> Support & Extension Programs

Dame Phyllis Frost was the Patron of Billanook College. She was a pioneer of her time, passionate about the rights of women and the environment and an advocate for the disadvantaged.

Her legacy includes Billanook’s purpose built facility, the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC). The Centre is staffed by specialists in Support Education who design and develop personalised education programs for students with a diverse range of special needs.

The Centre operates on the basis that all children can learn and should be given the opportunity to maximise their learning potential.

Both in and out of the classroom, students come to see that learning is an engaging, practical, ever changing, continuous process. They draw on knowledge from one discipline to solve problems in another; they apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations in school, at home and in the community. Students are encouraged to stretch themselves and to know the satisfaction of a job well done.

The Centre also provides support to the teaching Staff through provision of information regarding the specific educational and emotional requirements of students and how best to meet their needs.

Our philosophy is to mainstream all children where possible and to provide the necessary support to enable effective learning to take place.

Dimensions – Enrichment and Extension Program

The Dimensions Program has a full time Staff member to work with highly able children. The program is constantly expanding, and ongoing evaluation of the program ensures the best possible educational experience for your child.

The Dimensions program include:
• both School based and supplementary provision beyond the regular curriculum for highly able students
• continuity of provision through the School, Prep - Year 12
• access to dynamic, relevant and up-to-date programs that cater for individual differences
• challenges to strive for excellence
• having access to leadership and social skills development.
• constant monitoring of emotional welfare
• access to both Staff and student mentoring
• the opportunity to work in small groups with other highly able students • withdrawal for enrichment and extension activities
• ongoing liaison with parents

Billanook believes that the early identification of giftedness is important to ensure that a highly able child can receive the support and stimulation they need to reach his or her potential.

The Dimensions program provides regular professional development to ensure all Staff are trained to provide the most up-to-date provision for your highly able child.

Faculty Programs for Highly Able Students

All faculties offer extension and enrichment programs across the year levels to cater for the needs of highly able students.

Staff and Student Mentoring

Staff and student mentoring is offered to students who have a strong interest and potential ability in a particular field which may be outside the regular School Curriculum. Billanook College recognises the importance for highly able students having the opportunity to work in small groups with other highly able students.

Mathematics Problem Solving in the Primary School

Selected students from Senior Primary attend a Mathematics Problem Solving Enrichment Program. The benefits of the program include working co-operatively in small groups, acquiring problem solving strategies, developing thinking and questioning skills, and expanding brainstorming techniques

Tournament of Minds

A problem-solving program for Primary or Secondary teams of students.

Philosophy Program

Small groups of students in Junior and Middle Primary and Years 7 – 9 participate in a Philosophy class where higher- level thinking skills are developed. Philosophy benefits students with the opportunity of thinking outside a literal and lineal mindset.

External Programs

G.A.T.E.WAYS – a program for gifted Primary Students which Billanook hosts.

State and National competitions include:
• English
• Mathematics
• Science Talent Search
• Science Drama Competition
• Mathematics Olympiad
• Mathematics Talent Quest
• LOTE
• Oz Spell
• Science

Individual Learning programs

Whilst the vertical curriculum structure of Billanook College facilitates acceleration through specific subject areas, Billanook recognises that it is not always the way forward for all students. The committed Support Education Staff in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre will provide you and your child with consultancy and guidance, whilst also supporting Staff in the enrichment of the current curriculum to create an effective personalised educational program.

Student Welfare

The Mission of Billanook College is to develop a dynamic, caring learning community which fosters the growth of the whole being of each girl and boy – in body, mind and spirit

Highly able students benefit from the caring pastoral system at Billanook College as well as a school counsellor who understands giftedness. Teachers, parents and the Dimensions team work together consistently to ensure that all of the students needs are met.

Parent Forums

Billanook understands that giftedness may bring a number of rewards and difficulties for both parents and children. Parents are encouraged to contribute actively to the program and meet on a regular basis to share ideas.

For further information please contact the Billanook College Registrar:
Phone Number: 03 9724 1179 or email registrar@billanook.vic.edu.au