Ivanhoe Grammar School to open new University Campus at La Trobe

Ivanhoe Grammar School and La Trobe University have entered into a partnership to establish a Year 9 campus to provide students with a university-school experience. The initiative will give Year 9 students an early taste of university learning.

Commencing in 2019, students from the Ivanhoe and Plenty campuses will relocate to the new Ivanhoe Grammar School University Campus in Macleod, a dedicated campus for Year 9 students on the outskirts of La Trobe University.

Ivanhoe Principal Gerard Foley said his school was leading the way in creating Australia’s first Year 9 campus providing students with a year-long university-based learning experience.

“Spending a year at our new University Campus will provide our Year 9s with new and exciting learning opportunities," Foley said.

“Over the course of the year, they will be exposed to big ideas in a university environment. They will interact with researchers and academics, attend lecture presentations and develop skills that they will be able to apply to real life situations. Upon arriving at the school's University Campus and when using La Trobe University facilities our students will be supervised by Ivanhoe staff at all times.

“Providing students with a hybrid university-secondary school experience at such a significant time in their schooling has enormous benefits. It adds to their existing learning, increases their cultural understanding, helps them to become global citizens and prepares them for their senior school years and adult life.

La Trobe Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Tony McGrew said La Trobe was thrilled to be welcoming Ivanhoe Grammar School to La Trobe University.

“The new Ivanhoe Grammar School University Campus will be established in two terraces owned by the University in Macleod,” McGrew said. “The terraces will be renovated into modern open learning spaces, compliant with Heritage Victoria guidelines.

“Students will be based at the terraces, but will also have access to other facilities at La Trobe University - including our scientific laboratories, a mock boardroom, a moot court and our Wildlife Sanctuary. Furthermore, La Trobe academics will contribute to students’ studies through our very successful joint educational program.”

The School has appointed educational leader Mrs Stella Batsanis to head the campus, leading a team of 20 school staff.

“At our University Campus, students will have the opportunity to learn through authentic experiential learning, a rich, varied and rigorous curriculum, university programs and community and international service activities all of which give wonderful richness to the Year 9 experience," she said.