Principal's Welcome

Dear Prospective Families,

Welcome to Sunbury Downs College. Thank you for taking the time to explore our College website and inquire about the outstanding Teaching and Learning programs that we offer.

Sunbury Downs College is a vibrant Year 7 to 12 co-educational secondary college situated in the semi-rural town of Sunbury. Our College is an inclusive school offering a wide range of programs that cater for all students.

We have a strong emphasis on developing individual student wellbeing and positive interpersonal relationships. Students are at the centre of our teaching and learning, always.

Our curriculum provides a comprehensive teaching and learning program for students in core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, Arts, Technology and Languages (Italian). We offer a range of VCE subjects including the VCE Vocational Major program in Years 11-12 which caters for students with an interest and passion for applied learning. We have a reputation for helping students achieve outstanding VCE results, further reinforcing to our students the school motto ‘Confidence to Achieve’.

Sunbury Downs College is the only secondary school in the area that offers an Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) program, extending students through a challenging curriculum including early commencement of VCE. The ACE program is a select entry course with enrolment from the feeder primary schools for students in Years 7-9. New enrolments are welcome to make enquiries about the suitability of this program for their children. We also offer a Scholars program for students in Years 10 and 11 to provide students with a range of opportunities in the Senior Years.

Our College is an accredited International Student Program provider. This program has enabled the College to work closely with the Department of Education and the local community to engage in cultural immersion and promote diversity. The College has students and families from 45 different nationalities enrolled at our school, supporting a culturally and linguistically diverse learning environment.

Sunbury Downs College offers a wide range of inclusive activities and programs which cater to all students. Some of these include Debating and Public Speaking, Maths Club, STEM/Robotics and Drama Club. We have a well-established Student Voice program and passionate Captaincy team offering students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and contribute to our school in a positive and valuable way. Our College has a House and Sports program with whole school carnivals for Athletics and Swimming, and there are also Year Level and specialised camps and excursions. We offer instrumental music tuition and present a highly acclaimed musical production, enabling students to excel in the Performing Arts in an environment that fosters participation, responsibility and teamwork outside the classroom.

Sunbury Downs College is proud of the work and support provided to students and the wider Sunbury Downs College community by our wellbeing team, learning support team and Careers Coordinators. Wellbeing programs complement the teaching and learning and extracurricular program of the College as we work together to prepare young people to become lifelong learners. Learning Support focuses on assisting students with additional needs while the Careers Coordinators provide valuable advice as students successfully pathway into university, TAFE and the workforce.

Our College values of Respect, Resilience, Ambition and Community are embedded within our teaching and learning practice. These core values support a culture of participation and excellence based on the development of positive relationships and personal growth by all community members.

Families should be aware that our school has an enrolment restriction under section 2.2.16 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic). Approved entry criteria for our school for the 2026 school year are:

• students who live within the school zone
• students with a sibling attending the school at the same time
• students seeking enrolment on compassionate grounds, in exceptional circumstances.

Students seeking enrolment in Year 7 must meet one of the above criteria to be eligible for enrolment in 2026. Students seeking enrolment in other year levels continue to be subject to the Placement Policy.

We look forward to meeting your families and sharing our great school with you. I hope that this is the beginning of a partnership where we work together to support our young people and develop in them the skills to have the “Confidence to Achieve”.

Regards

Warwick Beynon

Principal