Kingswood College (Box Hill)

Kingswood College is coeducational K-12 college operating under the auspices of the Uniting Church in Australia, located in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Box Hill, Victoria, Australia. It traces its history back to New College, which opened its doors on the 4th February 1890.

History

At the time of its 1890 opening, Box Hill was a struggling town and provided an ideal environment, free of the many health problems that troubled Melbourne. Arthur Stephenson established New College as a boy's school for day students and boarders in Rose Street Box Hill. The Methodist Church assumed responsibility for the school in 1929 and purchased a property in Station Street, Box Hill, known as 'Gwynton Park'. A new building, the Cato Block, was built on the property in 1930. The move to the new site generated much optimism and a masterplan of imposing buildings was developed. The Great Depression and the Second World War made a large impression on the school - instead of implementing the masterplan, increased numbers of students had to be accommodated at virtually no cost.

The school became co-educational in 1933 when girls were introduced to the Boarding section of the school. This practice was unheard of at that time in mainstream church schools in Victoria, if not Australia. In 1936 there were 14 girls at the school and in 1937, with 21 girls enrolled, co-educational classes were held. By 1945 there were 83 boys and 52 girls at the school and by 1955 the numbers of students had increased to 174 boys and 73 girls.

The school was renamed Kingswood College in 1965 to reflect both the Methodist tradition and to help create a new image of the school. Between 1963 and 1968 enrolments doubled - new buildings were urgently needed. A new science block and library were opened. The opening of the Junior School, in 1971, was a significant development for Kingswood College both financially and educationally. A separate building for Senior Students was opened in 1975, providing a unique environment, which gave a balanced academic and social education.

During the 1990s the school tried to build on the educational, sporting and artistic programs of the College. Pre-School children now attend both 3 Year Old and 4 Year Old Kindergarten in Speedy House, the Pre-School centre. Computer, Food Technology and library facilities have been upgraded and a new Technology centre was opened in 1996, which provides a modern environment for students to study graphics and develop skills in the area of Production Technology.

A new Middle School centre, opened in 2002, has provided a base for Year 7 students and caters for a range of administrative functions. Landscaping to complement this building is currently being undertaken. In 2005 the refurbishments to the junior school were completed with brand new grade 5 and 6 rooms. This year a new science building will be built in the middle school and is expected to be finished some time in 2008

The College is now in the fifth year of the Strategic Plan, launched in 2004. It has launched into a refurbishment and redevelopment plan with the completion of a Master Plan and overall landscape plan for the campus.

Houses and house activities

There are 4 houses which are used for competitive sporting and performing arts events. They are:

*Walker House (Green)
*Brunning House (Red)
*New House (Yellow)
*Gwynton House (Blue)

Events include house swimming, athletics, a 3 km long cross country race to Gardiners Creek; and a performing arts afternoon including vocals, band performances and dances.

References

External links

* [http://www.kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au/ Kingswood College]