Consider a school without uniforms or bells. That’s Alia College. This independent school is located in Hawthorn East Melbourne. It offers an alternative secondary education.
Alia College opened in 1999. Bob Morgan founded it. He envisioned a different kind of school. He wanted to reduce student stress. He also aimed to improve academic performance. Morgan wanted to give students a real voice.
The name “Alia” has Latin roots. A parent suggested it. It comes from “inter alia”. This means “among other things”.
In 2006 Alia College moved to the Kawarau building. This is a historic Italianate mansion. Robert Robinson built it in 1893. Frederick Cato later extended it. Cato was passionate about education. Alia College purchased the Kawarau site in 2015.
Alia College provides a standard curriculum. However its approach is unique. Teachers and students are on a first-name basis. There are no bells. A rigid punishment system is absent. Respect is emphasized.
Alia College has a small student body. It has fewer than 100 students. The school welcomes students with learning difficulties. International students are welcome too. They can study for short periods or years. The Japanese program includes visits from Kasaoka Japan. Student exchanges are possible. French and Japanese programs run to VCE level. A French exchange program has grown since 2016.
Alia College celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019. The school began with just Years 7 and 8. Now it serves Years 7 to 12.
Alia College has occupied six different sites. All were in Hawthorn East. In 2016 Alia College purchased Kawarau. This gave the school a permanent home. It allowed investment in lasting projects. One example is the kitchen garden. Year 7 and 8 students use its harvest in cooking classes.
Alia College tailors subjects to student interest. It offers French Japanese and Latin. Students can participate in exchanges abroad. Many have spent time in Japan or France. They attend local schools and stay with local families.
Students have a voice in how Alia College runs. They give input on recruitment and enrollment. They also run meetings and school events. This empowers them and prepares them for life. Alia College strives to provide an environment free from unnecessary pressures. It fosters learning respect and personal growth.
So next time you pass Alia College remember its unique approach. It is a place where students are respected. It is a place where they have a voice. It is a place where they can thrive.