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New Senior College Officially Opened By Honorable Paul Henderson, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory

The Essington School Darwin made history on the 27^th January, 2011, when its new senior secondary college opened on Charles Darwin University’s Casuarina campus.

The Essington International Senior College, Charles Darwin University, is located in a building at the entrance to Charles Darwin University’s Casuarina Campus. The senior college is an initiative of The Essington School Darwin and an agreement with Charles Darwin University.

Professor Barney Glover, Vice Chancellor of Charles Darwin University, said it was a huge shot in the arm for the University to be so closely associated with Essington’s excellent academic record throughout all areas of study.

“By immersing these students into the dynamics of university life, they will essentially hit the ground running when they embark on their own tertiary experience, which we hope would be with CDU”, he said.

“As a multi-sector education provider, CDU already provides unique pathways for students, from school-based vocational training through to advanced research degrees, and Essington’s seamless educational pathway for students through to university is a hugely welcomed addition.”

Peter Rogers, Essington School Board Chair said, “The new Essington Senior College at Charles Darwin University marks a significant milestone, not only for the Essington School and Charles Darwin University, but also for education in Darwin. The College will provide additional choice to Darwin families and will allow Essington students to continue their seamless educational journey into post secondary and university studies”.

Students First Day

Essington Senior Secondary students spent their first day at the new Senior College on Tuesday 25^th January, 2011, and met their teachers who have come from the Essington School and school interstate and overseas.

They also spent time exploring the University campus before attending their first classes. Of interest to students were the excellent music education facilities at the University, immediately adjacent to the Senior College building.

Maddison Brown, who has attended the Essington School since Preschool, said: “The Senior College building is great and it is great to have our own student lounge inside the building, and courtyard outside the building. The facilities at the university are amazing. We can’t wait for the Work Experience in Singapore – and the activities during the year”.

Over the next week, students will also be introduced to the university’s specialist learning facilities that they will be using. These include the Science laboratories, computer facilities, library, recreation facilities – and the Cafeteria.

Educational Excellence

The new Senior College is planning to provide extension learning activities and programs for all students through out their Year 11 and 12 years.

All Year 11 students have laptops and will be using them in their daily classes. Teacher Robyn Moffat has been appointed Director of Information Communication and Technology to bring the latest knowledge on learning and technology together in the classrooms at the College.

Year 11s are also enrolled in a University subject, Academic Literacies, to teach them the skills and knowledge of study and research skills, and how to be effective and efficient learners. This will also prepare them for post secondary studies.

Access to lecturers at the University for occasional lectures relevant to their subjects will provide students with the latest knowledge on topics being studied in Year 11 and 12.

Students will also have easy access to VET and University courses offered at the university. It is expected that a large number of students will be involved in some undergraduate university programs when the College extends to Year 12 in 2012.

Centres of Excellence: Academies in Maths, Science, Technology and Music

The College, the University and other education and research institutions are working to develop extension programs through its Centres of Excellence Programs in Maths, Science, Technology and Music. Planning is advanced on programs for 2011 and beyond including vacation schools at the University in July. David Cannon, Principal of the Essington School said, “We are involving leading international schools in Asia in our Centres of Excellence Vacation Schools and hope in future years to provide learning experiences for our students beyond Darwin”.

Work Experience in Singapore

The College has developed a unique program of work experience in Australian companies in Singapore as part of the Asia Education Foundation’s Asia Literacy Ambassadors program. This program seeks to partner businesses and schools to develop Asia-literate students important for Australia in the future. The first students are traveling to Singapore in May and July as part of this program.

“It will prepare our students for the opportunities that will be available to them in Asia in their lifetime,” Essington Principal, David Cannon said.

Enrolment places are limited and early applications are recommended for 2012.

A number of partial and full General Excellence and Academic Excellence Scholarships are available. For further information, please contact The Essington School Darwin on Phone: 8985 0100.