Melrose High School

## Overview Melrose High School is a public high school serving students in Canberra’s Pearce area. The school aims to provide a balanced, inclusive learning environment that supports academic growth, personal development, and strong wellbeing. It operates as a medium-sized public secondary school with a culture that prioritises a respectful, collaborative atmosphere where students are encouraged to participate in school life beyond the classroom. - School type: Public - School size: Medium - Class size: Moderate (designed to allow teacher access and support for students) - Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, diverse, academically focused with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and participation --- ## Academics & Learning Melrose High School offers a broad curriculum designed to develop core academic skills and critical thinking, with opportunities to explore interests across key subjects. - Academic strengths: Core programs across English, mathematics, sciences, and humanities with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving; opportunities to develop language and thinking skills. - Special programs: Pathways available to support accelerated learning and gifted/talented learners where offered, plus targeted support for diverse learners. - NAPLAN / trends: Public information indicates ongoing monitoring of NAPLAN performance with a focus on improving reading, writing, and numeracy outcomes over time. - Student-teacher ratios: Class structures designed to provide meaningful teacher contact and support (typical ACT public school ranges). - Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, SEN/inclusive education practices, and targeted assistance to help all students access learning. --- ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong focus on well-rounded development is supported by a range of sports and extracurricular activities, with emphasis on participation, teamwork, and achievement. - Sports offered: A variety of team and individual sports typical of ACT high schools (e.g., basketball, football, soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming). - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in inter-school competitions with opportunities to contribute to school-level and regional achievements. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, theatre productions, and performing arts opportunities. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other student-led clubs to develop skills outside the classroom. - Partnerships: Possible links with local clubs, sports academies, and competitions to extend opportunities beyond school hours. Most parents skim this section to understand boys aged 10–14 can stay engaged and develop interests outside academics. --- ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Positive wellbeing and a supportive pastoral framework are central to the school community. - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive programs and clear reporting pathways to maintain a respectful, safe school environment. - House system: House-based activities and competitions to foster belonging and peer support. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support mental health, resilience, and personal development. - Transition support: Orientation and transition programs for new students to help them settle in smoothly. --- ## Facilities Melrose High School provides a range of facilities designed to support learning, creativity, and physical wellbeing. - Sports grounds: On-site athletic facilities for training and games. - Libraries: Well-stocked libraries with study spaces. - Science labs: Modern science laboratories for practical experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for rehearsals, performances, and showcases. - Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated rooms for coding, robotics, and technology projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen for students. - Updated playgrounds: Safe outdoor spaces for recreation and socialising. --- ## School Values & Community Culture The school communicates a clear set of values and expectations to foster a positive school community. - School values / mission: Focus on respect, responsibility, and inclusivity, with emphasis on academic effort and wellbeing. - Leadership style: Collegial and student-centred leadership, encouraging student voice and responsibility. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct aligned with a fair, consistent approach to behaviour. - Community reputation: A public school with a reputation for a supportive environment and active student participation. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and celebration of diverse backgrounds and abilities. --- ## School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan around school routines. - School hours: Regular daily timetable with start and finish times aligned to ACT public school norms. - Before/after school care: Availability of supervised activities or care options may be offered or coordinated with local services. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with guidelines for daily wear and approved alterations. - Transport: Access to local bus routes and walking/cycling options; transport arrangements coordinated through the ACT DoE or local services. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or arrangements for meals and snacks. - Fees: Public high schools have low to moderate voluntary contributions and optional charges for activities and resources. --- ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is typically managed through the ACT Department of Education. Families usually apply via the official education portal or the school’s admissions process, with timelines aligned to the ACT school intake year. Applications commonly open well before the start of the school year, with documentation required to verify residency, student details, immunisation status, and identity. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school is oversubscribed in the local catchment area, there may be a waiting list. Priority is generally given to students who reside in the school’s catchment, followed by other criteria as defined by the Department of Education. The waiting list process and estimated wait times are communicated by the school or DoE. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For most public high school admissions, entry relies on residency within the designated catchment and standard documentation. Some programs or pathways may have additional screening or placement considerations, but many enrolments do not require entrance tests or interviews. Check with the school for any program-specific considerations. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be possible depending on vacancies and space in the relevant year levels. Parents should contact the school early to discuss availability, transfer documents, and transition planning. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Public education with a balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and community involvement; supportive environment and accessible pathways for students. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value steady academic progress, participate in school life, and engage in wellbeing and positive peer relationships tend to thrive. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to broad coursework, electives, and clubs; participation in sports, music, drama, and robotics/coding/debating clubs; potential pathways for advanced learning and talent development. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, emails, parent portals, information evenings, and formal student-progress updates; multiple channels to keep families informed. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred, differentiated instruction with emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, and collaboration; ongoing assessment to guide learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted tutoring or learning support services, SEN supports, EAL assistance, and access to specialised staff to address gaps and accelerate progress. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, personalised learning plans, and liaison with teachers to implement accommodations or adjustments as needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports teams and physical activities, plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, arts, and music; opportunities to compete and perform. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports facilities, science labs, libraries, performing arts spaces, music rooms, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Emphasis on digital literacy, use of online learning platforms, and integration of technology across subjects; access to devices and learning resources as part of modern education. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to bus routes and safe routes for walking/cycling; facilities designed to be accessible for students with diverse needs; transport options coordinated through DoE or local providers. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - As a public school, core education is funded by the government with minimal compulsory fees; additional costs may relate to elective activities, trips, uniforms, and voluntary contributions. --- ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public school option with a balanced, inclusive learning environment. - Focus on wellbeing and pastoral care alongside academics. - Range of extracurriculars, clubs, and sports to suit diverse interests. - Moderate class sizes designed to enable teacher support. - Facilities that support science, arts, and technology. - Cons - Some programs or pathways may depend on student demand and available spaces. - As a public school, resources and opportunities can vary with funding and enrolment numbers year to year. - Exact program availability (e.g., specific gifted/accelerated pathways) may differ from year to year; verify current offerings with the school.