Carey Baptist Grammar School

In our complex and ever-changing world, it’s clear that today’s young people will be faced with a unique set of challenges in the future. To meet these challenges, fulfil their ambitions and contribute to the wider world, students need to be equipped with capabilities that will enable them to thrive in a changing environment. At Carey Baptist Grammar School, we believe in adopting a broader expression of success and allowing students to leverage their strengths and follow their passions, whether they be academics, creators, innovators or athletes. Founded in 1923, Carey is a Christian independent co-educational school offering three-year-old Early Learning to Year 12. Carey has four campuses: the Kew campus (ELC–Year 12), within easy distance to public transport and situated close to Melbourne’s CBD; the Donvale campus (ELC–Year 6), located in the outer eastern suburbs; the magnificent Sports Complex in Bulleen, approximately mid-way between our Kew and Donvale campuses; and Camp Toonallook, our Outdoor Education facility on the beautiful Banksia Peninsula in East Gippsland. We strongly believe that co-education is a vital part of helping our students to develop who they are from an early age and we are proud that our school maintains an even gender balance. In co-educational schools, girls and boys work collaboratively, exchange ideas and debate issues. Importantly, the presence of both genders adds to the richness and diversity of thinking and learning that fills all classrooms in all schools. Outside the classroom, girls and boys stand side-by-side in leadership positions, play sport, attend outdoor education camps, combine in music groups, perform in plays and musicals and share recreational space. In short, girls and boys interact with each other as equals in all aspects of everyday life. By encouraging children to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse group of people, we enable them to embrace differences and to learn to understand and empathise with others. The wellbeing of every student is at the heart of everything we do at Carey and our award-winning wellbeing program underpins all our activities. Through nurturing student wellbeing and supporting their individual interests, we foster an environment that supports them in achieving their best while also developing individuals with integrity, resilience and a social conscience. All staff are responsible for student wellbeing and are trained to deliver best practice pastoral care to each student. We help facilitate the opportunity for each student to establish a primary pastoral connection with at least one staff member through our organisational structure. For the Junior School students, this connection is through their class teacher and at the secondary level it is through the House system. From Kindergarten to Year 12, Carey students enjoy facilities that have been purpose-built for the needs of their age group. We have a strong commitment to creating a physical environment that is inspiring and sustainable, and we are currently engaged in a range of developments to ensure that the spaces in which our students and staff learn, work and play best meet the needs of education in the 21st Century. Over many years, Carey students have benefitted from the support that comes with being part of a large and engaged community. The ongoing and important contribution of our community enables the development and success of the young people in our care and is testament to our belief in a shared responsibility for creating tomorrow’s thinkers, leaders and positive changemakers. Recruiting and developing highly professional teaching and support staff is one of our greatest priorities. Carey is known for being innovative, progressive and leading the way in best practice teaching and learning, supporting strong academic results and personal development for each student. Carey works in partnership with families to develop wise, independent, motivated young people who are inspired and equipped to create positive change. Carey’s philosophy of student-centred learning requires students to be active, responsible participants in their own learning, with the teacher working as a mentor, facilitator and guide. The Senior School offers both IB and VCE and fosters a dynamic and stimulating environment. In the Middle School, students take ownership of their learning with a selection of over 50 electives, and the inquiry-based approach in the Junior School allows children’s voices to be heard and respected, encouraging critical and creative thinking. Carey students are curious, aspirational and engaged global citizens. We build on their individual qualities to develop young women and men who flourish and can lead and serve with courage, compassion and intelligence. We warmly invite you to join one of our regular tours or Open Mornings to learn more about what makes a Carey education different.