INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CO-EDUCATION

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CO-EDUCATION

WELCOME Balcombe Grammar School is an excellent option for students looking to study close to an exciting, multicultural city but in a region with a strong, caring community feel. Students from a variety of cultural backgrounds are welcome at Balcombe Grammar School. As we believe it is important that our students are part of a global society that fosters their academic and emotional growth. 2 Located 60km south-east of Melbourne, Balcombe Grammar School is located on the Mornington Peninsula with easy access to local beaches, nature, wildlife and tourist attractions. As an international student, you will enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle, good health services, advice and special support to help you while you study away from home. 3 Melbourne Airport Melbourne CBD Balcombe CONTENTS Melbourne, Australia 4 Living in Australia 6 Studying at BGS 8 Tertiary Pathways 10 Life at BGS 12 Designed for Learning 14 The Next Step

LIVING IN AUSTRALIA Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, historic townships, bustling cities, vivid landscapes and exotic flora and fauna. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and is made up of six states and two territories. VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA MORNINGTON PENINSULA 4 Located on Australia s east coast, Victoria is home to about five million people - the second largest population of any state in Australia. The Mornington Peninsula lies just south of Melbourne. The beaches, where most of the peninsula s 5 population is concentrated, provide an interesting mix of coastal landscapes. From wind-swept surf beaches, bushy foreshore reserves, scenic lookouts and rocky coastal formations. Almost one quarter of Victoria s population was born overseas - 43.6 percent were either born overseas, or have a parent who was born overseas. More than 100,000 international students study in Victoria. English is the official language, but more than 20 percent of Victorians - and almost 30 percent of Melburnians - speak a language other than English at home. Inland, the rural southern part of the Mornington Peninsula consists of rolling hills with areas of bushland. MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Melbourne, sits on the banks of the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne is Australia s second largest capital city and home to some of Australia s most prestigious events and festivals.

STUDYING AT BGS Balcombe Grammar School provides students with the opportunity to follow a number of pathways which suit their varied interests. The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is awarded to students who successfully complete their secondary education. It is recognised internationally, and provides pathways to employment as well as to further study at university and TAFE (Technical and Further Education). 6 7 In the senior years, students experience a core and elective curriculum that provides them with a breadth of choice. Students come into Year 10 with their first truly personalised pathway and leave Year 12 with the skills, knowledge and personal capacities to succeed in the world beyond school. In addition to the formal curriculum offering students impressive sporting, music, visual and performing arts programs we also provide an extensive co-curricular program. Students can pursue their particular talents, interests and skills as well as explore new options. CLASS OF 2016 PERCENTILE ATARS State Balcombe Grammar School 90+ 10% 19% 80+ 20% 42% 70+ 30% 60% 60+ 40% 73% 50+ 50% 89% Approximate comparison of State and Balcombe Grammar School percentiles

TERTIARY PATHWAYS Balcombe Grammar School provides students with the opportunity to follow a number of pathways which suit their varied interests. English Preparation Secondary School VCE Tertiary Studies 8 9 ENGLISH PREPARATION COURSE Balcombe Grammar School offers an English Preparation Course which is an integrated model of learning English. It allows international students to study Mathematics and Science as core subjects with other school students, with the remaining time spent in specialised English Language classes which are tailored to students individual subject interests. CAREER DEVELOPMENT The Career Development Program focuses on supporting students to identify and select subjects and pathways to follow in Years 11 and 12 and beyond. LANGUAGE Students requiring study of Language Other Than English (LOTE) will be able to access these through the Victorian School of Languages (VSL) and it will be incorporated into their study at Balcombe Grammar.

LIFE AT BGS Part of the experience of studying in another country is to embrace the culture of the new country, as well as sharing your own personal story. International students find they quickly find friends and during their stay experience Australia s natural wonders. SUPPORT WELFARE 10 The Deputy Principal - Students and Community is responsible for all students. The School will assist with Overseas Student Health Cover (Medibank Private), change of address details, caregiver arrangements, homestay, living conditions and school fees. Homestay families are carefully selected by the School and offer a nurturing and caring environment. Where the School is responsible for arranging approved homestay accommodation, the School will provide the following: 11 The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Regular weekly contact with the student program is staffed with experienced teachers. 24 hour emergency contact The Head of Sub-School can provide academic counselling and assistance with subject selection. Each student has their own Tutor who provides advice and assistance with daily school life. ACCOMMODATION Primary and Secondary students under 13 years of age must reside with and be cared for by either a parent/legal custodian or Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) - approved relative. Our homestay program is an option for international students (aged 13 years and over) who come to study, unaccompanied by a parent/ legal custodian or approved relatives. Representation in all matters relating to academic study including parent/teacher/ student conferences Assistance in moving to homestay and living away from home Health and medical guidance and transport to medical practitioners at times of illness Counselling services (in first language where necessary) Assistance to parents in the interpretation of reports, fees payments and school procedures

DESIGNED FOR LEARNING Balcombe Grammar School has been architecturally designed to be in sympathy with our surroundings. The classrooms are well-appointed, with each room having interactive whiteboards, passive solar design, along with reverse cycle air-conditioning in each room, ensuring the atmosphere in the classroom is always conducive to engaged learning. Students enjoy a range of specialty rooms including Science, Art, Music, Library, ICT, Gymnasium, sports grounds and playgrounds. 12 13 Students and staff at Balcombe Grammar School are fortunate to enjoy modern facilities. The teaching spaces have been designed to enhance learning, incorporating technology and resources to allow students and staff flexibility in the way they develop their skills and knowledge. In 2015, the Innovation Centre opened, with a purpose-built Health/PE classroom and Technology classroom that provides opportunities for students to use cutting-edge CAD and CAM equipment, enabling students to be innovative in their designs. The Senior Building opened in 2012 to accommodate the VCE and VCAL students in a mature and open learning environment. In addition to the Senior Building, the Arts, Science and Gymnasium allow students to learn in purposebuilt facilities for both their core and specialty programs.

THE NEXT STEP Balcombe Grammar School is a registered provider on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). We enrol full fee paying overseas students who enter the country to study on a student visa. Upon enrolment, our orientation program provides international students with all the necessary information to help them settle into their new surroundings. 14 APPLICATION PROCESS 15 1. The student will need to complete an Academic Test (please see details on the Application Form). 2. The parents of the student must complete and send the Application Form directly to the School or via their education agent with a copy of the student s recent school reports and a photocopy of their passport. 3. The school reviews the application and considers: a. How many places are available in the school, b. The time of the year that we receive the application and when the student wants to come into the school, c. How well the student has studied in their home country, or at the previous school. 4. When the school accepts the application, we send a Letter of Offer. This letter explains the school fees, course details, year level, and payment dates. 5. Fees and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) must be paid. 6. Upon receipt of payment, the school will issue documents required for the visa application including a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation Welfare (CAAW) letter, if applicable. A copy will also go to the referring agent or designated person. 7. Please advise the school of the time, day, date and flight number of the student s arrival. Also advise us if you would like the school to arrange an airport pick-up. (Note, welfare and accommodation can only be provided up to seven days prior to the commencement of school). 8. Upon arrival, the student will settle into their accommodation and come to school for their orientation. 9. The student begins study at Balcombe Grammar.

Primary and Secondary Co-education CSV LTD ABN 93 061 557 364 CRICOS PROVIDER CODE 03381B 389 Nepean Highway Mount Martha Victoria 3934 Australia PO Box 607 Mount Martha Victoria 3934 Australia Telephone: +61 3 5970 1100 Facsimile: +61 3 5974 2755 Email: info@balcombegrammar.vic.edu.au www.balcombegrammar.vic.edu.au