| Gilson College | |
|---|---|
|
Latin: Nihil Sine Deo
"Nothing Without God"
|
|
| Address | |
| 450 Taylors Road Melbourne, Vic, 3037, Australia |
|
| Information | |
| Type | Independent |
| Denomination | Seventh-day Adventist |
| Established | 1988 |
| Founded | 1970's |
| Principal | Mark B. Vodell |
| Years Offered | P-12 |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Enrolment | approx. 760 (2010) |
| Website | gilson.adventist.edu.au |
Gilson College is a P-12 school located in Taylors Hill, Victoria on the outskirts of Melbourne. It is part of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist education system.
Contents |
Gilson College traces its beginnings to the mid 1970s when a primary school was established in the suburb of Pascoe Vale. At the end of 1987 the Pascoe Vale school was closed and this heralded the beginning of a new educational institution on the current Taylors Road site. It was established in 1988 and originally known as the 'Keilor School'. In 1992, the school board voted to change the school's name to Gilson College as a tribute to W J Gilson, a prominent figure in Adventist education in Australia.[1]
The College's purpose statement reads: "Our purpose is through excellence in education, to develop people of integrity and Christian Character."
The College’s educational activities are designed to provide opportunities for all students to achieve their maximum development, intellectually, spiritually, socially and physically.
Like a number of Adventist schools in Australia, Gilson College crest has the Seventh-day Adventist Schools initials emblazoned across the shield. The Latin phrase "Nihil Sine Deo" translates to “Nothing without God” and encapsulates the view that God is an integral part of life. The laurel garland on the sides is synonymous with the prize of achievement. The book and the torch indicate the academic dimension and the pursuit of excellence that all students are encouraged to adopt as an integral aspect of their daily lives.
The College is set on 12ha near Caroline Springs, on the outskirts of Melbourne. The College has in the past 10 years continued to expand its educational line-up. Each year a building program has added facilities that are now enjoyed by the students. Modern classrooms have been added each year. In addition to this, state of the art technology laboratories as well as new science facilities provide for the students. A large gymnasium and an iconic eco-science centre are highly regarded elements of the campus.
The school is registered to take international students. Registration is open to all students provided the prerequisites are met. Intake years are usually Prep or Year 7 while other years are only open subject to the availability of vacancies.
In 1999, the school first started offering the VCE and now offers over 32 subjects.[1]
The College provides a number of extra-curricular activities. Adventure camps are held for each year in the secondary school. Both primary and secondary students are offered tuition in instrumental music and the opportunity to perform in the band or to join the choir. The College's emphasis on service is exemplified by the numerous visits to nursing homes, retirement villages, volunteer opportunities and mission trips. The College supports a couple of orphanages and has raised funds for walls, water tanks and training centres in south-east Asia.