Benton Junior College, situated on 3.5 hectares on the eastern fringe of the bayside town of Mornington, opened in 2003. The college is situated on the corner of Racecourse Road and Longwood Drive, Mornington (Melway Map Ref 145 J & K6). Mornington East is a rapidly growing area of Melbourne where many young Families are building in estate areas surrounding the school. The long term anticipated enrolment of over 800 students is expected within ten years.
Benton Junior College is committed to developing and nurturing a community of life-long learners. We support the development of the whole person; a person with a positive self image, who seeks excellence and respects the rights of others. Our intention is to make learning relevant and meaningful to children. Our focus is on children as capable individuals and as active constructors of their own learning. We aim to instil children with the motivation to learn, the ability to think, the courage to imagine and the compassion to care.
Children are encouraged to develop a sense of identity and self-worth, recognising their own strengths, talents and areas for improvement. A flexible, happy and non-judgemental environment allows children to take risks and draw on their natural curiosity to research and confidently verbalize innovative ideas. The positive climate encourages cooperation, positive behaviour and effective communication between teachers, children and peers. The children are given the opportunity to grow and develop a love of learning in a challenging yet safe environment.
Our innovative curriculum embraces the International Baccalaureate - Primary Years Program. This program involves children in active inquiry, drawing on their own experience to assist in gaining a greater understanding and appreciation of the world in which they live. Children develop skills which enable the courageous, flexible, creative and imaginative use of mental capabilities essential for solving complex global problems and play a purposeful and productive role in their community.
Teachers work co-operatively to bring out the best in each child, recognising that there are different ways of learning and different styles of teaching. We have high expectations of each of our children and provide resources and opportunities for all children to excel. Benton Junior College provides a range of opportunities to celebrate success and achievements.
Enrichment programs are provided weekly for all children in Health and Physical Education, Music, LOTE (Japanese), and ICT. Computers in classrooms and learning pods also enable children to access Learning Technologies in an integrated manner. Theme based whole college Fellowship days, excursions/incursions, Literacy Support Program, Student Leadership Development, Instrumental music lessons, Perceptual Motor Program, outdoor education camps, school concerts, musical productions, participation in gifted programs and interschool and district sports also enriches the curriculum. Parents are actively encouraged to be a major part of the learning process through involvement in activities at school and at home.
Teachers work in teams and plan detailed curriculum units. All staff commit to a personal professional development plan that will link to college Strategic Plan and will involve the daily use of Learning Technologies.
Parent involvement is very strong and parents are welcomed to assist in the classroom with many programs. The college community believes that educational experiences must match the learner's stage of development, whilst promoting growth and further learning. Active learner participation is to be encouraged by building on previous individual experiences, interests and talents.
