Albert Park College

Coordinates: 37°50′41″S 144°56′52″E / 37.84472°S 144.94765°E / -37.84472; 144.94765
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Albert Park College
Location
Map
,
Coordinates37°50′41″S 144°56′52″E / 37.84472°S 144.94765°E / -37.84472; 144.94765
Information
TypePublic
MottoLead, Create, Inspire
Established2011
PrincipalSteve Cook
Years7–12
Number of students1375[1]
Colour(s)Grey, blue & yellow[2]
     
Websitewww.albertparkcollege.com

Albert Park College is a public, co-educational high school located in Albert Park, Victoria, Australia. In 2018, the school had 1036 enrolments and 79 teaching staff.[2] Construction of the new school was completed in late 2010 and it opened in February 2011.[3] The school opened with Year 7 and grew past full capacity over the next 10 years, including general and SEAL (Select Entry Accelerated Learning) enrolments. The curriculum includes Arts and Culture (English, French, Art, Music and Drama), Science and Exploration (Mathematics, Science, Food and Technology) and Student Leadership (Sport, Physical Education and Community Leadership e.g. Lifesaving and Sailing).[4]

History[edit]

The new school is built on the site of the previous Albert Park College in Danks Street which closed at the end of 2006 due to a dramatic decline in enrolments.[5] Originally opened as South Melbourne High School then renamed Albert Park High School, it was renamed again as Hobson's Bay Secondary College, and then Albert Park Secondary College before closing in 2006.

In 2002 the State Government spent $1 million on renovations to fix leaking walls and rotting carpet, local MP John Thwaites saying the decay was caused by eight years of neglect by the former Kennett government.[6] In the five years to 2005 student numbers had fallen from 460 to 242,[6] by 2006 they had fallen further to 206 with only 15 students enrolled to start year 7 the next year.[7] Meanwhile, the suburb had gentrified during the past two decades, but local residents chose not to send their children to the school because of the poor reputation and low academic results.[6]

The buildings were demolished between May and November 2008. Soil contamination (common in the area from the former Gasworks sites) delayed construction of the new buildings, which was originally planned to reopen in 2009.[5] After delays in construction, a new purpose-built school was opened for Year 7 students in 2011, with contemporary architecture designed by Woods Bagot,[8][9] and expanded to house 1200+ students from years 7 to 12,[needs update][10] costing $20 million to build.[11]

Principals[edit]

  • Founding Principal 2011, Steve Cook[12] (ex-Williamstown High School)
  • Assistant Principal, John Pobjoy
  • Assistant Principal, Timothy Nolan
  • Assistant Principal, Madeline Campbell
  • Assistant Principal, Hayley Schirmer

External links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "My School provides information that helps parents and the community in understanding the performance of schools over time".
  2. ^ a b "Albert Park College, Albert Park | School profile - 2016 | My School". www.myschool.edu.au. Retrieved 2 March 2018.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ Riordan, Paul (24 December 2008). "Albert Park College a step closer". Port Phillip Leader. Archived from the original on 18 September 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  4. ^ "Albert Park College website: Student Learning". Archived from the original on 12 December 2010. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
  5. ^ a b "New Secondary School For Albert Park". Media Release: MINISTER FOR EDUCATION. legislation.vic.gov.au. 12 October 2006. Archived from the original on 26 October 2009. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  6. ^ a b c Caroline Milburn (28 November 2005). "Our shrinking schools". The Age. theage.com.au. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  7. ^ Caroline Milburn (15 October 2007). "New start for 'failed' school". The Age. theage.com.au. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  8. ^ "Woods Bagot: Albert Park Secondary College, Victoria". Archived from the original on 2 December 2010. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
  9. ^ "Albert Park College website: Facilities".
  10. ^ "Albert Park College a step closer". Port Phillip Leader. port-phillip-leader.whereilive.com.au. 24 December 2008. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  11. ^ "Albert Park school's clean slate". Port Phillip Leader. port-phillip-leader.whereilive.com.au. 3 March 2009. Archived from the original on 20 September 2010. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  12. ^ "Year 8 off Albert Park College agenda - Local News - News - General - Melbourne Weekly Port Phillip". Archived from the original on 9 October 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2010.