AddressCanterbury Girls¿ Secondary College seeks to provide a quality educational environment, tailored to meet the needs of girls, with a focus on success in a range of academic, creative and sporting endeavours and the development of self-esteem and integrity.
Canterbury Girls¿ Secondary College is a learning community in which members respect each other. Both individual achievement and contribution to group activities are encouraged and valued. The principles of partnership, support and responsibility are used to foster high levels of achievement and satisfaction. Valued college traditions develop a sense of continuity and identity for students and teachers. The College is also committed to promoting leadership skills in a learning environment based on co-operation, self-discipline and concern for others.
Canterbury Girls¿ Secondary College is a Year 7 to 12 college situated in the City of Boroondara approximately 10 kilometres east of Melbourne. The College of around 950 students provides an excellent educational environment for girls featuring a wide breadth of learning opportunities and a broad co-curricular program.
Accommodation constraints at the College have resulted in the establishment of a fixed enrolment zone approved by Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR) of the Department of Education Training (DET). Enrolment at the College at the beginning of Year 7 can generally only occur from residents within the zone and as such restricts other students who may wish to study at the College.
The student population is characterised by a relatively low proportion of LOTE speakers at home.
The school is structured as two sub-schools in response to the different learning and support needs of girls as they progress through a secondary school. The Middle School comprises Years 7-9. At Year 7 the focus is transition followed by consolidation at Year 8. The Year 9 program is designed to take students out into the community and broaden their knowledge of the Australian society. The structure and operation of the Senior School, Years 10-12, reflects the increased maturity of its students and the preparation for transition to tertiary studies. Year 10 girls are able to access a wide range of VCE Units 1&2 and likewise in Year 11 to access Units 3&4. University enhancement is encouraged for more able students. The recognition of achievements occurs in a number of ways eg Presentation Night (Canterbury Celebrates), House Chorals and House Dance Drama Festivals and at Whole School, Sub School and Year Level Assemblies.
Canterbury Girls¿ Secondary College has a strong relationship with the de Bono Institute and is an accredited de Bono school. Work by teachers with the de Bono Institute has been a major focus in terms of professional development and subsequent student engagement with Thinking Tools and strategies. All teachers undergo training in de Bono Thinking Tools and it is an expectation that they will be incorporated into the teaching and learning programs.
A vibrant house system provides many co-curricular opportunities in areas such as sport, the performing arts (dance, drama and music), debating and Chorals. A high participation rate in house activities exists at each year level. The awarding of house stripes is keenly sought after. The house system nurtures the girls¿ pride in their college which reinforces their sense of belonging and being valued for their contribution to their house. All staff are assigned to a house and support students in their house activities.
The College values and encourages student leadership. Positions of responsibility exist from Year 7 to Year 12. Student input and leadership ranges from curriculum discussion to the social wellbeing of peers to sporting and cultural activities. Roles include the Student Leadership Team, House Captains, Form Captains and Student Representative Council members. The College Ambassadors, drawn from Year 9 students, conduct tours of the College at work for prospective parents, their daughters and visitors including those from overseas.
The enthusiasm and dedication of the College Council, Staff, Parents¿ Association, Students¿ Representative Council and The Mangarra Society (former students¿ association) gives our college a real sense of community and shared purpose.
