Update on Year 7 provision at Saltwater P-9 College
I am writing to confirm that, as previously advised, Saltwater will not be expanding to enrol Year 7 in 2020.
As you know, Saltwater College is a brand new school that was carefully planned by the Victorian Government to open in progressive stages over several years.
The school was originally intended to enrol P-2 in 2019, to allow sufficient time for further stages of construction. However, in response to demand and initial capacity, the Department of Education and Training allowed us to open as a P-6 in 2019, with the caveat that 7-9 provision was still several years away.
While I understand the concerns of our Year 5-6 families, Saltwater simply cannot cater for Year 7 in 2020. This is because our school requires further stages of construction, as well as a significant expansion of curriculum, to provide a high-quality junior secondary experience. Parents of years 5-6 are advised to contact their local zoned secondary school, available on www.findmyschool.gov.vic.au.
Q&A – from VSBA
Saltwater P-9 College is a new school that will cater for local students from Prep – Year 9.
The school gives local students access to high-quality learning environments, including a performing arts and physical education centre, as well as flexible learning spaces.
Saltwater opened for its first cohort of Prep to Year 6 students in term 1, 2019.
Why does Saltwater P-9 only have students P-6?
Saltwater College is a brand new school that was carefully planned by the Victorian Government to open in progressive stages over several years.
The school was originally intended to enrol P-2 in 2019, to allow sufficient time for further stages of construction. However, in response to demand and initial capacity, the Department of Education allowed the school to enrol years P-6, with the caveat that 7-9 provision was still several years away.
When will Saltwater enrol Year 7-9 students?
Years 7-9 students will be enrolled at Saltwater when the planned future stages of the school are complete.
Saltwater’s initial funding included budget for designing Stage 2 of the school. That design is now underway. Construction timelines are dependent on funding in future state budgets; all updates on further works can be found at http://www.schoolbuildings.
Why can’t Saltwater enrol Year 7 now?
Saltwater cannot cater for Year 7 in 2020. This is because the school requires further stages of construction, as well as a significant expansion of curriculum, to provide a high-quality junior secondary experience.
What should parents of Year 6s do about secondary schooling?
Parents of years 5-6 are advised to contact their local zoned secondary school, available on www.findmyschool.gov.vic.au.