Location Profile
Ararat College is a rural 7-12 co-educational College of just over 340 students located in the Central Highlands Region of Victoria approximately 100 kilometres west of Ballarat. The College was established in 1913 as one of the state's earliest secondary schools. The staff profile has changed significantly over the last four years. The College's Leadership Team has grown and includes the Principal, two Assistant Principals, three Leading Teachers and two Learning Specialists. The College also employs a large number of Education Support staff to support our students funded through disability Inclusion and equity, as well as student mental health and wellbeing needs. Staff succession planning, middle leadership development and capacity building continue to remain a high priority.
Enrolment numbers have steadily increased more recently. Students come from a predominantly English-speaking background, with 2% of students having English as an additional language. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students make up approximately 7% of the College enrolment. Approximately 45% of our students are from low socio-economic family backgrounds. The school currently has an SFOE of 0.5224. The College works extremely closely with the local government primary schools to ensure a supported and effective transition for students into the secondary school setting. These strong relationships also assist with continuity of learning within the curriculum.
Ararat College's mission is 'to provide an education that empowers young people to find their voice and thrive in any endeavour with respect, responsibility and excellence'. Supporting this mission statement are three core values:
* Respect - We are inclusive of all and celebrate diversity, we take pride in ourselves and our physical and social community, we show kindness to each other.
* Responsibility - We are accountable for our own actions, we resolve differences in constructive ways, we contribute positively to our community.
* Excellence - We aspire to exceed our potential, we challenge ourselves to be continuously improving, we embrace opportunitie
* Ararat College buildings are situated in attractive, spacious, and well-kept grounds with areas of landscaping. The buildings include an Open Learning Centre with adjacent outdoor classroom, Gymnasium, Library, Technology Wing, Technology Skills Centre, Arts Centre, Senior School Centre, Science and Language Centre, a VET Hospitality/Commercial Cooking Trade Training Centre, synthetic surface Multi-Sport Facility and a School Farm with onsite classroom. Significant maintenance and refurbishment work has been undertaken and continues to be a priority to ensure that the College's many old buildings remain functional and attractive and provide a high-quality learning environment for our students. A highlight of 2023 was receiving $4.6million to upgrade and modernise our school as part of the Victorian Government state budget.
* A comprehensive range of co-curricular activities continues to be offered to students, focusing on the holistic development of students as individuals. This includes instrumental music, media programs, camps, numerous Student Leadership opportunities, State School Spectacular, school band, annual theatre/musical production and sport programs. No formal programs are offered for overseas students.
* Ararat College is a school focused on both the learning and wellbeing outcomes of all students. In a caring, well-disciplined atmosphere, the college sets high standards in all aspects of student endeavour and behaviour, with our dedicated and talented teaching and support staff delivering engaging educational opportunities to all students, whilst also focusing on reflection and continuous improvement practices. The College makes a feature of encouraging, recognising and celebrating academic excellence, student leadership and co-curricular participation. Working with local community organisations and key stakeholders has been a priority as the College continues to support students to raise their aspirations and therefore motivation towards their education.
Selection Criteria
* Educational Leadership
* Outstanding capacity for visionary and exemplary educational leadership
* Highly developed skills in leading and managing change including the leadership of others in the process of change iii. Comprehensive knowledge of effective teaching strategies that demonstrates an understanding of how students learn
* Financial, managerial and administrative ability
* Outstanding financial, organisational and resource management skills
* Leadership of staff and students
1. A highly developed capacity to motivate staff, develop their talents and build an effective team
2. A clear capacity to foster a learning environment that takes