Reece High School

Reece High School is a high school in Devonport on the North West coast of Tasmania, Australia.

Old Reece High (Pre 2000)

The 'Old Reece High School' was destroyed in December 2000 by fire, the cause unknown. 90% of the school was destroyed, and planning and reconstruction of a new school began soon after.

New Reece High School (Post 2003)

Reece High School reopened its doors to students in 2003, having rebuilt almost the entire school in only four years. The new school was designed to take advantage of technology and facilities unimagined in the previous institution. Classrooms were equipped with sufficient power outlets for computers, and allowance was made to enable wireless internet access throughout the school. Of the schools $10,000,000 rebuild budget, a significant portion was spent on computing and AV equipment. The most notable purchases being the introduction of laptops for student use and televisions replacing the PA system found in most schools. This action was made in order to better prepare students for a world where technology is the norm.

The year 7 and 8 classrooms were built in clusters of four classrooms linked by movable walls, so as to allow more interaction between classes. These walls were also more soundproof then conventional walls, and stopped excessive noise from filtering through classrooms. The other home rooms in the school were of more conventional design, but more spacious and revamped to take advantage of the school's technological renovations. All roooms in the school are well lit and most have large windows, unlike many other schools.

Reece High's motto 'Realising Potential' is both a reference to the 2000 fire and to the teaching goals of Reece High's staff. The former is a mention to the way that the school managed to successfully relocate during after the fire. The latter is the conviction that every student has the right to achieve and realise their own potential in what they do. This extends past the walls of the classroom, into personal and career life also. Without suggesting that academic achievement is no important thing; it alleviates the competitiveness between students that is the hallmark of an academic institution, and allows students to focus on being the best they can. To realise their potential, in short.

Reece High is a public school, and receives funding from the federal government. It follows the national curriculum, meaning that it teaches, assesses and reports using the Essential Learnings (EL's). These focus on skill and ability acquisition rather learning by rote. Reece High was one of the first schools to use the EL's system, and due to its successes caused the system to be implemented nationally. Principal, Sheree Vertigan, praises the EL's system and encouraged its use in other schools. Although there was some discussion of the EL's effectiveness at first, most people are now in favour of the system.

Events

Reece High's chief fundraising event is the two day Garden Weekend, held every year at the school. Individuals and classes contribute to the running, and there are often musical and dramatic numbers performed during the event.

Uniform

Reece High School, like most Australian schools, has a uniform policy. Boy's wear blue shirts and grey trousers/short. Girls wear either the winter skirt and blue shirt, or the summer dress.

Awards

2004 Tasmanian Department of Education - Learning Together Award

2003 James D. MaConnell Award for Building Design excellence

2002 School Construction News and Design Share Award for Innovative Learning Environments

Reece High School has also been identified as one of Australia's two most in-demand high schools.

External links

* http://www.reece.tased.edu.au