Inclusion & Engagement at Benton Junior College
The NEST
The NEST: Nurturing and Educating Students Together, is a valued and purposeful space within our school, designed to support the diverse learning needs of both students and teachers. This alternate learning environment provides opportunities for tailored intervention and extension, allowing every learner to work towards their personal goals in a supportive and flexible setting. The NEST is guided by our dynamic intervention team and led by our Inclusion and Engagement Leading Teacher, who ensures all approaches are grounded in evidence-based practice. Whether students need a quiet place to focus, targeted support, or a space to be challenged and extended, the NEST offers a calm and inclusive environment for growth. It also serves as a base for private allied health professionals working onsite, making it a true hub of care, learning, and collaboration. We value strong partnerships between families, educators, and allied health professionals to support the individual educational and social development needs of all students. This shared commitment to student wellbeing helps every child reach their full potential both in and beyond the classroom.
The NEST is also the home of our Engine Room, a dedicated space designed to support supervised movement and regulation strategies. This sensory-friendly area is specifically tailored for students who may benefit from Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions to help them manage their emotions and energy levels throughout the day. The Engine Room provides a proactive approach supporting students to regulate and return to the classroom ready to learn.
Student Excellence Program
Victorian High Abilities Program (VHAP)
The Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP) is a Department of Education initiative designed to extend and enrich the learning of students in Years 5-6 who demonstrate high-level achievement in English or Mathematics. Delivered online by expert educators, VHAP provides a challenging and collaborative environment where students engage in deep thinking, problem-solving, and advanced content beyond the standard curriculum. The program aims to stimulate curiosity, build confidence, and connect high-ability students with like-minded peers from across the state.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Students engage in high-level thinking and problem-solving through programs such as Maths Explorers, Maths Olympiad, and the Australian Maths Competition. Real-world STEM learning is brought to life through initiatives like the Adopt an Engineer program, LEGO League, and the Grand Prix Experience, where students apply their knowledge in hands-on, innovative ways.
English and the Arts
Creativity and communication are extended through enriching experiences like our Authors in Residence program, the PETA Author Workshop, and school Dance Clubs. These activities encourage students to refine their writing, storytelling, and performance skills while exploring new ways to express themselves.
Personal and Social Capability / Leadership
To build confidence and foster leadership skills, selected students attend the Young Leaders Conference, where they connect with peers across the state and engage in thought-provoking sessions on leadership, responsibility, and growth.
Engagement and Inquiry-Based Learning
Our Engage Me Mathematics Days encourage deep, inquiry-based exploration of mathematical concepts in a fun, collaborative setting, promoting both academic challenge and curiosity.
Together, these carefully selected programs provide a rich, well-rounded extension to our core curriculum, ensuring our high-ability students are supported, engaged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Extra Curricular Activities
At our school, learning extends far beyond the classroom with a rich variety of extracurricular experiences that support personal growth, independence, and connection. Our camp program offers unique opportunities, including the Year 3 Briars Camp, Year 4 Phillip Island Adventure Camp, Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp, and the Year 6 Forest Edge Adventure Camp. Each camp is carefully designed to build resilience, teamwork, and confidence in an engaging and supportive environment. In addition, our highly anticipated annual Snow Camp is open to Year 5 and 6 students, providing a truly memorable experience where students challenge themselves, form lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories.
Our rich program of incursions and excursions brings learning to life by connecting students with real-world experiences and their local environment. Highlights include visits to the Melbourne Zoo, Gould League, and Twisted Science, where students explore topics such as sustainability, biology, and innovation in hands-on, engaging ways. In addition, regular outings into the local community help students develop a strong sense of place and belonging, deepening their understanding of where they live and how they can contribute. These experiences enrich our curriculum and foster curiosity, empathy, and an understanding of everyone’s importance in our community.
Special events throughout the year play a key role in fostering our students’ love of learning and supporting their overall wellbeing. Highlights include our much-loved Book Week, complete with a vibrant dress-up parade that celebrates reading and imagination, and the 100 Days of School celebration for our Foundation students—a joyful milestone marking their learning journey so far. Our energetic Colour Run and fun-filled School Discos also bring the community together, creating memorable experiences that promote connection, happiness, and school spirit.
Student Leadership
Every child at Benton Junior College is encouraged to share their voice and perspectives, and is given meaningful opportunities to be active, valued members of our school community. Leadership is fostered across many levels, with Year 6 students taking on formal roles in School, House, and Curriculum Leadership, allowing them to model responsibility, initiative, and school pride. Benton Voice, our student representative council, includes elected representatives from each Year 2–6 class, providing a platform for students to contribute ideas, lead initiatives, and make a real impact on school life and the broader community at times teaming up with local charities.
Our Buddies program builds strong, supportive relationships between older and younger students, where they share in the fun of school, while engaging in learning and play activities together. In addition, our enthusiastic Play Leaders organise and run lunchtime games and activities that promote fun, inclusion, and our core school values. These programs work together to empower students, strengthen peer connections, and nurture a culture where every voice is heard and every contribution matters.