BIRRONG GIRLS HIGH

Set on six hectares of grounds with lawn, trees, gardens and playing
fields, Birrong Girls High was established in 1957. It has a student population
of 860, and a reputation that attracts students from many areas. The majority of
students continue on to tertiary education when they leave. The school has a
P&C which endorses the wearing of full school uniform.

Facilities: A passive recreation area of landscaped gardens has been
recognised as best practice in school playground environments. It contains
gazebos, a pond and a sculpture court, and theme gardens. Other facilities
include computer rooms, science laboratories, a multi-purpose hall and
gymnasium, a drama theatre, a canteen, a wetlands study area, basketball
courts, and three large sports fields. The school also has a specially designed
library with state-of-the-art computer facilities and visual arts block.

Sport: Years 7–10 sport is integrated within the timetable so that all students are coached by
qualified Physical Education teachers in a wide range of sports. Students also participate in field days, knock-out competitions and state carnivals. The school has had considerable success in gymnastics, volleyball and soccer. Students from Birrong Girls High School have been awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Award for excellence in sport.

Extracurricular activities: Full participation in school life is strongly endorsed. Students participate in debating, public speaking, the Premier’s Reading Challenge, Drama Club, Chess Club, Writing Club, Amnesty Club, Environment Team, dance groups, Jump Rope for Heart, instrumental groups and vocal ensembles.

Special features: Gifted students are catered for in special classes in Years 7 and 8 and through a challenging extracurricular extension program. Opportunities for students to take part in overseas study tours to enhance their learning of foreign languages are also available. Technology in education is widespread. At the school, it includes the use of interactive whiteboards and is facilitated by regularly updated networked resources. A homework centre operates Monday to Thursday. The school has received the Secretary’s School Achievement Award, an Australian National Government Award for Quality Schooling and a Director General’s Award. In addition, individual staff members have been recipients of the Minister’s and Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Famous ex-students: Ilsa Konrads, Ruth Everuss, Jozefa Sobski (Deputy Director of Education).