Affectionately known as "the farm school" for its 18-hectare rural site and substantial agricultural and environmental programs, Aitken College is a co-educational Preparatory to Year 12 Uniting Church school in Greenvale, northwest of Melbourne.
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Sustainability is a vital element within the school, so much so that it enjoys a standing as a Resource Smart 5-Star Sustainable mentor school. There is a wide range of sustainability programs that complement the extensive curricula and co-curricula activities that are available to the 1270 students.
In addition to a broad range of VCE and VCAL courses, the extensive site enables the school to offer programs including the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen-Garden program for Years 3 and 4, the Outdoor Environmental Science program for Year 10, the VET Certificate I and II in Agriculture for Years 10-12, and the VCE Environmental Science program.
Principal Josie Crisara says: "The students are heavily involved in looking after the animals. We run market garden stalls and children sell their produce." A new food technology facility will be built this year.
The college caters for students of all faiths and religious denominations. "Our faith program is an important part of what we do in terms of teaching values and also living those values," says Mrs Crisara.
"We believe that young people need to have a keen set of values that they can live by every day to become really good community citizens."
Aitken College will hold an Open Day on Wednesday, February 25 from 10am to 12pm. Prospective families can join tours around the campus with student leaders, something that always elicits great feedback as parents quiz the children about whether they are happy at school and enjoy their classes.
Visitors are welcome to pop into a classroom and watch a lesson. "This gives people an opportunity to see the school at work, which I think is important," says Mrs Crisara.
"We believe that all students can learn so we try to provide the best opportunities we can in a supportive and encouraging environment. We like to inspire creativity and a love of learning."
The college will also hold an Open Evening on Wednesday, October 28 from 4 to 7pm. Open Evening is held in conjunction with the school's Festival of the Arts week, which "gives people a chance to see an aspect of our extra curricular programs," says Mrs Crisara. "There's a real festival atmosphere, with an Art & Design Exhibition and indoor and outdoor music concerts." Senior staff are present at both functions to meet people and answer questions.
Individual tours can be arranged with the Registrar for any time during the school day or after school.
For more details go to: www.aitkencollege.edu.au.
