Kilvington Grammar School

Kilvington is an independent Baptist school in Melbourne with a strong sense of community and a rich history, offering comprehensive education from the Early Learning Centre to VCE. Situated on one campus in the Melbourne suburb of Ormond, our school has been closely linked to the local community since it was founded in 1923. A Kilvington education is based on four key pillars – Academic Excellence, Character, Community and Care. These pillars are interdependent to help our students become thinking, strong, caring and respectful people who once leaving school, will positively engage with and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. 75% of our VCE students are consistently in the top 25% of the state, and our NAPLAN results are consistently above the national standard. At Kilvington, we strive for academic excellence within an authentic, inclusive and collaborative teaching and learning environment. The sequential development of skills, knowledge and understanding are underpinned by breadth, depth and challenge in learning. This process is informed by regular monitoring and assessment of student learning and values timely feedback. High expectations, an emphasis on self-regulation, and positive student-teacher relationships create an engaging and supportive climate where students are encouraged to think, grow and strive for their personal best. Our philosophy is underpinned by our Character Initiative and neuroscience research on the benefits of instilling a growth mindset. Student learning is a rounded experience that equips students with the skills needed to navigate, connect and thrive in a transforming world. Learning at Kilvington fosters academic excellence, shapes perspectives, strengthens character and builds skills for success. In Years 7–9, students attend single-gender classes for English, science, PE and health. This allows the learning and activities to reflect the different needs of boys and girls at these ages and allows students the opportunity to learn in both co-educational and single gender environments. We find that Kilvington students respond well to a combination of single-sex and mixed classes at this stage of their learning. Impact is a holistic and unique program that gives our students the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to help them thrive at school and life after Kilvington. It gives our students space to find their voice; they get to make decisions, be responsible, and own the outcome of the choices they make. Impact runs in parallel to the core Year 9 curriculum and co-curriculum program and includes health, wellbeing, respectful relationships and mental health. Students have the opportunity to participate in a social enterprise program developed with Monash University; select future-focused breadth electives; and choose an international or domestic expedition. Kilvington’s teaching and learning philosophy is embedded in respectful relationships between students and staff and supporting students to achieve to their full potential. Because of our size, we are able to offer a tailored learning environment, and an outstanding pastoral care program supported by mentors, who are responsible for small groups of 10–12 students, Wellbeing Deans, classroom teachers and an experienced wellbeing team. When students’ intellectual, emotional and social needs are met, they shine. Our buildings and spaces have been specifically designed to cater for the needs and activities of students of different ages, such as spacious classrooms, fully-fitted Sport Centre, sports courts, playgrounds, gardens, VCE Study Centre, Middle School of Excellence, Music School and a well-equipped library.