Kingswood College
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- For the school in South Africa, see Kingswood College; for the school in Kandy, Sri Lanka see Kingswood College; for the school in East Doncaster, Australia see Kingswood College, Doncaster
Kingswood College traces its history back to New College, which opened its doors on the 4th February 1890 as one of the growing number of independent schools in Melbourne, Australia.
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[edit] History
At the time of its 1890 opening, Box Hill was a struggling town and provided an ideal environment, free of the many health problems that troubled Melbourne. Arthur Stephenson established New College as a boy's school for day students and boarders in Rose Street Box Hill. The Methodist Church assumed responsibility for the school in 1929 and purchased a property in Station Street, Box Hill, known as 'Gwynton Park'. A new building, the Cato Block, was built on the property in 1930. The move to the new site generated much optimism and a masterplan of imposing buildings was developed. The Great Depression and the Second World War made a large impression on the school - instead of implementing the masterplan, increased numbers of students had to be accommodated at virtually no cost.
The school became co-educational in 1933 when girls were introduced to the Boarding section of the school. This practice was unheard of at that time in mainstream church schools in Victoria, if not Australia. In 1936 there were 14 girls at the school and in 1937, with 21 girls enrolled, co-educational classes were held. By 1945 there were 83 boys and 52 girls at the school and by 1955 the numbers of students had increased to 174 boys and 73 girls.
The school was renamed Kingswood College in 1965 to reflect both the Methodist tradition and to help create a new image of the school. Between 1963 and 1968 enrolments doubled - new buildings were urgently needed. A new science block and library were opened. The opening of the Junior School, in 1971, was a significant development for Kingswood College both financially and educationally. A separate building for Senior Students was opened in 1975, providing a unique environment, which gave a balanced academic and social education.
During the 1990s the school tried to build on the educational, sporting and artistic programs of the College. Pre-School children now attend both 3 Year Old and 4 Year Old Kindergarten in Speedy House, the Pre-School centre. Computer, Food Technology and library facilities have been upgraded and a new Technology centre was opened in 1996, which provides a modern environment for students to study graphics and develop skills in the area of Production Technology.
A new Middle School centre, opened in 2002, has provided a base for Year 7 students and caters for a range of administrative functions. Landscaping to complement this building is currently being undertaken. In 2005 the refurbishments to the junior school were completed with brand new grade 5 and 6 rooms. This year a new science building will be built in the middle school and is expected to be finished some time in 2008
The College is now in the fifth year of the Strategic Plan, launched in 2004. It has launched into a refurbishment and redevelopment plan with the completion of a Master Plan and overall landscape plan for the campus.
[edit] Houses and House Activities
There are 4 houses which are used for competitive sporting and performing arts events. These events are: House Swimming, a highly anticipated carnival in which students compete in a number of individual and team races of differents strokes and support their friends and house, while dressed in house colours. House Athletics is an all day event where track and field athletes can compete to win events from shot put to the 800m running race. Held in third term House Performing Arts is many of the students favourite house activity. Weeks of preparation and planning lead up to a fantastic afternoon watching vocals, band performances and dances. The last of the house activities for the year is cross country, where students walk to Gardiners Creek for a fast-paced 3k race.
- Walker House (Green)
- Brunning House (Red)
- New House (Yellow)
- Gwynton House (Blue)
[edit] References
[edit] See also
- List of schools in Victoria
- List of high schools in Victoria
- List of schools in Victoria, Australia according to 2006 VCE results
- Victorian Certificate of Education
[edit] External links
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