Facilities: The modern, well-equipped, and flexible teaching and learning spaces optimise opportunities for engaging students and promoting student-centred learning. Each student at Balwyn High School has access to cutting-edge learning technologies that enhance the learning process: 90 per cent of students in Years 7 to 9 take part in the laptop program and all students in Years 10 to 12 use netbooks. The Stage 2 and 3 building programs (2005–2011) have seen the formation of state-of-the art facilities that provide for the specific needs of teaching and learning in music, science, food technology, art/design and technology. The Library/eLearning and International Student centres were also upgraded in 2010. The hall and theatre provide valuable community space. In 2012 the sports centre added a new International Showcourt and multiple Learning Spaces for VCE/Outdoor Education. The Xplore Learning Centre is the venue for the innovative Year 9 open learning program. There is a VCE study centre and canteen. Curriculum: The general curriculum is well balanced and strongly supported by current learning technologies. Accelerated mathematics, music and Language Other Than English (LOTE) programs can be accessed along with a range of enrichment opportunities. The school offers four LOTE programs: French, Chinese, Modern Greek and Ancient Greek plus English as a Second Language (ESL). Prospective Year 7 students can apply for a place within the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). This ultimately allows Year 10 students to access VCE studies. The Xplore program at Year 9 is an integrated and comprehensive program designed to address the specific needs of young adolescent learners. Over two blocks of three weeks, students work in the Xplore Learning Centre on student-driven integrated units. This includes an Urban Xperience. Sport: Balwyn High School has a long and proud sporting tradition with a strong emphasis on participation and achievement. More than 1000 students represent the school in the Interschool (SSV) sport competition in swimming, athletics, cross-country, cricket, baseball, softball, tennis, volleyball, golf, lawn bowls, badminton, Australian football, netball, football (soccer), basketball, hockey and table tennis. More than 150 student coaches and 50 teacher coaches support this program. House sport competitions are held in swimming (Headmasters Cup), athletics (Athletics Cup) and cross-country (Cross-Country Cup). Tutorial class and year level sport competitions are often held at lunchtimes. Each year, as part of other competitions, students can participate in squash, surf league, rugby, cheerleading, gymnastics, aerobics, mountain bike orienteering, equestrian, chess, rowing, break dancing, road cycling and mountain biking. Extra-curricular activities: The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities. These include music, drama, academic enrichment, debating, chess, cultural pursuits, camps, excursions and overseas study tours, sport, community service and a house system. Balwyn High School is proud to be one of Victoria’s leading specialist music schools. The school participates in the bi-annual World Challenge program. There is a strong commitment to student leadership with more than one in five students involved in representative positions. Student academic, sport, performance and community achievements are celebrated at the school’s annual presentation night at Hamer Hall. Student welfare programs: Student welfare is supported by a team of staff including the Director of Student Wellbeing, a chaplain, youth worker, psychologist and school nurse. Year 7 students are supported by the Student Transition Enhancement Program (STEP) and the Year 7 to 10 Tutorial Program delivers proactive social skills and development input. The Behaviour Management Policy approved by School Council incorporates uniform, homework and educational policies. Student welfare is further supported by the work of the active Student Representative Council and through the cross-age mentoring program. Structured career and study advice programs, including Work Experience are available for students. Balwyn High School has a record of strong parental support and involvement through the School Council and its sub-committees, the Parents Association, The Parents and Friends of Music Committee and the Chaplaincy Committee.