One College
Two Campuses

Our Pakenham and Berwick campuses offer high quality education to students from Prep to Year 12. Pakenham is also home to our Little Beacons infants and early learning programs as well as the Tennis School of Excellence.

Beaconhills College offers an holistic education that inspires excellence and nurtures confident, independent learners. Our mission is to ensure our students have values that empower them to be responsible, caring citizens in the their local and global communities. Our vision is to be an innovative learning community that is focused on Learning That Matters.

The Learning That Matters at Beaconhills centres around our three core values of Integrity, Compassion and Respect. In turn these values underpin our six Key Pillars below.

We are regarded as an academic school in our region with most of our families aspiring for their children to graduate and move on to higher learning. Our students consistently achieve VCE Season of Excellence awards in subject areas such as Technology, Media and Performing Arts.

Most schools now have some environmental focus, but we have taken a strategic approach and embed this into all of our decision making. We are proud of our:

  • sustainable building program
  • extensive solar power systems
  • food gardens and worm farms
  • three-bin recycling programs across the College
  • sustainability curriculum at all levels, such as our fee-inclusive Outdoor Education program

The size and scope of our Global Beacons program is unique to schools in our region. We offer:

  • An exciting Year 9 experiential program where students travel and volunteer in orphanages and schools in East Timor or Vietnam. Learn more about Beacon Explorers
  • Language programs in French, Japanese and Mandarin
  • International language and culture tours for students to France, Japan, China, Bangladesh and the USA
  • Long-term full fee paying international students
  • International study tour program for incoming students (with many Beaconhills families providing Homestay accommodation)
  • Exchange students program in Senior School

Through Learning that Matters, the College is committed to the holistic education of each student. There are many ways that our students can ‘give back’ and be actively involved in the broader community. A meaningful and purpose-driven College Citizenship and Service program invites and encourages participation through:

  • the ‘three Ts’ of service at Beaconhills College – time, talent and treasure.
  • three levels of service at Beaconhills College – local, national and international.
  • offering choices in programs and organisations, to help foster genuine compassion and make a real difference in helping create a better world for all.
  • understanding the importance of respect for all and advocating for social justice in our world.
    • Find out more on BeaconNet (login required)

We are committed to developing resilient learners who care for themselves and others through our:

  • House Church, House Chapel, Assemblies, Baptismal classes and lunchtime activities
  • Extensive Wellbeing Program across all levels of the College
  • Sport, dance and fitness programs
  • Integrated health and nutrition programs

We want our students to become positive and active world citizens, who care deeply for others and their environment. Our challenging and diverse curriculum leads to many and varied career pathways. Religious and Values Education (RAVE) is a compulsory program from early learning at Little Beacons and the College has six chaplains.

Students have many opportunities to extend their learning in Sport, the arts, international travel and service.

Enrolling your preschool child at Little Beacons gives them the strongest and most seamless start to their schooling. Little Beacons children are well prepared for Prep as confident and independent learners.

Little Beacons’ beautiful, purpose-built centre is a spacious and peaceful place of learning. The centre has excellent in its government assessment by earning the highest possible rating under the National Quality Standards – exceeding standards in all seven areas.

  • Natural materials used throughout the centre
  • Freshest produce and nutritious meals by our in-house food services team
  • A collaborative, community approach to each child’s care and education
  • Sharing Journals with educator’s observations, notes, photos, artwork and stories to communicate between the Centre and home
  • Highly qualified staff with lower than standard group sizes
  • Specialist support from individual learning teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapist, behavioural optometrist and pediatricians
  • In-house café called ‘the nest’ where children learn good social and eating habits
  • Before/after school and vacation care
Little Beacons
Growing young minds

Junior School lays the firm foundations in English, Maths and fundamental skills, along with developing a positive attitude and healthy social skills.

Science, Humanities, Health, Computer Studies and Technology subjects are integrated into topic-based study units. Special subjects include Physical Education (Human Movement), French, Japanese, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Library and Religion and Values Education.

  • Three Physical Education classes each week led by specialist teachers, with an extra 90 minutes of class sport each fortnight for Years 3 and 4
  • Inter-school sport competitions
  • Extensive Performing Arts program including choirs, instrumental program, dance groups, drama club, musical productions and interstate tours
  • Outdoor Education beginning with camp crafts and progressing to short camps includes swimming, raft building, orienteering and horse riding

The exciting and broad Middle School curriculum encourages students to develop autonomy, problem-solving skills and the ability to work co-operatively with others.

Middle School is an exciting and vibrant place with exhibitions and celebrations of learning a regular feature. Students take part in the Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research, a Variety Night, Performing Arts Festival and Middle School Expo – a creative showcase of student projects and performances.

  • Double lesson of Physical Education plus extra Health classes focusing on healthy life choices
  • Outdoor Education include week-long Canberra camp focusing on Australia’s history and democracy, base camp experiences including challenging and specialised Year 8 program with surfing, bushwalking and camping
  • Performing Arts including drama, dance and music, instrumental music program, theatre games and school production
  • Visual Arts
  • Product Design and Technology, Textiles and Food and Technology
  • Fundraising for community charities such as the local 4Cs Food Bank

Beaconhills was the first school in Victoria to launch an on-campus Year 9 program. The College has purpose-built Year 9 centres staffed by teachers with special skills in teaching Year 9s.

Key learning areas include English/Humanities, Maths/Science, Languages other than English and Personal Development. The week is broken into four academic days and one experiential day.

  • Focus on Experiential Learning
  • ‘Personal Best’. Students spend a term creating a major project that is their personal passion – everything from restoring a boat to creating an intricate fashion garment
  • ‘City Experience’ is a time to discover Melbourne’s history, geography and art. Regular city visits include spending time with charity groups such as Urban Seed and the Salvation Army
  • Year 9 students can tour Vietnam working in schools and an orphanage, help rebuild our sister school in East Timor or do a nine-day ‘Outward Bound’ trek in the Snowy River region with rafting, abseiling and climbing
  • ‘Common Good’ is a chance for students to extend their awareness and become responsibly global citizens. They may raise funds for our sister school in East Timor and Bangladesh, support a charity of their choice, work in a soup kitchen or volunteer in a variety of ways
  • Students meet each morning in House groups with a staff tutor. Counsellors, chaplains and nurses form part of a strong student welfare support network

With 42 VCE units and a possible 400 course combinations, our Senior School offers Year 11 and 12 offers students an exciting and diverse range of subject choices

Year 10 students have a choice of elective subjects and VCE units. The Year 10 program ensures future pathways in Years 11 and 12 stay open until students have a clearer idea of their career aspirations

Beaconhills has an excellent history of high academic results, with students receiving Premier’s Awards in English, Chemistry, Economics, Accounting, Theatre Studies, Systems Engineering and Visual Communication Design. Many students have also earned VCE Season of Excellence awards in Top Arts, Top Class, Top Screen and Top Designs, placing them amongst the State’s best.

  • Career guidance starting in Year 9, with strong relationships established with Careers Counsellor
  • Skilled teachers, a number who develop curriculum and exam assessment at state level
  • High achievers can join the ‘Lux Luceat Society’, which holds regular dinners featuring guest speakers
  • Inter-House sporting carnivals with team sports such as softball, basketball, netball, volleyball and football. Inter-school competition in team sports plus swimming and athletics

Join us for a tour

Come along and see for yourself what Beaconhills College has to offer your child in a guided campus tour.
Register Here

Little Beacons Learning Centre

Six months to 5 years of age

Features

Contemporary design Holistic approach Fresh, nutritious foods The nest café Indoor and outdoor zones Early Explorers Above National Quality Standards

Sun smart Healthy eating Physical activity Sun protection Tobacco control Safe environments Mental health and wellbeing

Specialising in early learning from six months to six years, Little Beacons Learning Centre is a child-focused environment offering a safe, supportive and peaceful place for children to grow and develop on their path towards school.

  • Natural materials throughout allow children to explore without overstimulation
  • Collaborative community approach to care of children
  • Excellent communication through use of Sharing Journals and electronic portfolios
  • Highly qualified staff with small group sizes per educator
  • Early learning, long daycare, before and after school care and vacation care

Little Beacons Prospectus

Little Beacons Family Handbook
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Little Beacons Philosophy

Junior School

Prep to Year 4

Features

Laying Foundations Healthy social skills Technology Studies Special Subjects Physical Education Performing Arts Outdoor Education

Setting the foundation Junior School curriculum focuses on laying firm foundations in English, Mathematics and fundamental skills, along with developing a positive attitude and healthy social skills.

Students receive the best individual care and attention to help develop their self-esteem and confidence.

Each class teacher integrates Science, Humanities, Health, Computer Studies and Technology within topic-based study units. Specialist subjects include Physical Education, French, Japanese, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Religion and Values Education – all taught by specialist staff. Students also take part in camps and a swimming program, part of the all-inclusive College fees.

Junior School students have extensive opportunities to take part in the Performing Arts, from our Year 2 Strings Program to involvement in College musicals.

Middle School

Years 5 to 8

Middle School

Features

Inquiry-based approach Community service Intellectual challenge Personal growth Outdoor Education

Middle School, Years 5 to 8, meets the unique needs of students in those crucial years between primary and secondary schooling. Students in these years develop autonomy, problem-solving skills and the ability to work co-operatively with others.

Middle School is an exciting and vibrant place with exhibitions and celebrations of learning a regular feature.

  • Relay for Life, raising money for cancer research
  • Performing Arts Festival
  • Middle School Celebration of Learning - a creative showcase of student work
  • Academic Excellence certificates for high achievers

Year 5 students have one core teacher who takes English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities. At Years 6 and 7 students have two significant teachers who teach a combination of English/Humanities and Mathematics/Science classes, ensuring the vital links between these subjects are consolidated. By Year 8, students move to working with specialist teachers in the areas of Mathematics, Science, English and Humanities.

Year 9

Features

Experiential Learning Personal Best Experiencing Melbourne Out of the comfort zone Common Good Student Welfare

Our College recognised many years ago that Year 9 was a critical time where teenagers can lose interest in school. It is a time where they also begin to explore their world view and question their place in it.

So we designed a unique Year 9 program which we deliver from our purpose-built Year 9 Centres at both campuses.

They are multimedia-rich places of learning, staffed by teachers with special skills in teaching Year 9s. The focus is not only about learning through experience but providing challenges and fostering independence, decision-making, team-building and character development in our young people.

At Year 9 students have the opportunity to select from a broad range of electives and choose their academic pathway to the Senior School. As part of the core program students complete units in Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities, Personal Development, Physical Education and a choice of French or Japanese.

Senior School

Years 10 to 12

Features

Wide choice Year 10 VCE Season of Excellence Lux Luceat Society Careers advice

Choosing the right academic path is essential in Senior School and Beaconhills College has the crucial ingredients – diversity of choice and the right senior teachers.

  • Huge choice in VCE years with 42 VCE units and a possible 400 course combinations
  • Excellent history of high academic results, including many students receiving Premier's Awards and VCE Season of Excellence awards, putting them at the top of the state in their subjects
  • Lux Luceat Society dinners throughout the year for high achievers, featuring inspiring guest speakers

A number of our Senior School teachers are involved in curriculum development and exam assessment at a state level. We encourage our students to develop a strong relationship with our Careers Counsellor. Career guidance starts in Year 9 and also involves Heads of Senior School, Heads of Senior Learning, Heads of Senior Students and Heads of House.

Senior School Information Booklet (Pakenham Campus)

Senior School Subject Guide (Pakenham Campus)

Senior School Information Booklet (Berwick Campus)

Senior School Subject Guide (Berwick Campus)

Campus Information

Pakenham Campus opened in 1982 and is nestled in the picturesque Toomuc Valley on 18 hectares of spacious grounds.

Traveling to and from the Pakenham campus is easy. The MET bus system connects to the Pakenham train station, just five minutes away. Bus services connect to Endeavour Hills, Fountain Gate, Narre Warren and Berwick areas. Public Transport Victoria's school bus service runs from the outer regions.
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The Berwick Campus opened in 2003 and overlooks the townships of Berwick and Beaconsfield.

Beaconhills' Berwick campus is serviced by several dedicated charter buses traveling to and from suburbs including: Cockatoo, Emerald, Belgrave, Rowville, Narre Warren North, Narre Warren South and Berwick. Additionally Beaconsfield Railway Station is just 800 metres from the campus and the Berwick Station is 1.3 kms away.
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