University High School was established in Carlton in 1910 and since 1930 has occupied a site in Parkville, adjacent to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and close to the University of Melbourne and the CBD. The school values a culture of excellence in learning and teaching, programs that foster independent thought, critical thinking, collaborative learning and flexibility and the development of social responsibility, integrity and respect. The student population has great socio-economic, cultural and ethnic diversity and the school has a genuine commitment to tolerance and this diversity.
Facilities: Recently the school has undergone a significant upgrade and development of resources. There has been an augmentation of classrooms and science and computer laboratories. Recreational areas and the oval have been refurbished and a performance centre and fully equipped technology wing have been created The school is currently establishing a $4 million Gene Technology Access Centre in partnership with Melbourne University and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.
Curriculum: The formal education program covers the eight Key Learning Areas and is premised upon the Curriculum and Standards Framework. Common foundation studies in Years 7 and 8 are succeeded by a structure of core and elective subjects in Years 9 and 10 with some 30 studies being offered in Years 11 and 12. VCE results are consistently outstanding. The school’s program of accelerated learning for gifted students operates across the full breadth of the curriculum. This pioneer program remains a model for like programs offered elsewhere in Australia. The music program also operates across the full breadth of the curriculum and all students are encouraged to participate in the instrumental music program.
Student welfare programs: The school’s student management and pastoral care are structured within a Years 7 to 10 vertical sub-school framework and a VCE sub-school, consisting of Years 11 and 12. Years 7 to 10 have three sub-schools. Each of these units has a head of sub-school and three sub-school co-ordinators to look after approximately 250 students. The Bryce VCE sub-school consists of more than 400 VCE students in Years 11 and 12. The head of this sub-school works with a team of five sub-school co-ordinators and with the work education co-ordinator. This successful structure is a mainstay of the school and allows relatively small numbers of students to identify with pastoral care leaders within the framework of the sub-school.