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There is a tremendous sense of fun, energy, and involvement at Eltham College Junior School and we are a positive and caring community where values matter – something bore from our Christian foundations. Students being successful and enjoying themselves is what we strive for. We believe in giving every student room to grow. We expect a great deal of them – our academic standards are exceptional – and just as importantly we help them to grow into confident, well-rounded students who are ready to learn, explore their world, and care for the people around them. We offer a powerful blend of a strong academic curriculum and a lively, varied co-curriculum. Our students are allowed to try all kinds of activities to discover what interests and excites them and pursue their passions. There is always plenty to do and it’s the perfect preparation for our Senior School. The Junior School is situated just three minutes walk along the path from the Senior School and whilst very much part of the whole Eltham College community it has its own Master and its own identity. There are 225 students in Years 3 to 6 with up to three forms in each year group in class sizes between 19 and a maximum of 22 students. At the heart of a good school is the way it cares for its students. At Eltham College Junior School we place great emphasis on respecting, trusting, and caring for each other and these are the cornerstones of our community. Our students enjoy spending time together and thrive on the energy and enthusiasm that happy children generate. They are happy and confident and open to new experiences: they approach everything they do with the same verve. This zest for life and learning comes from knowing that we value each student as an individual. We take great care to get to know each student as an individual, so we can support and encourage them, nurture their strengths and help them develop their personality and path. We want every student to know that we are beside them every step of the journey through school. The academic inquiry should be fun, stimulating, and sow the seeds of a lifelong interest in the pursuit of knowledge. Students should become increasingly independent learners, acquiring a range of relevant skills to facilitate their learning. A focus on learning and the students is at the heart of the process. Hard work, perseverance, adaptability, cooperation all facilitate learning. Students must undertake their career research to understand what options are available and how they lead to different opportunities in higher education and work. National Careers Service Career Guide by Topic and A-Z of Job Roles Inspiration for Your Career Careers Based Films Careers Resource Centre for Years 7 to 11 Career Opportunities in Science and Maths Jobs by Category Inspiration and Advice for Professional Careers Joining Eltham College Junior School is the start of an exciting journey. We monitor this journey throughout to ensure that each student is ready for the next stage at the Senior School. As we have spent time getting to know each student individually we know the standard of their work, their attitude to study, their assessment results, and their contribution to wider school life and the community. These are the factors we consider when deciding each students’ transition to the Senior School and as such we do not require students in the Junior School to take an entrance examination. Therefore, Year 6 is an exciting time for our students: without the pressure of cramming for entrance exams we run a three-term transition program of academic, sporting, and cultural activities that help prepare them for every aspect of Senior School life. They can collaborate on Senior School projects, take part in lessons in the Senior School, or be taught by Senior School teachers. Activities that will make moving to Senior School exciting and less daunting. The curriculum at Eltham College Junior School is broad, interesting, and challenging. Our students learn fast and effectively, developing not only knowledge but the skills in putting that knowledge to use. The curriculum is designed to stretch and challenge. Our increased focus on learning is designed to produce students equipped not only for secondary school but also for the life of study and work beyond. Whilst most classes for core curriculum subjects are taken by the form tutor, we use the specialist strengths of individual teachers for the other subjects we offer. We use specialist teachers and dedicated rooms for Art and Design, Science and Music which means our students always have the best resources for learning. The Junior School curriculum embraces Geography, History, Religious Education, Mandarin French, Music, Art, PSHE, Design Technology, Computing, Physical Education, Swimming, and Games. Our students go on to read the degree courses they want, at the universities they choose, because they are bright and hard-working and make the most of the careful, individual planning and support we offer. We are committed to providing advice and information on both future careers and higher education, which best reflect our students’ abilities and aspirations. Career guidance enables students to develop the knowledge and skills required to make realistic and informed decisions about their futures and equip students for a successful transition to the next stage of education or into the world of work. We aim to enable our students to become effective planners and managers of their careers, in a rapidly changing world of learning and work. View full school

ELTHAM is an academic school like no other. We are continually adapting to the changing needs of young people and their world. We support them on their learning journey to unlock their talents through one of Victoria's broadest curriculums. Most importantly, our teachers guide each young person to become empowered with the self-confidence and independence to manage all aspects of their future lives. We aim for our graduates to step into life after school as proactive young people equipped with the skills and desire to continue successful learning. Not only do we make learning exciting and relevant to life, but we also create a liberating environment where teachers and students share trust and friendship and work together in mutual respect. Our culture is also about teaching self-discipline. We do not have a one-size-fits-all policy. Instead, we foster a culture and program that works with each individual, empowering them to own their behavior, be accountable, and develop as resilient young men and women. ELTHAM was conceived in 1973 as a new concept in independent, coeducational schooling. It was founded by a dynamic group of community members who were seeking schooling for their children that would look beyond average educational practice to education that fostered the talents, confidence, initiative, and passion for learning in every individual. ELTHAM College grows the heart and mind of each child. We believe school is a daring adventure where children learn to think for themselves, in preparation for a future of exciting possibilities. Located in a unique environment, students experience an engaging, rigorous, world ready curriculum while being supported with warmth, care, and respect. ELTHAM College offers students opportunities beyond the traditional academic domain, with exceptional visual and performing arts, sport, technology, hospitality, outdoor education, international exchange, and intercultural connections programs that challenge and inspire. We believe that all students should strive to achieve their personal best. Undertaking studies at the appropriate time will enable the best learning and, in turn, the best possible outcomes for all students. We offer a three-year VCE program that allows students to apply to do one Unit 3/4 study in Year 11. Students collaborate with our LifeWork staff during Year 9 to plan their VCE subject choices and refine the type of program they wish to undertake. Students also can combine academic and vocational courses throughout their VCE studies, thus developing a breadth of skills and an opportunity to experience different learning styles. We pride ourselves on an extensive curriculum. Specially designed programs have been developed to ensure that each young person at ELTHAM has the opportunity to explore and enhance their talents. Teachers work with students to tailor a learning program to suit their needs, abilities, passions, and aspirations. Our teachers dedicate themselves to a section of the school to plan exciting learning experiences for each developmental stage. We pride ourselves on an extensive curriculum. Specially designed programs have been developed to ensure that each young person at ELTHAM has the opportunity to explore and enhance their talents. Teachers work with students to tailor a learning program to suit their needs, abilities, passions, and aspirations. Our teachers dedicate themselves to a section of the school to plan exciting learning experiences for each developmental stage. Providing a nurturing and balanced learning environment is the focus of our Prep neighborhood. Each child is visited in their home before commencing school to ensure we build strong relationships and understand each child's unique attributes from the very beginning. This exciting time in children's lives is carefully managed by the Prep teacher to ensure each child starts with confidence and experiences festive first days at school. Years 1 – 2 form a learning neighborhood. Within the curriculum, young people continue to experience new program elements, including science, Information Communication Technology (ICT), and well-being workshops. They investigate big questions using an inquiry model and grow essential enabling skills about their literacy and numeracy. Their art, drama, and music programs are exciting and stimulating experiences that motivate creativity, exploration, and on-going learning. The instrumental element of the music curriculum enables students to try various instruments, including violin, cello, recorder, and keyboard. Our Years 3 – 4 students are part of our unique History Centre. Each week students and staff spend time 'in role' in a story that frames their learning. They negotiate their way through contemporary and historical events that may include confronting the problems experienced in Australian pioneer life or exploring ancient Egyptian times. Students create spectacular environments in which their story takes place and experience a real learning adventure. Through the story, the students learn about others' values and beliefs – loyalty, trust, negotiation, conflict management, group decision making, tolerance, problem-solving, and more. The History Centre gives practical and creative meaning to the enabling skills of literacy and numeracy. During adolescence, young people are working through a critical time in their learning, relationships, and emerging sense of self. Our Year 5 ­­– 6 program fosters an environment where students continue to develop strong foundations for learning, explore their passions, celebrate their successes, and build positive relationships with their peers and teachers. This is achieved by creating a structured learning environment that balances the opportunity for authentic decision-making and guided student choice. We provide young people with the opportunity to explore our diverse range of learning programs, with strong foundations in English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities, The Arts, critical and creative thinking. For many students, their journey begins in Year 7. It is an exciting time when students can explore many new and challenging learning experiences and build on the fundamental skills developed in their Primary years. New friendships will be formed as students experience the joys and challenges of adolescence. Our program at this stage focuses not only on our young people's academic development but on their emotional and social well-being. The Year 8 program is designed to enable our young people to consolidate their skills and the understandings they have developed. All students have the opportunity to explore their leadership skills and are expected to take on additional responsibilities within their communities to lead their peers. They begin to think about their future and ask questions about their potential pathways through school and beyond. ELTHAM students take advantage of one of the state's broadest VCE offerings. We believe that all students should strive to achieve their personal best. Undertaking studies at the appropriate time will enable the best learning and, in turn, the best possible outcomes for all students. We offer a three-year VCE program that allows students to apply to do one Unit 3/4 study in Year 11. Students collaborate with our LifeWork staff during Year 9 to plan their VCE subject choices and refine the type of program they wish to undertake. Students also can combine academic and vocational courses throughout their VCE studies, thus developing a breadth of skills and an opportunity to experience different learning styles. Our rigorous academic programs provide students with the opportunity to excel. In contrast, the option to participate in VET programs helps students relate learning to work, develop essential workplace skills, and go onto post-school vocational options. View full school