Alia College – An alternative school in Hawthorn East.

A change of atmosphere:

• Teachers are on a first name basis with students. There is no staff room. Teachers and students mingle during breaks.
• Daily classes follow a timetabled program with no bells.
• Students wear the clothes they choose (ie, no uniform).
• Students have open access to the school kitchen where there are ovens, stoves, toasters, knives and boiling water.
• No formal punishments such as detentions. When an issue arises, students and teachers discuss the matter — at considerable length, if needed.
• The most serious rule at the school is that students must not interfere with the learning of other students.

We explain here what we mean by alternative school.

Students interested in the school can do a trial day here to find out what the students and teachers are really like, in the way that only a student can.

“You have the freedom to say what you think and get a fair hearing, a freedom that is less likely to be given in other schools” – Alia graduate