Didn’t you hear? Staughton College in Melton South has a story that stretches back to 1979. It wasn’t always Staughton College though. Once it was known as Melton South Technical School.
Staughton College began with a focus on technical education. Picture students learning practical skills here. Then, Victorian education reforms came. These reforms transformed the school into a secondary college. For a time, it was called Wilson Park Secondary College.
Today, Staughton College stands on Wilson Road. It’s next to the Melton South Campus of Victoria University. The school still holds onto some of its technical past. You will find facilities for woodworking, electronics, robotics, and food technology here.
But Staughton College offers much more. A strong music program thrives. Subjects span a wide range of disciplines. There is also a strong academic focus at all levels. The school community chose a new name in the early 2000s. They decided on Staughton College.
The college is named after Simon Staughton. He was an early pioneer in the Exford district of Melton. As of 2024, Staughton College has around 1600 students.
Demand for student places has grown in recent years. Staughton College continues to expand. Many students have gone on to prestigious universities in Melbourne.
Under the Bracks government, the school added VCAL and VET units. These programs exist alongside the Victorian Certificate of Education. These developments equip students with skills for the workforce.
Staughton College has been identified as underrepresented in the tertiary sector. This classification relates to the Victorian Universities Special Access and Entry Scheme. Students can apply for tertiary study through VTAC.
Staughton College enforces a compulsory uniform. About 48% of students are female. Around 52% are male.
The school provides many activities. There are art, performance, and drama options. Students can get art tuition. They can participate in dancing and photography. Events include a Debutante Presentation Ball. Excursions feature school camps. Volunteering opportunities range from charitable clubs to environmental action.
Extra-curricular activities include surfing. The music program is extensive. There are bands and rock ensembles. Concerts and productions take place regularly. Students can learn brass, percussion, and woodwind instruments. Music theory and vocal training are also available.
Sports are a big part of Staughton College life. Ball sports include basketball, netball, and volleyball. Students can play baseball, cricket, hockey, softball, and tennis. Football options are Australian Rules Football and soccer. Track and field includes athletics. Water sports include sailing and swimming.
Support staff are available. They include academic extension and remedial support teachers. A computer technician assists with IT. Instrumental music teachers provide specialist support. Wellbeing services include careers counselors, psychologists, and welfare officers.
The curriculum includes mixed math and English classes. French is taught as a LOTE. In senior secondary, 37 VCE level 3/4 studies are available. There are 174 VCE students. The college offers 30 VET programs. Around 183 students are in VET. VCE VM is also available.
Academically, 2% of students achieve scores of 40+. The median score is 25. Satisfactory VCE completions are at 95%. VET completions are at 67%.
After school, 39% of students enroll in bachelor degrees. Five percent go to TAFE/VET. Eight percent become apprentices or trainees. Around 37% are employed.
Mr. Alan Devine is the principal. Staughton College stands as a beacon of learning. It prepares students for diverse futures.