Portland Secondary College is a forward-thinking, visionary state secondary school set in an 11.12 hectare regenerated bushland setting. The College is located in Portland, a coastal town of about 10,000 people. Located on a peninsula with ocean on three sides, the town is situated about 4 hours from Melbourne, towards the South Australian border. The rural city of Portland is growing and supports a range of professions and industries. Our student population of approximately 510 students consists of about two thirds townsfolk and one third bus travellers. The student gender balance of the College is fairly even.
Portland Secondary College is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all students, staff and members of our community. Our school recognises the importance of the partnership between our school and parents and carers to support student learning, engagement and wellbeing. We share a commitment to, and a responsibility for, creating an inclusive and safe school environment for our students.
Portland Secondary College’s Vision Statement is to provide a safe and supportive learning community that offers all students the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and dispositions needed to become successful, creative, resilient and respectful learners.
Portland Secondary College’s Mission Statement is we strive to create an environment where high expectations, a wealth of opportunities, and dedicated professional growth enable students to embody our core values.
Portland Secondary College’s values are Respect, Success, Resilience and Creativity.
Despite its rural isolation, the College’s dedicated staff provide a wide range of special co-curricular programs that support and extend all students. A wide range of studies are offered at senior levels including VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education), VCEVM (Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major), VETiS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools) and School Based Apprenticeships. Supportive Leadership and high levels of staff morale and commitment leads to a quality education resulting in higher than normal academic results.
Portland Secondary College places a strong emphasis on the welfare and well-being of its school community with excellent transition, pastoral care and mentoring programs established. The College works extensively with eight feeder primary schools to assist and support transition from Primary School into the College. The College has adopted the School wide Positive Behaviour Support Framework which provides the basis for student management with form mentors in place for all Year 7-9 classes and senior mentors for all 10/11/12 students. In addition, the College supports both a Re-engagement Program and the (RE)Connect Program, both of which cater for approximately 36 students who need different levels of support.
The College employs approximately 50 teaching staff and 30 Education Support staff, some of whom work part time. The staffing profile includes 3 Principal Class Officers, 1 Learning Specialists, 2 Leading Teacher and 40 teachers who are committed to a school improvement focus that extends and transforms teaching and learning to promote high levels of academic achievement. Our teachers provide an inclusive and personalised program to meet the diverse range of student learning needs. A differentiating curriculum approach supports students in their learning growth.
We are dedicated to building students’ potential for success and wellbeing through strong mentoring partnerships that emphasise all aspects of life that relate to the holistic development of a students’ talents, interests and goals. We pride ourselves in providing an environment that is conducive to each child achieving their personalised potential.
An active College Council and various sub-committees including Finance, and Curriculum & Student Services support the College and, in conjunction with the College staff, believe students should be challenged and extended, offered success in worthwhile learning and given the chance to take increasing responsibility for their own education. The College welcomes enrolments from students with diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds and prides itself on teaching students to respect and celebrate differences. The College supports a number of Koori enrolments and enjoys a close relationship with a variety of support services for the Koori community. Additionally, the College extensively assists approximately a number of funded students who require Inclusion support as well as providing additional Literacy and Numeracy to all students who require a little extra assistance. Extension and Enhancement and Co-curricular activities are also offered at all levels.