International Students
Sunshine College is a multicultural and Co-educational College located in the inner west of Melbourne, Victoria. We are a multi-campus college.
Together the sites service approximately 1000 students from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. The curriculum that is offered meets the requirements of the Victorian and Federal Governments and is similar to that offered in all Victorian schools. What is different about Sunshine College is the way our curriculum is delivered. Our programs in Literacy, Mathematics and in Pathways have received National recognition for their quality. We also take great pride in our welfare support of all students at all levels.
Our Campuses are located in the centre of Sunshine close to a major bus and train station. Sunshine is an area that is becoming a major hub of development in the inner west of Melbourne. Our West Campus offers the Victorian Certificate of Education Certificate (VCE), with a strong emphasis on academic success. In conjunction with the Victorian Certificate of Education, students may include Vocational Education and Training (VET) in their VCE. The VET subject provides students with credit towards their VCE. All programs are delivered within our college.
All of our staff have a high level of expertise in the delivery of all of our programs.
College entry requirements
After long experiences supporting International students, we have found that students need excellent language and mathematical skills in order to succeed in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Students who have a grade of less than 7 in Maths, Science, and English in their country of origin are unlikely to be selected. We will interview students before confirming, if required.
Where possible, we will contact families to discuss enrolment at Sunshine College to ensure families are aware of the demands of study in a foreign country.
We prefer students to arrive at the beginning of Year 10.
Families of applicants need to understand that success in the VCE requires a supportive homestay environment. In our experience, close relatives tend to provide the strongest levels of support and are able to maintain good relations with the family back home. We are more likely to select students who are planning to live with close relatives. All children, no matter what their age, need a lot of support. At Sunshine College, we spend a lot of time working with children who need family support.
In order to succeed in the VCE, a student needs to have a strong work ethic, have maturity, motivation and confidence.
Support for students
Sunshine College supports students at all stages of their time in the College.
Homestay students are met and welcomed at the airport and helped to settle into their new support family.
Students are met once they have started at our college or on first attending the English language centre.
Families of the students are contacted, both those in Australia supporting students and the families living overseas. Student progress at the English language centre is regularly monitored.
The program manager, Mr Preet Sachdeva, has close relations with teachers at language centres and the assistant coordinators, Ms Anh Le and Mr Kiet Quoach, maintain close relations with families and guardians.
Once students start they are supported with an orientation program to settle in to our college. As part of our college all International Students are supported by class teachers, homeroom teachers, student support coordinators and welfare and pathways coordinators. Having four separate campuses students become known to all teachers. We promote our college and see ourselves as a very large family, where all are welcome and respected for their different contributions.
Students are supported with:
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A literacy program well known across the state and acknowledged by the Department of Education
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Extra English classes
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A unique and award winning mathematics program in the junior years, shown on national TV.
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Experienced staff at all levels
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Senior programs that achieve outstanding results in placing students into tertiary courses
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Three dedicated staff who work very closely with all International students and their families
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Dinners to welcome new students and to celebrate those students who have graduated.
Sunshine College at a Glance
School Type: Multi Campus Secondary College (3 Campuses)
The school operates Year 7 - 12 at the West Campus(Lachlan Road, West Sunshine), 7 - 10 at the North Campus (Northumberland Road, North Sunshine) as well as the Harvester Technical College for students interested in becoming high quality trades persons from Suffolk Road North Sunshine.
For all enrolment details, support and advice, please contact the Campus.
Number of Students: 1000
Average Class Size: 18
Gender: Coeducational
Uniform: Compulsory
Cost of uniform (approx.): $225 (not including Senior School Blazer @ $185)
Languages taught: Vietnamese, plus Victorian School of Languages operates on Saturdays from the North Campus.
Special facilities:
Deaf facility, gymnasiums, cafeteria, computer pods & ICT classrooms, studio arts facility, drama studio, music complex, information resource centres, libraries. Sunshine College offers vocational courses as part of a cluster of schools in our region. Harvester Technical College allows students from many schools in our area the opportunity to enrol in a variety of vocational courses.
Before School Programs:
Breakfast Club operates
After School Programs:
Homework club and VCE Tutorial Classes.
Sunshine College Contacts
Principal: Mr Tim Blunt
Principal Class Officer responsible for the International Student Program: Ms Mona Raghdo
Email: Mona.Raghdo@education.vic.gov.au
International Student Coordinator: Mr Preet Sachdeva
Email: Preet.Sachdeva@education.vic.gov.au
Useful Links:
Information on Sunshine College's surrounding community
Guides and news on students studying in Victoria
The Department of Education and Training CRICOS Provider Code: 00861K