The outer-east suburbs of Melbourne is an attractive region of Australia that many Sri Lankan families are starting to call home. For families seeking high quality private school education without the exorbitant fees, Beaconhills College is an attractive option for international students.

The college offers excellent modern facilities, highly qualified and committed teaching staff and a Homestay accommodation option with carefully selected families who live near the school.
"I often hear international families say 'your school is highly regarded' - it's a 'proud college'," says Head of International Learning Jennifer Tod.

"One of the other big benefits is that the school is in a very safe, peaceful and caring community. And while it is about a 45 minute drive to the central business district, it does have good access to the city."
The college has had solid academic results with 97 per cent of 2009 graduates receiving tertiary offers. Ms. Tod says the school culture is to encourage success in all students, no matter what their area of interest. Teaching and learning programmes are based on the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), with many students undertaking University Enhancement studies at Year 12.

It's expected that all students aim for tertiary studies at University or TAFE (Technical and Further Education) colleges. The college recognizes that senior year students are a distinct group with specific needs and must focus on academic excellence.

"Students in years 10, 11 and 12 needs to have high aspirations and expectations of academic success," Ms Tod says. All staff are highly qualified and experienced, with many involved in the development of the curriculum and assessment of examinations at state level.

Facilities at the campuses include a purpose-built senior school, lecture theatre with video conferencing facilities, a Human Movement Centre with two full-size indoor multi-purpose courts, performing arts auditorium, solar powered science and technology centre and modern library with extensive online references. All classrooms have full wireless networking and multimedia services.
The semi-rural location means students can pursue an exciting range of extra-curricular activities, ranging from kayaking to horse-riding. "International students have the benefits of access to a familiar community, while being immersed in Australian life," Ms Tod says. "Students have a massive range of opportunities to do amazing things."

For students who come to study unaccompanied by parents, Homestay families are carefully selected and approved by the college. Homestays offer a single, fully furnished room, three meals a day and laundry facilities. The college also offers short-term study tours.

For more information about Beaconhills College, including details of its simple and affordable fee structure for international students, visit the website at www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au

Source: David Samuel, Business Development Manager Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), Colombo E-mail: David.Samuel @ austrade.gov.au. - By Leigh Parry