SMS has an international outlook and encourages exchange programs with our sister schools around the world, study and music tours, teaching foreign languages and cultural diversity.

SMS has a small cohort of international students and we believe that smaller numbers of students from overseas offers opportunities for each girl to fully interact with Australian culture, to form friendships, and to practise English in a natural setting. We expect that our international students will feel part of our school community, and will become confident in their skills, inside and beyond the classroom.

Values
SMS is a non-denominational school and students of all religions are welcome. We are committed to upholding core values of personal best, excellence, tolerance, mutual respect and co-operation - elements that define a SMS education.

Location
SMS is located in the heart of Berwick, within Melbourne's south-eastern region and a 35 minute drive to the City of Melbourne. The School is connected to a range of public transport services, and is walking distance to shops, parks, community services and the local train station.

Facilities

• Set in a safe and secure environment amidst beautiful landscaped grounds of 30 acres our campus provides excellent learning facilities in a delightful blend of historic and contemporary buildings.
• SMS has a state of the art Performing Arts Centre including 750 seat Auditorium and Music & Drama Centre.
• Our Physical Education center includes such features as the fully equipped circuit room, indoor basketball facilities, 400m grassed athletics track and tennis courts.
• Outstanding science and computing facilities, impressive lecture theatre, well equipped Library and spacious art studios complete the picture.

Academic program
Students in Year 7 to 9 participate in a comprehensive curriculum which encompasses the key learning areas of The Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Languages Other Than English, Mathematics, Sciences Studies of Society and Environment, Technology and Lifeskills. They are also involved in a range of programs specifically designed to develop thinking skills, cooperation, understanding of others and cultural awareness.

Accreditation on Completion
Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 study the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) that is administered by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). Students complete their VCE over 2 years in Year 11 and Year 12 with many students studying at least one VCE subject in Year 10. (see attached VCE results). Please refer to curriculum CD rom for further explanation on subject choice.

Students in the past have entered courses such as Medicine, Law, Arts, Engineering, Science, Business and Commerce, Technology, the Visual and Performing Arts, Hospitality and Tourism and Management. VCE results are used by the Universities as a means of selecting students for courses. The VCE is recognized by Universities internationally and St Margaret's is proud of its close links with Monash University and the University of Melbourne.

Student Selection
International Students can enroll at SMS from Year 7 onwards. Enrolment is based on the student undertaking an English proficiency test, with the Australian Education Assessment Services (AEAS), available in many countries. Contact admin@aeas.com.au for test centers and details. The test fee is paid by the student's family and the test results are forwarded to the School for consideration.

On most occasions students undertake an ELICOS program before they commence at SMS. This can be up to 20 week (full time) program conducted at Chisholm Institute of TAFE where further details can be found. We work with the English language center to help students prepare themselves for academic study within Australia.

CRICOS Provider Code: 00881F

Homestay
St Margaret's School offers Homestay to its international students. The Student Contact Officer of the School will arrange for airport pick up and introduction to Homestay family. Homestay accommodation provides the student with their own room, three meals a day, a bed, desk, lamp, wardrobe and laundry facilities.

Download Application Form (PDF - 154 KB)
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