This large single-campus secondary college was founded in 1984. School uniform is compulsory.
Facilities: Architect-designed, modern facilities on a landscaped site include library, theatre, canteen, gymnasium complex, specialist classrooms and modern technology centre. There is a new Science and Technology Centre, VCE study complex, Junior School and Food Technology rooms. Eight computer rooms and computer pods house the latest networked computers.
Curriculum: The curriculum is built around the latest research and contains a well-balanced mix of academic and skill-based subjects from Year 7 to the VCE. There is an elective system in Years 9 and 10 and a wide range of subject choice available in the VCE years. The college runs an ACE program in Years 7 to 9 and high achievers take VCE Units 1 and 2 and Units 3 and 4 in Years 10 and 11. Students experiencing difficulty are offered teacher support and modification of their work. Open evening study session, homework clubs and after-school catch-up classes are also available. Italian is taught Years 7 to 12.
Sport: All students are involved in the college sports program, which includes annual swimming and athletics carnivals. Students participate in house activities, sporting round robins and physical education classes. Students are also encouraged to take part in whole-school and inter-school sporting competitions.
Extra-curricular activities: Instrumental music tuition is available, participation in college bands and instrumental groups is strongly encouraged and there is a college musical production, school play and the Rock Eisteddfod annually. The college’s outdoor education opportunities are comprehensive and include Camp Kangaroobie (Year 7), Year 9 City Experience and Anglesea (Year 10 surfing).
Student welfare programs: The school is divided into three mini-schools: Junior, (Years 7 and 8), Middle, (Years 9 and 10) and Senior (Years 11 and 12). Form teachers play a pivotal role in the day-to-day wellbeing of their students and are the first point of contact for parents. The mini-schools and the house system offer leadership opportunities for students. The college encourages voluntary charity work. The Student Representative Council, student forums, specific charitable events and voluntary work in the community are all part of the St Helena Secondary College experience. The college has a chaplain.