Friendship

Social and emotional development at a young age is very important. At the Early Learning Centre (ELC) at The Ridgeway Campus, children are encouraged to share, cooperate and enjoy the friendship of their peers as well as develop independence. Through group and class activities children enhance their social skills through sharing, turn-taking and respecting their peers.

Nurturing

The teachers at The Early Learning Centre cater for the individual needs and interests of each child and plan for every stage of their development. Each child is provided with flexible and appropriate activities which help them grow in confidence, knowledge and skills and develop a positive self-image. The flexible nature of the Centre's program, and the involvement of parents, help to create a friendly and happy learning environment for all children.

Stimulating

At the Early Learning Centre, children undertake numerous activities which stimulate positive thinking and promote new learning experiences. Science and Japanese are two specialist areas the children participate in. Creative experiences allow children to express themselves and encourage children to enjoy the process as much as the finished product. Children participate in activities such as painting, sketching, construction, clay, weaving and collage work.

Fun

Through a play-orientated approach, children extend their knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the world. The centre provides the materials, space, time and freedom for them to manipulate, investigate and practise while interacting socially. The diverse range of enjoyable experiences includes singing dancing and music and Mini Maestro's in the four year old program.

Challenging

The indoor and outdoor activities allow children to explore and interact with others whilst engaged in a variety of experiences. These experiences are stimulating and always changing. Some of these promote physical development; others promote language, cognitive and social development. Through the Perceptual Motor Program for ELC 4 year olds, children develop confidence by enhancing a wide range of gross motor skills.

Building Blocks

In the primary years at Ivanhoe, students are provided with a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy that will help them throughout their education and their life. Teachers facilitate innovative and engaging literacy and numeracy programs where children learn to use and enjoy language and develop a positive attitude towards mathematics. This is supported by the notebook computer program beginning in Year 5.

Opportunities

Students in their primary years are encouraged to challenge themselves and excel through learning another language, and by participating in science, and enrichment programs. The specialist second language studied in primary years is Japanese and other specialist programs include Science, Art and Music.

The Arts

The music program offers students an extensive and varied range of activities that includes formal and informal concerts and soirées, musical productions, and music solo competitions as well as the whole school Concert. Students can also explore their creative abilities through the visual arts. Primary art classes provide students with opportunities to express their ideas using a broad range of media, from painting and drawing to construction and mask making.

Service

As a member of the Round Square group of schools, Ivanhoe shares the vision of taking education far beyond the academic. Its pillars include caring for the environment and educating through service, both at home and overseas. Students in the primary years learn about service by participating in many local service programs and discover first hand how to care for their world through sustainability and environmental programs.

Leadership

Participating in leadership activities helps students to build confidence, self-esteem and character, and grow to become responsible, successful young adults. Ivanhoe Grammar School believes all students have the ability to lead, and all students are provided with opportunities to do so. In Year 5, students take part in leadership programs and are given solid foundation skills in leadership qualities. In Year 6 all students have leadership roles across many areas including sport, music, public speaking and service.

Transition to Secondary School

The move to secondary school is an exciting time where students look forward to new friendships, new adventures and greater independence. Ivanhoe Grammar School helps students transition to secondary school by organising a comprehensive range of enjoyable activities. The student's homeroom teacher plays a pivotal role in the partnership between family, student and school and provides every level of care and support possible.

Adventure

The outdoor education program helps students to learn by doing. They experience adventure, challenge, team building, leadership, initiative and collaborative problem solving through an exciting mix of adventure activities in a range of regional and urban environments. It is closely linked to the school's commitment to the Round Square philosophy and encourages students to take risks in safe environments. It is conducted by fully trained professional outdoor educators in conjunction with specialist providers.

Performing Arts

We offer students a broad range of co-curricular opportunities outside the classroom including music, performing arts, sport, community service, cadets, debating and public speaking. There is ample opportunity for performance through the comprehensive program of formal and informal musical concerts, drama, debating and public speaking competitions and events. The cadet program offers students exceptional management and leadership training and practical skills.

Sport

We have a vibrant sporting program and house system which encourages students to become involved in a wide range of sports and activities, promoting fitness, participation and fun. Students can choose from a variety of summer and winter sports with all students participating in the inter-school competition on Saturday mornings. The House system encourages students to get involved, support their team, build camaraderie and have fun.

Year 9 Innovation

Throughout Year 9, students participate in an innovative range of learning experiences that are designed to foster leadership and independence and offer them meaningful, challenging and engaging learning opportunities. Through the Urban Systems program and their work at La Trobe University, students gain a thorough understanding of the urban environment and sustainability. Students collaborate and share ideas online with fellow students from Australia and around the world.

Academic Success

Ivanhoe Grammar School provides for a wonderfully diverse learning community where students can prepare for future studies and career paths in the beautiful surrounds of Ivanhoe, Melbourne. Through the combination of a rigorous academic program and the exciting and varied co-curricular challenges, students are able to discover and develop their strengths and interests in a focussed learning environment that celebrates achievement. Students regularly perform well above the State average in ENTER scores which allows them access to University placements and courses of their choice, with many students choosing courses from the University of Melbourne.

Learning English

The Ivanhoe International ELICOS Centre Program is fully accredited by Australia's National ELT Accreditation scheme (NEAS) and is staffed by highly qualified specialist teachers. Intensive English instruction is provided at beginner, elementary and pre-intermediate levels for newly arrived students. Students progress to mainstream classes when they are ready to study English as a second language.

Living in Melbourne

Students are usually accommodated with homestays during their time at Ivanhoe. Homestay arrangements provide international students with a well ordered life and appropriate levels of adult care and supervision. Many international students studying at Ivanhoe Grammar School have relatives and friends in Melbourne who can assist with accommodation and guardianship. The guardian provides personal and practical support outside the school environment and takes a personal and parental interest in all aspects of the student’s welfare.

Co-Curricular

We offer international students a broad range of co-curricular opportunities outside the classroom including performing arts, sport, outdoor education, leadership, community service, cadets, debating and public speaking. The school year is dotted with musicals, plays and concerts providing a broad range of opportunities for our students to challenge, extend and express themselves. The school also has a strong tradition in debating and public speaking and offers a cadet program as well as a comprehensive choice of sports.

Pastoral Care

The Dean of International Students ensures international students are well cared for and fully supported throughout their education at Ivanhoe. We provide a secure, nurturing environment in which all students feel free to strive to achieve their personal best. Parents receive regular reports on academic progress. The career adviser works closely with international students and their teachers in assisting with subject choice, career advice and university entrance. The student counsellors are also available to assist international students with course counselling and any further support.

Choices

The vital and diverse learning environment at Ivanhoe Grammar School provides students with the stimulus to enjoy learning and doing well. The opportunities and broad range of curriculum on offer help students to both reach their potential and to prepare for future studies and career paths. At The Ridgeway Campus, senior students have the option of studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) as an alternative to the VCE. Our three year senior years program and accelerated learning helps students achieve their goals.

Academic success

Through the combination of a rigorous academic program and exciting and varied co-curricular challenges, students are able to discover and develop their strengths and interests in a learning environment that celebrates achievement. Students regularly perform well above the State average in ENTER scores which allows them access to University placements and courses of their choice.

Leadership

Many opportunities to develop leadership skills are on offer in the senior years. Students learn accountability, responsibility, service and collaborative techniques, helping them to develop into self confident young adults. There are a wide variety of roles available including school prefects and leaders, peer support, mentoring as well as the Cadet program where leadership, together with management and skills training is available for those who participate.

Performing arts

Music, drama and dance form part of the vibrant performing arts at Ivanhoe Grammar School. These highly developed programs at the school offer students an extensive and varied range of activities that extends from music performance ensembles, drama and musical productions, music camps and performing arts competitions. The performing arts give students an opportunity to challenge, extend and express themselves.

Round Square

Our Cambodia Service project creates unique opportunities for our school community to engage with the Round Square pillars of Internationalism and Service. Through this project, students and teachers as well as alumni work with the Tabitha organisation to build houses in remote Cambodian impoverished rural communities. Service project teams also help to renovate classrooms, provide sports equipment and help with English language skills in other parts of the country working with World Vision and PLAN International.