilities are to meet future changing needs, including emerging new teaching approaches.
POINT COOK SENIOR SECONDARY COLLEGE
23 Bergamot Drive, Point Cook
Weblink: pointcooksenior.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: more than 900
Zone: This school is zoned. See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: The school can be accessed by local public transport buses
2018 VCE results: 94 per cent passed; median study score of 27
School strengths: A comprehensive senior years program for students in years 10-12. The school is a young adult, diverse and multicultural learning environment with strong EAL and international student programs. The school is a springboard into further study and places a strong emphasis on extension classes, specialist programs and one-on-one career counselling.
Future plans: The school plans to build on its international student program and community and extend its literacy and numeracy support programs while fostering its dedication to student leadership, agency and voice. It intends to build on its links with precinct partner schools and the pathways and career support it offers students.
SUZANNE CORY HIGH SCHOOL
225 Hoppers Lane, Werribee
Weblink: suzannecoryhs.vic.edu.au
School category: Select entry public school
Number of students: 886
Zone: Suzanne Cory is not zoned, all Victorian students are eligible to apply, however they must meet the entrance standard on an entrance exam.
Transport: Accessible by metro train on the Werribee line and by number 498 Hoppers Crossing-Laverton Station local bus
2018 VCE results: 99 per cent passed; median study score of 34
School strengths: As a government-funded, select-entry school, Suzanne Cory provides a challenging and rigorous academic curriculum for students who are intellectually and creatively gifted. This is in conjunction with a rich co-curricular program designed to extend learning, encourage creative thinking and produce well-rounded students across disciplines.
Future plans: From 2020 Suzanne Cory will offer its students the chance to supplement their studies with an international camps program, which will include conducting real-world scientific research in South Africa, humanitarian work with a sponsor school in Cambodia, cultural and language tours of Greece, Italy and France and opportunities to compete at scientific symposiums and conferences in China and Thailand.
TARNEIT SENIOR COLLEGE
861 Leakes Rd, Tarneit
Weblink: tarneitsc.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: More than 650
Zone: This is a zoned school. See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: public transport or students walk, ride or are driven
2018 VCE results: 99 per cent passed; median study score of 25
School strengths: A specialist senior secondary school for students in years 10 to 12. The school offers a variety of VCE/VCAL pathways, including a large variety of individual VCE subjects. The school has a strong focus on developing students’ literacy, numeracy and personal development and also runs specialist sports programs for rugby and soccer.
Future plans: Stage 2 of a school facilities masterplan was completed in 2018, which included a new auditorium, gymnasium, cafe and hospitality areas, new library, general purpose classrooms and administration buildings. Stage 3 plans include development of external sports facilities and extra classrooms.
THOMAS CARR COLLEGE
35 Thomas Carr Drive, Tarneit
Weblink: thomascarr.vic.edu.au
School category: Catholic
Number of students: 1050
Zone: The school is surrounded by other Catholic schools and Parishes and generally only accepts enrolments from within the zone, but will consider enrolments outside the zone in extenuating circumstances. See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: A public transport bus stop is located outside the school.
2018 VCE results: 99 per cent passed; median study score of 27
School strengths: An innovative educational community, providing the latest technology, buildings and facilities. It offers an engaging curriculum to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for the future.
Future plans: The school has plans for a new VCE centre, student hub and cafeteria facilities, while refurbishing several existing buildings.
WERRIBEE SECONDARY COLLEGE
45 Duncans Rd, Werribee
Weblink: werribeesc.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 1555
Zone: This is a zoned school. See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by route 4516, 4517, 4520, 4521 and 4537 public transport bus
2018 VCE results: 94 per cent passed; median study score of 30
School strengths: In 2006 the school was accredited with the Council of International Schools and is proud to be the first and only Victorian Government school to have the choice of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This enables senior students to select VCE or IB best suited to their individual interests and learning styles.
Future plans: In recent years the college has experienced greater numbers of students with refugee backgrounds and English as a second language. The school has been working to address the challenges this has on teaching staff and school culture, and is continuing to provide resources, develop policies and strategies to support and enhance learning outcomes for all students.
WYNDHAM CENTRAL COLLEGE
101 Shaws Rd, Werribee
Weblink: wyndhamcentralsc.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 1077
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: 93 per cent passed; median study score of 24
School strengths: The school is committed to delivering a rigorous, challenging and extensive curriculum based on the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) principals. The school offers a Spanish Immersion program for Years 7-10, which includes the opportunity to participate in a sister school visit to Spain.
Future plans: The school remains focused on keeping students engaged in learning within outstanding facilities. These include purpose-built teaching and learning spaces such as a designated Year 7 centre, Year 8 & 9 centre, and later years centre. There is also a state-of-the-art Science/STEMnet centre, Arts/Technology Centre and Trade Training centre, a fully equipped performing arts centre, a full-size gymnasium and a suite of well-equipped designated specialist rooms. Year 12 students have their own common room and learning technology workstations, as well as a study centre for all Year 11 and 12 students and after school study classes.
P-12 SCHOOLS
HEATHDALE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
175 Derrimut Rd, Werribee
Weblink: heathdale.vic.edu.au
School category: Independent
Number of students: 1460
Zone: not applicable
Transport: Internal bus network servicing areas including Point Cook, Caroline Springs and Truganina
2018 VCE results: 100 per cent passed; median study score of 29
School strengths: Christian education is at the core of Heathdale’s education. The school sees each student as unique and designs curriculum and co-curricular programs to enable students to develop their God-given potential. Students are nurtured to achieve academic excellence and deeply encouraged to develop integrity, honesty, respect, love, honour and truth.
Future plans: In 2020, the school will restructure from three sub-schools to a primary and secondary school. Aligning with this change will be the first stage of a masterplan; the redevelopment of its Years 1 and 2 precinct. It will include state-of-the-art classrooms, and innovative active and passive play spaces.
LAVERTON P-12 COLLEGE
91 Bladin St, Laverton
Weblink: lavertonp12college.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 304 primary students; 395 secondary students; total 699
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: 94 per cent passed; median study score of 23
School strengths: Laverton P-12 College focus is on student growth, progress and improvement where wellbeing and student engagement is a priority. The school focuses on building students’ confidence, resilience and generosity through the core values of “Belonging, Learning, Succeeding”. The College hosts a number of VET Programs on behalf of Hobson’s Bay Trade Training Network, including engineering, children’s services, hospitality and music.
Future plans: The college is focusing on building consistent, high-quality pedagogical teaching practices that will include high impact teaching strategies. Music continues to be a growing focus with an after-school instrumental program which involves more than 100 students twice a week. In addition, the school seeks to develop a closer relationship with the University of Melbourne to encourage increased mentoring and support for students.
MANOR LAKES P-12 COLLEGE
2-50 Minindee Rd, Wyndham Vale
Weblink: manorlakesp12.vic.edu.au
School category: Public primary, secondary and special education school
Number of students: 2150
Zone: Strictly zoned. See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Located 500m from Wyndhamvale railway station and accessible by local bus routes
2 018 VCE results: 93 per cent passed; median study score of 26
School strengths: Focused on developing high expectations and opportunities for all students. Significant programs include: phonics focused learning approach at early primary; years 7-9 accelerated learning/enrichment program; years 7-9 sports academy; VCE/VCA and supported VCAL.
Future plans: The school is currently undergoing an $11 million building project which will deliver a new gym and secondary teaching spaces expected to be complete by September. Manor Lakes also has a joint use agreement with Wyndham Council to redevelop the school oval and is continually updating school facilities including upgrading playgrounds, sports fields, student lockers, passive spaces and gardens as well as installing classroom projectors.
THE GRANGE P-12 COLLEGE
Deloraine Drive, Hoppers Crossing
Weblink: thegrange.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 858 primary students; 806 secondary students; total 1664
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: 97 per cent passed; median study score of 28
School strengths: Students have the opportunity to access a wide variety of programs in addition to core educational programs such as performing arts, sport, art, information communications and technology and an extensive student wellbeing program. More recently the school developed a Hindi Language Program with the emerging Indian community. It also offers VCE, VCAL and VET programs for senior years.
Future plans: The college is focused on developing its Hindi Language Program and STEAM based curriculum and has a vision for a school that includes open and collaborative learning spaces, learning laboratories, break out rooms and linking indoor and outdoor learning environments. The college is also planning an outdoor sensory garden that can be accessed by students and local community groups. The area will include turf mounds, plants and recycled timber bench seats along pathways.
WESTBOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
300 Sayers Rd, Truganina
Weblink: westbournegrammar.com
School category: Independent
Number of students: 1648
Zone: Not zoned
Transport: Contracted school buses, public transport or students walk or are driven to school
2018 VCE results: 100 per cent passed; median study score of 34
School strengths: Igniting a hunger for learning, unlocking creativity and exploring the concepts of global thinking form the basis of the school’s daily purpose. The school prepares 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. The responsibility demands a school that is progressive with strong leadership and committed teachers. Each day is undertaken within the framework of the vision: Shaping Learners Who Inspire the World.
Future plans: Westbourne is always looking to improve its student learning spaces. Its next major project will be looking at enhancing the music and performing arts spaces to ensure students have the best environments to explore their creativity.
P-9 SCHOOLS
ALAMANDA K-9 COLLEGE
86-100 Alamanda Boulevard, Point Cook
Weblink: alamandacollege.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 1973 primary students; 368 secondary students; total 2341
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: Not applicable
School strengths: As a “thinking school” the teaching and learning programs involve all students using tools such as Bono’s Thinking Hats, Mind Mapping, DATT Tools, Socratic questioning methods and a variety of cognitive and thinking strategies to equip students for an information rich future. The Year 7-9 middle school offers a stimulating and rigorous academic program incorporating choice with project-based work and electives.
Future plans: The school is developing a comprehensive Arts program for Years 7-9 that will encompass media, drama, visual arts, photography, music and dance. The school is currently a candidate in the initial authorisation stages of the International Primary Years (PYP) and Middle Years (MYP) Baccalaureate programs.
BADEN POWELL P-9 COLLEGE (TARNEIT CAMPUS)
81 Baden Powell Drive, Tarneit
Weblink: bpc.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 245 in secondary
Zone: Accepts students only from within the zone. See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Students walk or travel by public transport bus. Tarneit Railway station is 1.2km from the school.
2018 VCE results: not applicable
School strengths: Secondary school students are given the opportunity to tailor their learning program to their specific needs and interests with more than 50 subjects to choose from this year. The ‘choice’ subjects partner with rigorous curriculum in the core learning areas of English, Maths, Science and Physical Education. This year the school started an Early Start program where students can attend school from 7.25am until 1.30pm three days per week and it also has excellence programs for high achieving students in English, Maths, Science and Physical Education.
Future plans: The school completed a renovation of its oval in May this year and now boasts a junior-sized soccer and rugby synthetic oval to support two basketball courts and gymnasium. The school plans to expand on its number of ‘choice’ subjects and community action projects.
CARRANBALLAC P-9 COLLEGE
Two campuses: Corner Foxwood Drive & Dunnings Rd, Point Cook and corner Jamieson Way & La Rochelle, Point Cook
Weblink: carranballac.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 1091 primary students; 425 secondary students; 1516 total
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: Not applicable
School strengths: The college provides a rich learning environment catering for the whole child. It has a well-resourced music program and students can elect to take part in the Sound House program, which includes instrumental music and singing and performance tuition.
Future Plans: Carranballac P-9 College is focused on delivering a consistent, high quality pedagogical approach in the delivery of English and Mathematics by building the capacity of leadership, team leaders, coaches and subject leaders.
DOHERTYS CREEK P-9 COLLEGE
60 Elmhurst Rd, Truganina
Weblink: dohertyscreekcollege.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: Not yet available
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: Not applicable
School strengths: Dohertys Creek P-9 opened in 2019 and is currently offering primary education only. Dohertys Creek College is an inclusive school with a diverse community committed to high academic standards with a core focus on the teaching of literacy and numeracy. Students are active participants in their learning with individual goal setting as a focus. The school has a strong Mandarin program with a student exchange program established this year.
Future plans: Stage two of the development Dohertys Creek P-9 has reached the design phase. Construction of this phase is dependent upon government funding.
FEATHERBROOK P-9 COLLEGE
281 Boardwalk Boulevard, Point Cook
Weblink: featherbrookp9.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 850 (Prep to Year 8). Enrolments will extend to Year 9 in 2020.
Zone: Accepts students only from within the zone. See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Students walk, drive or travel by public transport within the zone
2018 VCE results: not applicable
School strengths: Featherbrook P-9 College partners with YMCA and CERES, which enables the school to provide links in the local community and relationship building while also recognising how children will be contributing globally as citizens in the future. This is reflected in the school’s motto ‘Local Education, Global Future’.
Future plans: The school currently has students enrolled in years Prep to Year 8 and will be accepting enrolments to Year 9 from 2020. Featherbrook is a new school, which opened in 2017 under the State Government’s Public Private Partnership model. As such, the school is financed, designed, constructed and maintained by the private sector over 25 years, allowing the principal and teachers to focus on learning rather than asset management.
POINT COOK P-9 COLLEGE
18-80 Ponsford Drive, Point Cook
Weblink: pcc.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 1176 primary students; 392 secondary students; 1568 total
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: Not applicable
School strengths: The school’s vision of “creating tomorrow today” is central to everything the school does and it’s underpinned by the guiding principles: creativity and innovation, partnerships, engagement, sustainability, individuality and leadership. Focus of the middle years (Years 7-9) is about providing opportunities to develop breadth and depth in their learning, engaging students by making authentic connections between classroom learning and real life.
Future plans: The school is strengthening parent involvement as partners in improving their child’s achievement, engagement and wellbeing outcomes. Future plans also include an outdoor learning space that has an enclosed area with seating and tables, sensory materials such as musical flowers, a mini trampoline and a play space with artificial turf.
SALTWATER P-9 COLLEGE
15 Kirra Place, Point Cook
Weblink: saltwatercollege.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: Not yet available
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: not applicable
School strengths: Saltwater P-9 is a new school that opened in 2019 and is offering primary education only at this stage. The college has a clear focus on catering for a diverse range of students at their point of need. The school strives to be internationally-minded, and provide a supportive, nurturing and challenging learning environment with high expectations for student success.
Future plans: Stage Two of this new school’s development is currently in the design phase, completion for which will depend on future state government funding.
TARNEIT P-9 COLLEGE
21-23 Brinbrook St, Tarneit
Weblink: tarneitcollege.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 1603 primary students; 380 secondary students; 1983 total
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au; School is following the Priority Placement Order in the enrolment policy in order to manage student enrolments.
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2 018 VCE results: not applicable
School strengths: Tarneit P-9 is a relatively new school, opening in 2013 with the aim of providing outstanding educational opportunities for children in the rapidly growing area of Tarneit. The school aims to provide students with the skills they need to pursue their dreams and make a difference to the communities where they live. The school provides a strong VELS/AUSVELS based curriculum but with a specific focus on literacy, mathematics, science and the performing arts.
Future plans: The school has a whole-school focus on improving the teaching of reading and writing across Prep to Year 9. Students will be able to identify, articulate and monitor their reading and writing goals, and teachers and leaders will engage in professional learning to improve instructional practice. Parents will also be involved by understanding their child’s reading and writing goals and how they can support their child’s learning at home.
TRUGANINA P-9 COLLEGE
55 Clearwood Drive, Truganina
Weblink: truganinap9.vic.edu.au
School category: Public
Number of students: 1094 primary students; 242 secondary students; 1336 total
Zone: See zone boundary at findmyschool.vic.gov.au
Transport: Accessible by public transport
2018 VCE results: Not applicable
School strengths: The school adopts ‘21st century’ style approaches across all curriculum areas, with a specific focus on literacy and numeracy. Secondary students are offered English, Maths, Humanities, Science, Art, Technology, Music, Health and Physical Education, Spanish and Drama.
Future plans: The school is focused on improving student learning outcomes, developing a culture of teaching, learning and wellbeing excellence and developing educational partnerships with each family as the school continues to grow in numbers.
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