Shelford's Direction

The Direction Shelford takes is governed by its Mission and Values.

The following are key facets of the School's direction:

  • The intellectual and personal values that are encouraged in its students and staff
  • The innovative approach to the delivery of the curriculum, and the quality of the educational experiences offered to its students
  • The resources and facilities that are provided

Shelford's Mission and Values

Shelford's Mission

Shelford's Mission is to have an international reputation for academic achievement and the encouragement of the 'whole person'. Shelford students will seek opportunities to create exciting futures for themselves through learning experiences that promote excellence, leadership and personal esteem.
In partnership with parents we seek to assist our students to develop into women who will think clearly, act with integrity, make decisions for themselves, be sensitive to and tolerant of the needs of others, be strong in their service to the community and hold a global perspective. We believe that these aims can best be achieved with the active support of all members of our community.

Shelford's Values

Shelford believes in inculcating in all students the intellectual values listed below. It expects all staff to provide models of these values in their own behaviour.

Intellectual Values

Shelford will have open entry for all students who will display:

  • Rigorous engagement in their learning
  • Excitement about uncertainty
  • Enthusiasm for tasks and ideas which are difficult to grasp
  • An ability to 'set the bar high' and to aspire to the highest levels of performance in everything they do
  • Initiative, flexibility and common sense
  • A highly organised and disciplined approach to their learning
  • Persistence and determination in achieving their goals
  • A reflective attitude
  • Energy, innovation and commitment in finding solutions rather than creating hurdles when confronted with problems
  • A willingness to take risks in their thinking, conceptions, imagination and creations
  • A capacity to articulate a point of view and a toleration of a breadth of views
  • Acceptance of the responsibility for developing their intellectual potential as a life-long process
  • Commitment to their obligations as privileged members of a wider community
  • Committed participation in the corporate life of the School

Personal Values

Students will display:

  • A sustained optimism about life
  • Resilience
  • Tolerance
  • A willingness to take calculated risks
  • A capacity for sustaining lasting relationships which are mutually respectful and beneficial
  • Integrity and confidence in exploring opportunities
  • Independence and confidence
  • Respect for others and themselves

Shelford Staff

Shelford will appoint intellectually dynamic staff:

  • Who are experts in their field
  • Who are committed to the education of the whole student
  • Who provide a model for students to emulate
  • Who are future oriented and adult learners
  • Who accept their responsibilities to be involved in the full corporate life of the School
  • Who support the Principal in the realisation of the School's mission and values

Shelford's Curriculum

Shelford's relevant and flexible curriculum will:

  • Have as its core philosophy a commitment to meeting the needs of every child, and staff will differentiate the curriculum delivery in order to achieve this commitment. All administrative, staffing and organisational structures assist in the realisation of this commitment
  • Allow for the adjustment of class sizes according to age, subject, level and learning outcomes to support its core philosophy. Generally class sizes will be smaller than those of competitor schools and at the senior level a 'tutorial approach' will often occur as part of the tertiary transition obligation of the school
  • Provide for a breadth of opportunity to participate in a rich co-curriculum
  • Include a wide range of VCE and VES subjects
  • Be globally oriented and integrate all modern learning technologies into the curriculum delivery
  • Be innovative and always involved in program review and evaluation
  • Be based on the premise that academic success is built upon a learning environment which is stimulating, engaging, tolerant, respectful and demanding
  • Reflect the understanding that the quality of learning is directly related to the quality of relationships which exist within the organisation
  • Adequately prepare students for ongoing tertiary success and a commitment to life-long learning

Shelford's Site

Shelford will continue to operate on its present site and:

  • Use other sites as appropriate to support the curriculum and current enrolment
  • Extend and enhance the School's present relationship with the parish of St Mary's to the mutual benefit of both organisations
  • Will aim to expand its visibility with frontage to Glen Eira Road
  • Provide a site which is safe, attractive, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible

Shelford's Resources and Facilities

Shelford will provide:

  • Rich resources that are flexible and easily adaptable to constant change
  • Facilities and resources which will support and enhance the School's stated philosophy
  • Facilities and resources that will ensure that the quality of the curriculum delivery is first and world class
  • Facilities and resources to ensure that the School enjoys a national and international reputation for achievement and innovation.

Helenslea