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“When I asked what she likes most her answer was ‘everything’!”

"After visiting, Charlotte was hooked on the fact that the intermediate age kids had access to the college science labs, art department and graphic design facilities.”

ACG Strathallan mum, Stephanie

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An open day was all it took to convince 11 year old Charlotte Belz that ACG Strathallan was the school for her. A Year 6 student at the time, she was bowled over by the facilities and couldn’t wait to enrol.

“After the open day Charlotte literally begged us to send her to ACG in Year 7,” said mum Stephanie.

“We hadn’t actually thought about schooling options for intermediate as our local primary school goes through to Year 8. But after visiting ACG Strathallan, Charlotte was hooked on the fact that the intermediate age kids had access to the college science labs, art department and design technology facilities.”

Not only was Charlotte’s enthusiasm infectious, but it was the key driver in the family’s decision to change schools.

“I feel children are old enough at this age to understand the importance of their education and the need to develop good learning habits for college.  In Charlotte’s case, she was very open at Year 6 to learning new skills and advancing herself. I feel when your kids show signs of wanting to push ahead, that is the time you need to look at how you can facilitate that for them.”

Now in her third term at the school, Charlotte is thriving. In fact, she couldn’t be happier.

“When I asked her what she likes the most her answer was “everything”! She enjoys being part of college life and likes the house system which puts the younger kids in touch with kids of all ages throughout the school. She loves the teachers and her favourite subjects are science and art as well as design and technology.  At her previous school she was going into the Year 8 class for maths – the opportunity to be in an advanced maths class with her peers at ACG Strathallan is a great challenge for her.”

For Stephanie and husband Kevin changing schools has reaped nothing but benefits.

“The small size of the school is a strength; the kids know all the teachers and are well connected with the principal.  Last year Charlotte came from an open plan combined Year 5/6 class of over 100 children which she did not enjoy.  The smaller class sizes and single subject teaching suit her much better. The teachers at ACG really get what makes her tick. They seem to be getting the best out of her and she is enjoying her relationships with them.”

 Already, Stephanie has noticed some significant changes.

“Charlotte has become totally self-motivated with regard to homework and projects and is now managing her time and schoolwork effectively. Her organisational skills have also improved as she needs to be more on to this with changing classes and teachers each period.”

But at ACG Strathallan it’s not only about life inside the classroom. Charlotte has also relished the chance to immerse herself in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

“So far, she has had vocal lessons, performed in the school production, joined the debating team and represented the school in hockey and netball. She also enjoyed the fun house competition side of the school athletics day and is looking forward to participating in the AIMS Games.

“Year 7 was the year for Charlotte to have some new challenges and she has really been able to explore those at ACG Strathallan.”