Heatherhill Secondary College

Infobox Secondary school
name = Heatherhill Secondary College

motto = "Honour Hope Strength"
established = 1966
type = government, coeducation
principal = Heather Lindsay
enrolment = Approx. 500
grades = 7-12
colours = yellow and blue
city = Melbourne
state = VIC
country = Australia
website = [http://www.heatherhill.sc.vic.edu.au/ www.heatherhill.sc.vic.edu.au]

Heatherhill Secondary College is a government coeducational school for students from years 7-12. The school recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2006 with a BBQ lucheon for past and present members of the school community.

History

During 1965 the Education Department decided to establish a new secondary school in the a Springvale and Noble Park area. A site was reserved and the official name was Heatherhill High School. Mr. N. R. Oxenbould was appointed as the first principal, and the first school assembly had 105 students, three members of staff and one office assistant which was held in the grounds of the Heatherhill State School on 2nd February.

Curriculum

Years 7, 8, 9

Students in years 7, 8 and 9 are required to undertake studies in English, mathematics, science, humanities and physical education. These studies are further accompanied by a range of electives offered to the students. Pupils in year 9 undertake a unique program throughout the year that is aimed at both social and academic performance. This includes a community service program and various leadership programs throughout the year.

Years 10, 11, 12

Students in year 10 are required to undertake core studies in English, mathematics, science and physical education as well as an additional VCE units 1/2 subject. Students in years 11 and 12 are required to take several VCE or VET subjects as part of their senior schooling, as well as a compulsory VCE English units 1/2 or ESL units 1/2.

Competitions

Students are encouraged to participate in competitions such as the Westpac Mathematics Competition and the International Competitions And Assessments(Science).

Houses

The four houses with their associated colours are:

*Olympic (Yellow)
*Athol (Blue)
*Janine (Green)
*Noble (Red)

Facilities

The school is divided into F, E, D, C and B blocks. In 2003, a sports gym was built to provide more accommodation for the school's sporting needs.

In 2007, a new learning centre will be fully operational and this building will serve as the primary year 9 learning facility. Furthermore, the school's new learning centre will serve as the primary music room to accommodate an overwhelming increase in young talented musicians like Yoda.

Sister School

Heatherhill Secondary College maintains close ties with Haimen Elementary School in the Jaingsu Province of China as part of the ongoing sister school relationship. Each year, a group of students from Haimen Elementary School are hosted during their stay in Australia by several year 7 and 8 students.

Future Projects

Heatherhill Secondary College has proposed to merge with Chandler Secondary College, Springvale Secondary College and Coomoora Secondary College into two separate years 7-12 super schools. [cite web
url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/spate-of-school-mergers-tipped/2007/01/07/1168104867757.html
title=Spate of school mergers tipped - National - www.theage.com.au
date=January 8, 2007
work=The Age
publisher=www.theage.com.au
accessdate=2008-07-07] One campus is proposed for the Chandler site and the other for the Heatherhill site, and each campus is expected to hold 1200 students. Work is expected to begin in late 2008 and students will move into the two new campuses in 2010.

References

ee also

* List of schools in Victoria
* Victorian Certificate of Education

External links

* [http://www.heatherhill.sc.vic.edu.au/ Official website]