Oakleigh Grammar has a number of non-English speaking students who integrate well in our School Community with assistance from a number of our teaching staff. Our international students are able to practise their English speaking and writing skills through full immersion or entry into our Intensive English Language Program (IELP), which is often the best way to practise a second language.
Our School is committed to supporting and integrating all of our students who speak English as an Additional Language, or other languages into meaningful learning programs through English-medium approaches. It is important for these students both educationally and emotionally to settle into Oakleigh Grammar, as we integrate them into our learning community.
The goals for students learning English as an Additional Language are the same as those of their English-speaking peers. However, the way that they reach these goals are often different. These students require additional English language support, extra time to complete activities, support and varied exposure to English in a range of contexts before traditional assessment is entirely appropriate.
Before starting at Oakleigh Grammar
Students who are studying at a language centre in Melbourne are contacted a month prior to commencing at Oakleigh Grammar. A time is arranged with their language school, parent or Student Support Liaison for the student to come and join us for half a day. During this visit they are given a tour of the School, and the opportunity to meet with the Head of Middle or Senior School, so they can choose their subjects. Once the student’s timetable has been finalised, the School will also assist the student with the ordering of text books and uniform. Homestay Rules and Regulations and School Policies will also be explained to the student.
On the student’s first day at School
They will meet with the International Student Welfare Officer (ISWO) who will introduce them to their buddy and the current student leaders. The ISWO will be the key person of contact for International student while they study at Oakleigh Grammar, and he/she will guide them through the Orientation Program, providing them with information about studying and Homestay as a student of Oakleigh Grammar. Information about the various facilities, services and resources provided by the School will be explained to the student. These will include meeting the First Aid Officer, the School Librarian and key administration staff. The student will also meet the Careers Counsellor for an introductory session.
The School bus and/or the public transport system will be explained to the student, as well as a familiarisation of the local Oakleigh area.
The International Student Orientation Program is designed to assist in settling the student into a School routine, getting to know a number of their Australian peers, and becoming aware of important information about living in Australia. Rules and Regulations on Homestay, School Policies, and discussions on living in Melbourne will be particular important.
Any issues or difficulties for the student can be discussed with the staff during the Orientation Program.
Course Information
Secondary Years 7-12 (087854A)
Primary Years (P-6) [102580D]
Each application for admission received by the School must include:
Students from a Non English Speaking Background (NESB) seeking a place at Oakleigh Grammar may be required to be sit an Australian Education Assessment Services (AEAS) Test. The AEAS Assessment has been specifically developed for international Primary and Secondary school students wishing to study in Australia.
The AEAS Assessment includes:
The requirement of an AEAS test will be discussed with the Head of Admissions on application.
For more information or to visit the official AEAS website click here.
Students must show that they have been consistent in their academic studies over a two (2) year period. As a general guide, students studying English as an additional Language should be achieving a 75% average. Students should average 70% in all other subjects.
It is important that parents and students understand the need for high level English schools especially when entering the senior levels in all subject areas.
Parents accept offer by signing the agreement and returning it to Oakleigh Grammar, then paying a semester’s fees and any other fees as required.
International student fees in 2024 are:
$23,154 per annum for Junior School students Prep – Year 6
$34,314 per annum for Middle and Senior School students Year 7-12.
One semester fees to be paid in advance. This fee includes the student school books but not uniform, excursions or homestay fees.
Mrs Sarah Boardman
Head of Early Learning
As an educational leader, I feel privileged to be able to work alongside children as they build their knowledge and understanding of the world around them at school. Celebrating the diverse range of “Wow” moments that occur with our students each day, brings great joy to me both personally and professionally. I strongly believe in the importance of building solid foundations for children’s ongoing learning, focussing on developing thinking and inquiry skills in partnership with literacy and numeracy skills, in a meaningful, rigorous and authentic way for all children. Furthermore, I value the opportunity to build beneficial, ongoing partnerships with families, working together with them to encourage all children to consistently challenge themselves, as they holistically develop a solid understanding of how they learn best.
I studied a Bachelor of Education at the University of Tasmania, before working in a range of different school settings, both nationally and overseas. This hands-on experience with a range of educational approaches, supported by my ongoing work at the University of Tasmania as a Unit Coordinator as part of the Bachelor of Education degree, has given me the opportunity to continually reflect upon evolving current best practice in education, based upon relevant, research. I have been part of Oakleigh Grammar since 2014, working as the Early Learning Centre Coordinator before becoming the Acting Head of Junior School in 2018. Within these educational leadership roles, I have developed in many ways whilst working within Oakleigh Grammar’s dynamic and collaborative community of learners.
Mr Peter Cummins
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
Peter Cummins took up his position as Deputy Principal in 2012. Prior to this he was Deputy Principal (Curriculum) at Leibler Yavneh College (2008-12) and Head of Curriculum at Mentone Grammar (2004-08). He began his career at Scotch College Adelaide and later returned as a boarding housemaster after teaching in the UK at Bromsgrove School and Wellington College.
Peter is passionate about developing the learner in every child and giving them a sense of responsibility to play an active part in making the world a better place for all human beings. He believes that the focus must be on our students developing the agility and imagination needed for living productively in a complex world.
Peter is married to Sharon (Kindergarten Director) and has three adult sons: Andrew who is a senior project manager in construction; Tom who works at Michigan State University in communications; and Alex an industrial designer.
Mr Luke Preston
Business Manager
Luke Preston is an experienced business and finance manager with a background in Not for Profit, specifically Education and Sport. Luke has most recently been the Finance manager at Melbourne Grammar School (2016-2019) and prior to that, the Business Operations manager at Tennis Victoria (2012-2016).
Before moving into the education sector in 2016, Luke worked in sport for 7 years – at Tennis Victoria and Cricket Australia – in financial and operational roles.
He worked in the corporate sector for 15 years prior to that, at major organisations across multiple sectors in both Australia and the UK, covering banking, consulting, retail and logistics.
Luke is passionate about the Education sector and the important community role played by schools and not for profit organisations.
Luke is a CPA and a UK ACMA and also holds a BSc (Social Science) from the University of Southampton.
Outside of work, Luke enjoys spending time with family and friends, and is alway kept busy with his two school age children: Alex and Jessica, and his lovely wife Kellie.
