How Westbourne Grammar School is reimagining its future

Westbourne Grammar School is taking the lessons it learnt during the pandemic and is “reimagining education”.

“The word ‘reimagine’ celebrates the history and heritage of our school’s foundations at Williamstown but grounds us in the present at Truganina where our master plan is focused,” says the Deputy Head of Junior School, Emma Watters.

“We pride ourselves on providing a contemporary and innovative education for young people, and we are currently reimagining how we can provide for our students into the future.

“We want to cultivate students who seek to inspire the world, and we want to create an innovative learning community – a place where students can create and thrive academically.”

The Westbourne Grammar School Master Plan 2023-2038 is one of the most important developments in the school’s history. Stages one to six concentrate on the redevelopment of the Truganina pedagogical structure, built environment and size of the school.

Watters says the master plan is about being purposeful in planning for growth. The focus of the master plan currently is the Middle School learning space that houses Years 5 to 8.

“The plan creates a space like a town centre with lots of worlds within worlds – small spaces, big spaces, contemporary classrooms and collaborative and presentation spaces. It also includes a hub with 3D printing, robotics, art, design and, potentially, a student-run cafe,” explains Watters.

“The cafe is an opportunity for students to take charge of an area of the school, invigorate it and be active contributors to their learning. We also want to provide spaces where students can develop skills they will need in the future, such as being able to present an idea and come together to create something and then build and test it.”

Westbourne Grammar’s learning philosophy is centred on the concept that every child can succeed and achieve significant growth. Each student is supported through an environment that upholds integrity, responsibility and community and encourages students to take ownership of their personal growth and learning.

This educational framework, along with the school values and a carefully designed wellbeing program, scaffolds students as they progress from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12. This year, Westbourne Grammar introduced drama to the Junior School core curriculum for students from Prep to Year 4.

The bold move recognises how the exploration of dance, play-based improvisation and performance enhances character building and develops collaborative skills and confidence. It’s another initiative designed to prepare students for their future beyond the classroom.

“Drama allows students to develop life skills in a safe environment. It helps young people develop the courage to express their ideas and to perform on stage. They learn to analyse the work of others and support the people around them,” says Head of Theatre, Drama and Dance (P-12) Ryan Bowler.

“Young children are inherently creative – they wonder, ponder, create, play, imagine and pretend … Rather than young people reaching the age of 14 and then being told to tap into that inner child in a drama class, we should be doing that from the start.

“Of course, not every student will become an actor, but they will have better collaboration skills and confidence, they’ll be able to present their ideas in front of others, and they will be critical thinkers and problem solvers.”

Watters says that the evolution of Westbourne Grammar and the potential for even greater things promised by the Master Plan 2023- 2038 is ushering in a thrilling era at the school.

“This is an inspirational place to work and an inspirational place to learn,” says Watters.

“The master plan is an exciting initiative – we are looking to the future and everything it can bring.”

WESTBOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Truganina Campus
300 Sayers Road, Truganina, 3029

Williamstown
67 The Strand, Newport, 3015

Website: westbournegrammar.com
Enquiries: 03 9731 9444 / info@westbourne.vic.edu.au
Years: ELC to Year 12
Denomination: Non-denominational Christian School
Gender: Co-ed
Fees: $16,500 – $23,500. Up to $35,500 for International
Boarding: No
Scholarships: Yes
ATAR (median for 2022): 83.85

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