The Essington School Darwin made history this week when its new senior secondary college opened on Charles Darwin University's Casuarina campus.
The new senior college, to be known as The Essington International Senior College, Charles Darwin University, was officially opened by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, The Honourable Paul Henderson at a special ceremony.
Essington School Principal, David Cannon said the senior college would allow the school's students to continue through to Year 12.
"The extension of The Essington School Darwin's educational programs to include Year 12 at CDU provides a seamless educational pathway for students from preschool through to university at the same school, a first in Australia," Mr Cannon said.
"The Senior College will develop a university style of teaching and learning, and provide a smooth transition for students from senior secondary to post- secondary and university studies."
The new initiative will see the school's senior secondary students completing classes up to Year 12 in a building on the Casuarina CDU campus. Students will also use the university's specialist learning facilities in Maths, Science, Technology and Music.
The Essington International Senior College is only the second example in Australia of an independent senior college being immersed in a university campus. Students will use university facilities including the library, sporting and recreation facilities, science and computing laboratories, and technology facilities.
Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover said it was a huge shot in the arm for the university to be so closely associated with Essington’s excellent academic record throughout all areas of study.
"By immersing these students into the dynamic of university life, they will essentially hit the ground running when they embark on their own tertiary experience, which we of course hope would be with CDU,” he said.