Independent Schools Guide 2023: Peninsula Grammar's newest building is designed for creativity

Peninsula Grammar’s newest building, ALATUS, reflects the school’s forward-thinking approach to learning.

ALATUS roughly translates as “having wings to fly”, and that’s exactly what the Kindergarten-to-Year-12 school located on the Mornington Peninsula seeks for its students.

The concept for the double-storey building began with the recognition that children often lose some of their innate creativity during their Middle School years.

“We wanted a facility where creativity and problem-solving could be enhanced. Upstairs, the pursuit of wisdom and thought occurs. It’s a space for thinkers and entrepreneurs where they can take part in activities like creating radio shows and podcasts,” explains Peninsula Grammar Principal Stuart Johnston.

“There are spaces where students can debate global situations, and there is a lecture theatre where we invite inspiring speakers to talk about future concepts. There is also a virtual reality room where children engage in virtual and augmented reality.

“Downstairs is where the pursuit of creativity happens. We’ve built a semi-industrial space where students explore how things work and solve problems and where they investigate topics such as solar power and sustainability. The whole building is one of a kind, and it is all about driving the dreams of our Middle School children.”

Peninsula Grammar has also invested in a contemporary science centre with state-of-the-art science laboratories for senior students studying biology, chemistry and physics. The number of students choosing to study science in their senior years at the co-educational school is strong and growing.

“We have almost an equal balance of students – male and female – pursuing science, and we are particularly pleased to see girls forging a strong pathway into physics. Many of them are looking at engineering solutions for the future, and the facilities at the school allow them to dig deep into their learning,” says Johnston.

While maintaining a strong focus on the foundations of learning, Peninsula Grammar also embraces an extensive program of camps, field trips, creative art, performing arts, PE and sport.

The music program begins in Kindergarten and later incorporates strings and a band program in Year 5. The school also has a Cadet program that is connected to the Australian Army.

“Students see the Cadet program as an opportunity for leadership and outdoor adventure. It challenges them to find their inner strength,” says Johnston.

“We have a very strong commitment to each child being the best version of themselves and finding the skills and experiences they need to take on whatever they love doing. For some young people, that will be an academic pathway, some find entrepreneurial pathways and some find a more practical application for their skills.”

Middle School teacher Nanami Dade says the atmosphere for students, families and staff at Peninsula Grammar is warm and inviting.

From the time the gates open in the morning with early sports training, until the evening, when there are often rehearsals and club meetings, this school is a lively and positive place to be. It is very much a community,” she says.

“It’s a place that fosters students who are inspired and informed and whovalue kindness and stewardship and who have skills to help them navigate a diverse world beyond the school gates. Every day when I drive to school, I am excited to come to work.”

Year 12 student Riley Everett has been at Peninsula Grammar since Year 5 and echoes that sentiment. During his time at the school, he has been involved in several school productions and the choir.

“Peninsula Grammar has allowed me to become more confident with who I am as a person and given me the courage to stand up for what I believe is right for myself and those around me,” he says.

“This is a wonderful community with amazing opportunities to excel.”

PENINSULA GRAMMAR
20 Wooralla Drive, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930

Website: https://www.peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au
Enquiries: (+61) 3 9788 7777 /  info@pgs.vic.edu.au 
Years: Kindergarten to Year 12 (K-12)
Denomination: Anglican
Gender: Coeducational
Fees: Contact the school for fee information or visit its website.
Boarding: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
ATAR (median for 2022):  82.25

This article appeared in Domain’s 2023 Independent Schools Guide.