Innovation in learning has been central to Ormond College’s mission since 1881.
In its 140 years the College has introduced new disciplines and tuition models to the University of Melbourne, a tradition that continues today with initiatives including Wade Institute and Associate Ormond College.
In its earliest years, Ormond pioneered both chemistry and biology at the University of Melbourne, which did not yet teach either discipline, offer science degrees or provide laboratory facilities. Ormond opened a chemistry laboratory in 1881 and a biology equivalent in 1885, and offered lectures in both subjects. Students flocked to attend, enrolments at the College rose by half and laboratory sessions had to be doubled. The University soon added biology to its Arts degree and awarded its first Bachelor of Science within four years.
As well as pioneering new areas of study, Ormond has forged new tuition models. Where other tertiary-level institutions generally followed either the Oxbridge model of teaching through tutorials or the Scottish equivalent which focussed on lectures, Ormond offered both. It provided both lectures given by experts in their field with the opportunities for individual feedback and tailored learning given by a tutorial. Again, this was highly successful: by the late 1880s Ormondians dominated the University prize lists.
Master Davis McCaughey teaches Theological Hall students at Ormond.
During the twentieth century, as the University of Melbourne expanded its offering, the College focussed on tutorials to deepen and enrich students’ learning, rather than offering lectures. It did however continue to offer both types of teaching in its Theological Hall, which trained Presbyterian ministers for much of the century.
In the twenty-first century, Ormond is again breaking new ground. In 2016 the College opened Wade Institute, which with the University of Melbourne delivers a new Master of Entrepreneurship, again pioneering a new discipline at the University. The College also offers students the Associate Ormond College, which gives participants the practical knowledge and professional capabilities to succeed in the workplace. Our 140 years of innovation in learning continues unabated.
The AOC augments students’ degrees with professional capabilities to succeed in the twenty-first century workplace.
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Learning is a part of everyone’s Ormond experience. From tutorials to late-night study sessions to group exam preparation, everyone has a memory of learning at Ormond. Share yours with us.
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