History
In 1890 Arthur Stephenson established New College as a boy's school for day students and boarders in Rose Street Box Hill. The school was renamed Box Hill Grammar around 1928. The Methodist Church assumed responsibility for the school in 1929 and purchased a property in Station Street, Box Hill, known as 'Gwynton Park'. A new building, the Cato Block, was built on the property in 1930. The move to the new site generated much optimism and a masterplan of imposing buildings was developed. The Great Depression and the Second World War made a large impression on the school - instead of implementing the masterplan, increased numbers of students had to be accommodated at virtually no cost.
The school became co-educational in 1933 when girls were introduced to the Boarding section of the school. This practice was unheard of at that time in mainstream church schools in Victoria, if not Australia. In 1936 there were 14 girls at the school and in 1937, with 21 girls enrolled, co-educational classes were held. By 1945 there were 83 boys and 52 girls at the school and by 1955 the numbers of students had increased to 174 boys and 73 girls. However, the school reverted to only taking boys between 1964 and 1977.
In 1937, the school granted Wesley College an option to purchase its land and buildings, in return for funds from Wesley to reduce some of the school's debt. In 1946, with Wesley struggling for space to accommodate increasing numbers, it opened negotiations to take over the school, and agreement was reached in 1947, which in effect vested the school in Wesley, but allowed the school to maintain its own council until Wesley was ready to proceed. Wesley was slow to proceed, and when Box Hill Grammar's own enrolments increased in the early 1950s, the council became less enamoured with the idea. In 1955 the idea was finally abandoned, with Wesley paying the school £4,500 to recoup losses while Wesley's control had restricted development.
The school was renamed Kingswood College in 1965 to reflect both the Methodist tradition and to help create a new image of the school. Between 1963 and 1968 enrolments doubled - new buildings were urgently needed. A new science block and library were opened. The opening of the Junior School, in 1971, was a significant development for Kingswood College both financially and educationally. A new Senior School centre, named for Charles Fitzroy Walker former 36-year Principal, was opened in 1975, providing a unique environment for Year 11 and 12 students for a balanced academic and social education.
During the 1990s the school tried to build on the educational, sporting and artistic programs of the College. Pre-School children now attend both 3 Year Old and 4 Year Old Kindergarten in Speedy House, the Pre-School centre. Computer, Food Technology and library facilities have been upgraded and a new Technology Centre was opened in 1996, which provides a modern environment for students to study graphics and develop skills in the area of Production Technology.
A new Middle School centre, opened in 2002, has provided a base for Year 7 students and caters for a range of administrative functions. Landscaping to complement this building is currently being undertaken. In 2005 the refurbishments to the Junior School were completed with brand new grade 5 and 6 rooms. In 2008 construction began on a new Science Building, which was officially opened on the 28th of March, 2009. The former Science block was completely renovated and is currently the Year 10 Centre. In 2010 Brimacombe Hall was refurbished to provide a larger auditorium and additional performance and rehearsal spaces.
The College is now in the first year of the current Strategic Plan. It has launched into a refurbishment and redevelopment plan with the completion of a Master Plan and overall landscape plan for the campus.
The four houses are Walker, Brunning, Gwynton and New. The houses engage in traditional performing arts and sporting competition, including cross country along Gardiners Creek.
The School also has strong relationships with 2 schools in China, known as sister schools. GaoXin No 1 High School in Xi'an and Jiangsu Xishan Senior High School in Wuxi. Both participate strongly in exchange programs with Kingswood, as well as offering guided visits to china and its education system.
Read more about this topic: Kingswood College (Box Hill)
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