Introduction

Welcome to Parkwood...

Parkwood Secondary College is located in North Ringwood, just five minutes from Eastland and the Eastlink freeway. Parkwood is proud to be known as a 'medium-sized' academic Secondary College. The number of students attending our school is approximately 400. Schools of this size have the advantage of being able to focus on quality teaching and student/teacher relationships in a way that fosters student leadership and academic success for all.

Out of this stems a number of important aspects of the school. Teachers are committed to knowing the students very well, to sharing that knowledge with other staff in the process of developing strategies to ensure students are happy, safe and working to their capacity. In return, students are expected to behave well and with respect. School discipline is strong, consistent and imposed where necessary. The wearing of full school uniform is compulsory.

We believe, and make students aware, of our position that they come to school as workers. They must be seriously engaged with the work they are studying from the outset. Students learn more effectively when they discover information by doing and discussing.

At Parkwood Secondary College we believe that all students have the ability to engage in progressively more difficult and sophisticated thinking, over time, when supported by tested teaching methods and student commitment. On that basis, it is our expectation that every student who enrols at Parkwood will successfully complete Year 12, and we make this expectation known to students from their first day at school.

Our students are also expected to be involved in co-curricular activities, including music and the school's extensive sport program. The College places a strong emphasis on encouraging students to be involved in the leadership program. Our senior students take their mentoring role seriously and will support our younger students as they begin their experience at Parkwood. The Sub-School Homegroup system means there is a teacher who knows each student very well and can ensure individuals are involved in appropriate co-curricular activities that develop and extend their talents, builds self confidence and self-esteem, and makes their time at Parkwood more rewarding and enjoyable. The Sub-School Co-ordinator is then able to build a partnership between school and family that is essential to a young person's success at school.

I encourage you to browse this website to get an insight into 'life at Parkwood', or if you are a prospective family to visit the school in tours led by students who are part of our leadership development program.