BOX HILL HIGH SCHOOL

Box Hill High School was founded in 1930. Its reputation has been built on a long tradition of academic excellence, the commitment of its staff and the quality of care for the individual student. The school has also become known for the development of innovative programs of high quality, such as the Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program, award-winning Science programs and innovative Year 10 course. Students at Box Hill High School are strongly encouraged to live up to the school’s motto, “Ad Altiora Certamus” (“We Strive Towards Higher Things”). The needs of individual students are met through the provision of a wide range of pathways through the school’s academic program and a comprehensive system of pastoral care and guidance. The school has an extensive range of academic courses supported by a strong extra-curricular program in areas such as sport, music, debating, camps and leadership programs. Box Hill High School offers a prestigious Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Program to cater for gifted students by offering university enhancement subjects, early access to VCE and the option of completing secondary schooling in either five or six years. All Year 10 students have access to an innovative program entitled ACE (Active Challenging Experiences). Throughout the year, the students spend a half day per week outside the school being challenged both physically and intellectually. Box Hill High School is an experienced and accredited provider of education for overseas students. An accredited Intensive English Language Centre also operates within the school which has its own overseas students’ program co-ordinator who is fluent in several languages.

Facilities: Special facilities include new double-court gymnasium and Year 12 Common Room, new computer rooms with video equipment, interactive whiteboards and digital projectors, arts specialist rooms, problem-solving centre for mathematics, musical keyboard laboratory, food technology and catering centre, music centre and ecology centre. SATERN (Science and Technology Educational Resource Network) has been completed. This Commonwealth-funded initiative will bring together a diverse range of educational communities to create and deliver innovative, rich and exciting science and technology curriculum.

Curriculum: Junior students choose from an extensive range of subjects that, in addition to Mathematics, Science and Humanities subjects, includes German, Chinese, Music, Drama, Art and Materials Technology. In Years 11 and 12, there is a wide range of VCE subjects in Mathematics, Science, Information Technology, English, Business Studies, Humanities, the Arts and Personal Development. Both languages, German and Chinese, can be taken in Years 11 and 12. In addition to a strong classroom music program, the school now offers instrumental tuition in woodwind, brass, strings, keyboard and guitar as well as a number of instrumental groups. The performing arts are a major focus at the school. Every year school productions are performed by the students. Recent past productions include Grease, The Crucible, The Importance of Being Earnest, Kiss Me Kate, Eureka and Guys and Dolls.

Sport: Students participate in inter-house and inter-school competitions in netball, football, softball, cricket, basketball, table tennis, tennis, golf, swimming, baseball, squash, soccer, volleyball, athletics, cross-country, badminton, hockey and gymnastics. To encourage students to be physically fit and active throughout their life there is also a wide range of recreational and social activities on offer, such as rock climbing, lawn bowls and croquet.

Extra-curricular activities: The school curriculum is enriched through activities that offer students the opportunity to further develop their talents and skills. These include debating, drama, public speaking, Night of Notables, Tournament of Minds, Robotics and Model Solar Vehicle Challenge. The school organises a number of camps each year and periodically runs overseas trips in conjunction with the language program. For senior students, there is an opportunity to participate in formal evenings, debutante balls and valedictory dinners. Students also work with teaching staff to produce the school magazine and assist with the library and information technology program. The peer support program and prefect system provide genuine opportunities for student leadership and students participate in the Student Representative Council and the School Council.

Student engagement programs: Student engagement leaders together with year-level co-ordinators watch over the progress of students. There is a pathways co-ordinator as well as a work experience program, peer support programs and additional learning support in mathematics and English, if needed. School prefects provide additional guidance and support for younger students. The school places much emphasis on individual support and guidance for pathways beyond secondary school. This is facilitated by a strong leadership team. Every student 15 years and older undergoes counselling to develop a managed individual pathway (MIPs). There is also one-on-one course advising, a VCE expo and Year 11 Open Week.