We have captured what we consider important at Buckley Park College in our motto, "Build Your Wings". Here is the idea that each student develops and grows intellectually, physically and emotionally over their time at the school to the point where they can leave the safety of this environment and fly off into the world much like a young bird does in leaving the nest.
Our year 7 – 12, coeducational, single-campus school provides an intimate environment where boys and girls of all ages can learn to live and work together. We value the sense of community among teachers and students alike. Older students provide valuable role models for the younger and, in turn, they learn about the responsibilities of adulthood and the skills necessary to contribute positively to the community and the work place. All learn about socially responsible and respectful behaviour, about courtesy, about the way we should treat each other and about accepting responsibility for one's actions.
The school is known for its nurturing environment. Our experience is that it doesn't take long before students feel confident and comfortable at school. This is a very important first step.
We also have high expectations of our students' learning. Around those high expectations, we build structure, teaching practice, organisation and procedures. We expect students to take on the challenge of continuously improving upon their learning and participating in the broad range of programs on offer. This is supported by continuous evaluation and improvement of subjects, courses of study and the way in which teaching and learning occurs. The academic achievements of our students are exemplified by their high VCE results and the tertiary, further education and training pathways they take up after graduation.
We value parents' connection with the school and there are many opportunities for parents to be involved at a level with which each is comfortable. We expect and value parent support for school programs and policies in helping to maintain a working, productive environment.
The potential, creativity and spirit of our young people continues to be an inspiration and a source of confidence in the future. Their commitment to achieving high academic results while being fine citizens of the school community, the support of parents and the talents and dedication of our staff make Buckley Park College a great place to come to every day.
International Students
Buckley Park College is accredited to provide education for International Students (CRICOS Provider Code 00861K Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Victoria) and has a long history of successfully welcoming international students. Most of our students come from China, Vietnam and Germany though we enjoy welcoming students from other countries as well. Our own community represents a diverse range of ethnic, cultural and religious traditions. International students find it easy to form friendships and fit in. We believe that the opportunity to form strong friendships with people from other places in the world enriches the education of our students.
Students are generally only accepted into Years 9, 10, 11 or 12. Assistance can be provided with homestay and guardianship arrangements. Overseas students access the full range of programs in the school. They are supported by the International Programs Coordinator with all aspects of their transition into the school and their personal well-being. International Students have access to all student support services including:
Airport reception
Orientation program into the school
Advice on new or second-hand uniforms and books
Student Wellbeing Officer
Qualified First Aid Officer
Educational Psychologist
Careers Guidance
Extra tuition and after school homework clubs.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
International Students are supported to improve their spoken and written English through:
Individual assistance within mainstream English classes
Small group tuition for students identified as requiring ESL assistance
Extra individual support for some ESL students
Some overseas students who need even more English tuition choose to attend a local English Language Centre for 10 to 20 weeks before they come to Buckley Park College.
Homestay
International students live in home stay accommodation organised through the school or with a relative. Most home stay providers live locally. The school makes a careful selection of suitable home stay accommodation for students who do not have relatives in Melbourne and closely monitors the welfare of students during their stay with their Australian families.
Local Area
Buckley Park College is located in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne 12 km from the city centre of Melbourne and 11 km from Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine).
The suburb of Essendon is a quiet, well-resourced area within the Moonee Valley City Council area. The local community includes shopping centres, public libraries, sporting facilities, arts centres and many public parks and gardens. It is well served by public transport including trams, buses and trains.
