## 1. Overview
Ocean View College is a public, co-educational B-12 school delivering comprehensive education across primary and secondary years. The college serves a medium-sized student community and typically runs class sizes around 22–24 students, promoting a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. The culture is nurturing and student-centered, with a clear emphasis on wellbeing, community involvement and creating positive learning experiences for all students.
In this environment, students are encouraged to participate, collaborate and grow academically while developing resilience and responsible citizenship. The school strives to balance strong academic expectations with a welcoming, respectful culture that values diversity and personal development.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong focus on STEM and English literacy, with leadership development and languages integrated across the curriculum.
- Special programs: Opportunities for accelerated learning and gifted and talented pathways to extend students who need more challenge.
- NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, NAPLAN results show a positive trend in reading and numeracy, with steady progression across year levels.
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:15–1:22, depending on year level and subject area.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (special education needs) services, with an inclusive education team providing targeted learning assistance.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, Australian Rules Football (AFL), cricket, athletics, swimming, and various intramural and inter-school activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in regional competitions and school leagues, with teams that consistently compete across sports.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Comprehensive programs including school choir, bands, ensembles, and drama productions that showcase students’ talents.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, film/climate clubs and other interest-based groups to broaden skills beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local sporting academies, arts organizations and external competitions to provide additional opportunities and coaching.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive, whole-school anti-bullying initiatives and clear reporting pathways to ensure a safe environment.
- House system: A house-based structure with regular inter-house events to build belonging, teamwork and school spirit.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to on-site counsellors and wellbeing staff to support students’ mental health and social-emotional development.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted supports to help new arrivals settle in smoothly.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Multiple outdoor playing fields and courts suitable for a range of sports.
- Libraries: Well-equipped library resources supporting reading, research and study.
- Science labs: Modern laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama and performance activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Contemporary ICT and innovation spaces for coding, robotics and design projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities with a range of meal and snack options.
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces to support active breaks and recreation.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A commitment to respect, resilience, inclusion and excellence in learning.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and distributed leadership that involves staff, students and families in shaping school improvement.
- Behaviour expectations: A clear code of conduct founded on respect, responsibility and positive relationships.
- Community reputation: A positive reputation for a welcoming, student-focused environment and strong partnerships with families.
- Diversity & inclusion: Active efforts to promote cultural awareness, inclusion and equal opportunities for all students.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically a morning start around 8:30–9:00 am with afternoonday close around 3:00–3:30 pm, depending on year level.
- Before/after school care: Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and related programs are often available to families.
- Uniform requirements: Full school uniform required, with guidelines for daily wear and sports attire.
- Transport (train/bus routes): School provides information on bus routes and public transport options; many families use school bus services or local transit to get to campus.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or cafeteria offering meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schools typically charge low to medium voluntary contributions and essential materials fees; exact amounts vary by year level and activities.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Applications are submitted through the school's enrolment system following Department for Education guidelines. The process typically includes providing proof of residency, birth documents, immunisation records and any required enrolment forms. Offers are issued according to intake schedules and available places, with a timeline that commonly aligns with the start of the school year. Some steps may occur earlier in the year, and families should monitor communications from the school for up-to-date timelines.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- In periods of high demand, a waiting list may be used. Placement from the waiting list generally follows enrolment boundaries and availability of places. Families on the list are notified as positions become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For general enrolments, there is typically no selective entrance exam. Some programs or year levels may have specific entry considerations or interviews, particularly if applying for accelerated pathways or specialist programs. Residency and eligibility requirements also apply.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancies and the usual enrolment process. If space is available, mid-year admissions can be accommodated, with appropriate paperwork and transition support.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A public, inclusive environment with strong academic and wellbeing support, plus robust facilities and broad extracurricular options.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Curious, motivated students who value a balanced approach to academics, sport, arts and community involvement; those who respond well to a supportive pastoral care culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension and accelerated opportunities in academics, diverse sports programs and competitive teams, and a wide range of music, drama and arts programs plus clubs and coding/robotics.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, parent portals, parent-teacher interviews and school events to keep families informed about learning progress and events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered learning with varied teaching methods, focus on literacy and numeracy, and opportunities for collaboration and inquiry.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, SEN services and EAL assistance, with dedicated staff to help students catch up and deepen understanding.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to tutoring, small-group supported learning and adjustments to teaching strategies to meet individual needs.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, parent portals, and regular updates.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 22–24 students, with teacher-quality and school structures designed to provide meaningful classroom support and formative feedback.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad mix including team and individual sports, music and performing arts, clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating and more.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Well-equipped sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces and tech/innovation labs, plus a canteen and social/learning spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Technology is integrated across the curriculum with ICT resources and learning platforms to build digital literacy and prepare students for the modern workforce.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Information on bus routes, public transport options and accessibility features is provided to support families in planning travel to and from school.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- In public schools, fees generally cover essential materials and contributions; costs vary by year level and activities, with some optional extras.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive environment with a focus on wellbeing and student support.
- Balanced academics with opportunities for extension and enrichment.
- Strong sports, arts and club offerings to suit diverse interests.
- Modern facilities across science, technology, arts and athletics.
- Transparent communication with families and active community engagement.
- Cons
- As a mid-sized public school, demand can be competitive for certain programs or year-level placements.
- Uniforms and some elective costs can add to annual expenses.
- Availability of mid-year transfers depends on vacancies and cohort needs.
