Ballarat High School is situated approximately 100 kilometres west of Melbourne. Ballarat High School commenced in 1907 as Agricultural High School and today has a student population of approximately 1440 students. Ballarat High School is an innovative learning community committed to developing all individuals through positive relationships. It provides quality learning and diverse pathways to successful futures. Ballarat High School has a tradition of pursuing and recognising excellence under the motto of “Duty Always”. The ethos is supported by the core values of Pride, Respect and Responsibility.
Facilities: Ballarat High School has extensive and excellent facilities which support students and their learning. The school is located on the one site with a boat house on Lake Wendouree as part of the rowing program.
Curriculum: Ballarat High School offers a shared learning framework which places the learner at the centre. This framework encompasses the shared beliefs and understandings about effective learning in the 21st-century classroom. As a community of learners, Ballarat High places significant emphasis on student connectedness and engagement and has developed approaches which allow students and teachers to build positive and enduring relationships. In building a “Learning Community”, Ballarat High has developed a Year 7/8 team structure, Year 9 ARCH program and a pathway program for Years 10 to 12, allowing teachers to model innovative teaching and learning practices. The small team structures have now been enhanced by the introduction of learning advisers for all students. This ensures that every student in the learning community has an adviser who understands how they learn and helps them to achieve their best. Extensive enrichment programs and exceptional facilities extend their talents beyond the classroom. Ballarat High School has also developed a shared Learning Framework which guides learning within the community.
Sport: Since 1996, Ballarat High School has been a specialist sport school. In addition, it is a participating member of the Ballarat Associated Schools (independent) and this provides opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of after-school and weekend sporting opportunities. The outstanding quality of the program has led to high level recognition for the school and individual students through regional and state sporting awards.
Extra-curricular activities: Ballarat High School offers Instrumental Music, both as a classroom and extra-curricular activity, and there are Year 7, Year 8, intermediate, senior and two stage bands. The school has a strong debating program competing at regional and state levels.
Student welfare programs: Student Services at Ballarat High School is a team of professional and dedicated staff consisting of Leading Teacher — Welfare, Learning Enhancement Leader, school chaplain, sick bay attendant, student welfare officer, and youth counsellor. The team specialises in helping students with their physical, intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing, including pathways and careers advice. Students and families are welcome to approach any member of the team to assist in a variety of issues to ensure that students have support, understanding and direction. The Student Services Team can also refer to outside agencies should more specific assistance be required.