Boarding has been a long tradition at The Hamilton and Alexandra College since it opened in 1872 and the school is proud to offer flexible boarding options to meet the needs of the families.
Year 11 student Ben McCure described his boarding experience as a great way to meet new friends and get involved in activities.
"Boarding at Hamilton College has given me the confidence to try new things," Ben said.
"I coach the senior girls cricket team, tutor refugees who have moved to the area and just launched a sporting podcast with a classmate.
"It is also great to get help with my school work from teachers after dinner at the boarding house and to work through assignments with other students," said Ben, in Year 11.
In the summer, Ben is a permanent boarder and plays cricket for the College Cricket Club on the weekends. In winter, Ben is a weekly boarder and goes home to play Saturday football with the Harrow-Balmoral Football Club.
A recent multi-million dollar redevelopment of facilities emphasises a commitment for The Hamilton and Alexandra College to be one of the state's top boarding schools.
The addition of separate wings for year 12 students is designed to optimise their learning and living environment, as well as encourage greater independence and collaboration.
Principal Dr Andrew Hirst said boarding is the heart and soul of the school and that the college provides a point of difference for boarders.
"They can access a progressive, independent, holistic education from Monday to Friday with the flexibility to travel home on weekends to share stories with their family, see their animals and play sport with their friends," Dr Hirst said.
"We seek the best for and from every student, ensuring they leave our school gates at the end of year 12 confident about their future."
We seek the best for and from every student, ensuring they leave our school gates at the end of year 12 confident about their future.
- Principal Dr Andrew Hirst
Boarding staff care for the boarders and contribute to their academic, social, co-curricular and pastoral care and academic staff members supervise study sessions during the week.
The Hamilton and Alexandra College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for students starting in the early learning centre (ELC) through to year 12. Students are located on two campuses, ELC and prep to year 6 at the junior school and the middle years (7-8) and senior years (9-12) are based at the senior school.
The school offers boys and girls a vast range of subjects across different disciplines to allow each student to discover their own path, suited to their own strengths and interests. In 2018, 20 per cent of year 12 students achieved an ATAR score over 90 and 46 per cent scored above 80.
The Hamilton and Alexandra College provides students with a well-rounded education and they leave school with a connectedness to life, feeling confident about the future.
To find out more visit www.hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au or attend the open morning on Thursday, August 22.
