International Students

Close to the city, Strathcona provides an excellent foundation for further study at tertiary institutions around the world while ensuring successful participation in the Victorian Certificate of Education.

Strathcona is an obvious choice for a successful Victorian Certificate of Education and university entry. (CRICOS NO : 00577C)

Strathcona is a Preparatory to Year 12 girls’ school of 700 students. It is situated 11km east of the city centre of Melbourne in Victoria. With excellent facilities and resources and dedicated staff, success of students is assured. A purpose built Senior Centre for Years 11 and 12 provides seminar rooms, quiet study areas, computing facilities and direct access to the Library.

Curriculum and Academic Performance

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a two year program.
The Equivalent Tertiary Entrance Rank (ENTER) is calculated mainly from Unit 3/4 studies taken in the second year of the VCE. English/Literature, plus four other units must be included in the program. VCE requires a minimum of 16 units of study over two years.
Strathcona offers a rich variety of courses to choose from.
For students entering at the Year 12 level, application for credit towards the VCE can be made on the basis of Year 11 studies taken elsewhere.

VCE Results:

Strathcona students have consistently achieved outstanding results.

4.8% > 99 ENTER
29.7% > 95
45.2% > 90
Median ENTER 87.3%
Strathcona ranked 4th in the State of Victoria with successful university enrolments for 87% of students. (On Track data 2005)

The majority of students go on to study at Melbourne and Monash Universities. Our international students have successfully undertaken tertiary studies, with Commerce, Business, Busines Law, Indistrial Design and Education being popular choices.

Entry Requirements

Places are offered to International Students subject to their having an adequate level of skill with English.
The preferred level of entry is Year 10 rather than into Year 11 or 12.
However, Strathcona will accept students directly into Year 11 if they have had substantial English preparation. Strathcona generally accepts students with a B or higher average grade in their most recent report.
These applications will be considered only after original copies of school reports, a copy of the student’s passport and evidence of English proficiency have been received.
Students will be interviewed and selected according to academic performance and attitude.
Students will be asked to undertake two internal tests for English and Mathematics prior to confirmation of enrolment.
An assessment of each student’s English language needs is made on her entry to Strathcona.
As there can be difficulties for International Students coping with a new academic environment, the School requires evidence that the student will be sufficiently strong in her performance to cope with the program on offer.

Applications are made on the official “Application for Enrolment Form”.

Approach to Study

Strathcona’s policy is to accept those students who are able to succeed at VCE studies (Year 11 and 12) and gain entry into suitable tertiary courses. It is a requirement that students are conscientious in their studies, attend additional tutorials as required and maintain close communication with their teachers to benefit in every way possible from their time at Strathcona.

Attendance requirements will be outlined in entry interviews and students are expected to adhere to these requirements to meet Visa regulations and to maximise their VCE performance.

English Language

Students who arrive with very little English or who have a non-English speaking background are required to take an English program (ELICOS) when they arrive in Australia.
Students must undertake an Intensive English Language Course at a local ELICOS centre usually for a term or semester. Most courses are for 20 weeks, however, in some cases where a student is proficient in English, a 12 weeks course is adequate.
Upon successful completion of the course, the student is integrated into mainstream classes at the School and receives ESL (English as a Second Language) support lessons according to need.
Individual and small group tuition to improve oral and written skills is provided.
At all levels, ESL is taught in small classes conducted by specialist teachers.
Any student who has been in Australia for fewer than seven years is entitled to study ESL.
All ESL students are eligible for ELS (English Language Support) classes.
Students are taught by a trained ESL teacher.

Guardians

Requirements:

International Students attending school in Australia, who are under 18 years, must have a Guardian living in Australia.
The Guardian must be appointed by the student’s parents and must be over 21 years.
The Guardian may be a family friend or a relative.
It is a requirement of the School that a student, regardless of age, must have a contact person (local guardian).
The Guardian must be an adult, preferably a relative, someone known to the family.
The Guardian will be a contact person for the International Student Coordinator.

Specific assistance involves:

to contact the student’s parents on a regular basis as to the well being and progress of their daughter and to report any relevant information to the School
to sign any medical forms on behalf of the parents
to ensure that in the event of illness, care of the student is adequately arranged
to assist with banking arrangements
to monitor the student’s holiday arrangements
to arrange transport to and from the airport and air tickets when the student is travelling home

Care of Students

Strathcona provides the emotional, social and practical support that is necessary for a successful transition to the Australian education system. The International Student Coordinator will ensure that the student’s transition to School is a positive and meaningful experience.

All welfare issues (Homestay arrangements), personal, social or academic concerns can be discussed with the International Student Coordinator. Counselling for personal and school issues is available from the School Counsellor. The Year Level Coordinator and Form Tutor are also available to assist when friendship or studies are of a concern.

All teaching staff provide extra assistance with studies when required either before school, during lunchtime or after school.

Accomodation

Strathcona requires that International Students live in a Homestay or with a relative (over 25 years of age).

Students must live with a responsible adult approved by the School. Students can not make their own arrangements without consultation with the School.

The School reserves the right to determine the suitability of a Homestay.

The School requires an environment that provides supervision and care for International Students at all times.

The School reserves the right to determine the suitability of a Homestay.

The Homestay must be an approved provider and the location of the Homestay should be close to the School.

Homestay refers to living with a family in your host country and participating in the life style of the family. Homestays provide the security of home life and the advantage of additional practice in English with the family.

If a Homestay is required, sufficient notice must be given to the School prior to entry for a suitable Homestay to be organised as Homestays are not always readily available.

Once a Homestay has been decided upon, the student’s agent, guardian or relative will be notified by the Registrar or the International Student Coordinator.

The School expects students to remain in Homestay for the duration of their schooling.

We look forward to welcoming you into our School.