Which schools suit what your child loves?

Review Getting extra help

Teachers were generally approachable and willing to help if you reached out. There were also lunchtime tutorials and study sessions for subjects like Maths and English, which made a big difference. Some teachers went out of their way to check in or explain things one-on-one, but you did have to take… Read all

Teachers were generally approachable and willing to help if you reached out. There were also lunchtime tutorials and study sessions for subjects like Maths and English, which made a big difference. Some teachers went out of their way to check in or explain things one-on-one, but you did have to take the initiative. Peer support and study groups were pretty common too.

Review Subject range and curiosity

Yes, Brisbane State High offered a wide range of subject choices, from sciences and humanities to arts, music, and sport-focused electives. There were also a lot of extracurricular activities like debating, clubs, and representative sport, which helped students explore interests outside the classroom.… Read all

Yes, Brisbane State High offered a wide range of subject choices, from sciences and humanities to arts, music, and sport-focused electives. There were also a lot of extracurricular activities like debating, clubs, and representative sport, which helped students explore interests outside the classroom. Some subjects had hands-on projects or excursions, which made learning more engaging and went beyond just preparing for exams.

Review Why we chose this school

I selected Mansfield State High because of its outstanding academic achievements and moved houses to make sure my child could conveniently take public transport to school.

Review Subject range and curiosity

Yes, my school offered a wide range of subject choices, allowing students to explore diverse interests beyond the core curriculum. It encouraged curiosity by offering extracurricular activities, hands-on projects, and special interest clubs related to different fields like science, art, and technology.… Read all

Yes, my school offered a wide range of subject choices, allowing students to explore diverse interests beyond the core curriculum. It encouraged curiosity by offering extracurricular activities, hands-on projects, and special interest clubs related to different fields like science, art, and technology. Teachers also emphasized critical thinking and real-world applications, making learning more engaging than just preparing for exams. These opportunities helped foster a deeper love for learning and encouraged students to pursue their passions.

Review Something only students would know

Some things unique to the school is that doing QA/IB is a lot different from ATAR curriculum, in that there is a lot of independent learning that needs to be done. Therefore, I would not recommend the school for students who struggles to understand concepts or work off/ search for their own online resources.… Read all

Some things unique to the school is that doing QA/IB is a lot different from ATAR curriculum, in that there is a lot of independent learning that needs to be done. Therefore, I would not recommend the school for students who struggles to understand concepts or work off/ search for their own online resources. Furthermore, diversity is really big in QA, so there is a huge emphasise on sharing cultures and celebrating differences, which I really enjoyed. Extracurricular activities such as robotics are also very popular in QA, and students often spend their lunch times either attending the clubs for these activities, or involving themselves in clubs for service, or even beekeeping. The SMT community is also very small and everyone basically knows eachother. Students are also very willing to help others.

Review Getting extra help

A benefit to QASMT is that it provides a lot of academic support. Tutoring with alumni, and peer mentoring during lunchtime and after school were all offered and encouraged. Teachers cared about the students' learning and would often give up lunchtimes and after-school hours to aid students in their… Read all

A benefit to QASMT is that it provides a lot of academic support. Tutoring with alumni, and peer mentoring during lunchtime and after school were all offered and encouraged. Teachers cared about the students' learning and would often give up lunchtimes and after-school hours to aid students in their education. If students weren't passing their courses, they would be required to undergo mandatory tutoring. Similarly, the school would reach out through email to students with low grades to offer help and resources.

Review Something only students would know

A inside secret is that the best place to hang out during lunch is the hidden bench underneath Z block building, it’s quiet, shady, and the perfect spot to relax or chat with friends.

Review Experience of the sports program

Indooroopilly State High School offers a diverse range of sports programs, including rugby, netball, and swimming, with both recreational and competitive pathways—general teams like inter-house competitions are open to all, while elite teams (e.g., GPS sports) require trials, which some students find… Read all

Indooroopilly State High School offers a diverse range of sports programs, including rugby, netball, and swimming, with both recreational and competitive pathways—general teams like inter-house competitions are open to all, while elite teams (e.g., GPS sports) require trials, which some students find exclusionary. Parents praise the coaching quality but note a lack of options for non-competitive students, suggesting more "social sport" opportunities and clearer communication about trial criteria. The school emphasizes skill development and competitive performance (especially in GPS sports), though inclusivity and team spirit could improve, as some students feel marginalized in competitive environments. Facility investment rates 4/5, with well-maintained ovals, a gym, and a pool, though older equipment needs upgrading and shaded areas for summer sports would help.

Review Subject range and curiosity

No nothing like this was present from what I knew, our school liked to follow the qcaa criteria and nothing beyond that scope. They cancelled a lot of trips that were traditional for years for our grade as we had 500 kids so I don’t think they were bothered to deal with all of us.

Review Camps and excursions

I been for a fundraiser in the city and I was paired with someone else I never met before and we really got to know each other well, even though I am not a very socialising person. I felt confident in the whole fundraising thing as I was talking and convincing with a lot of people and me and my partner… Read all

I been for a fundraiser in the city and I was paired with someone else I never met before and we really got to know each other well, even though I am not a very socialising person. I felt confident in the whole fundraising thing as I was talking and convincing with a lot of people and me and my partner was able to take turns and try out different sales approaches even though most of them didn't work.

Review Something only students would know

Have ur shoe laces always tied or it will be a football or a basketball for others. Because someone will snatch it and it is done as fun

Review Something only students would know

Not much happened in the school that parents wouldn't hear about from students or general announcements, but I'd say the best tradition was was during Year 11, you have the opportunity to do the 'Leap of Faith'. This involves hitting a bell a few meters in front of you. this doesn't seem too hard, but… Read all

Not much happened in the school that parents wouldn't hear about from students or general announcements, but I'd say the best tradition was was during Year 11, you have the opportunity to do the 'Leap of Faith'. This involves hitting a bell a few meters in front of you. this doesn't seem too hard, but you are also leaping from a ledge about 7 to 8 meters above the ground. You are safely attached to secure climbing equipment, and you wear a full body harness, but it still feels daunting when you leap.

Review Camps and excursions

I never participated in camps so I cannot share my experience with them . .

Review Something only students would know

QACI is a big building with seven floors, it was often a joke that there was a secret 8th floor that people would go to.

Review Something only students would know

Level 8 of QACI. (QACI doesn’t actually have 8 floors people just like saying that there is a secret floor as a joke, I don’t know why)

Review Something only students would know

Something only students would know about our school is that the vending machine in the corner of the library building always gave out two snacks instead of one if you pressed the buttons a certain way. It became a fun little secret passed down through the grades, and even though everyone knew it wasn’t… Read all

Something only students would know about our school is that the vending machine in the corner of the library building always gave out two snacks instead of one if you pressed the buttons a certain way. It became a fun little secret passed down through the grades, and even though everyone knew it wasn’t supposed to happen, it felt like a harmless student "hack" that brought a bit of excitement to the day.

Review Camps and excursions

Favorite memory from a school excursion was going to QPAC and watching Frozen the Musical. Wasn't meant to go as it was for the drama excellence kids but got a ticket because some students couldn't go. A bit spontaneous, but it was fun.

Review Something only students would know

The garlic bread at the tuckshop, it is the most bang for buck item that they sell.

Review School culture

CDSHS had a balanced culture—it wasn’t overly strict, but there were clear rules and expectations. It leaned more toward a modern approach to education, with a focus on student engagement and digital learning. The school encouraged independence but also maintained traditional values in terms of respect and discipline.

Review Something only students would know

Honestly nothing. This school was pretty boring but nothing comes to mind for this question unfortunately

Review Getting extra help

All of my teacher I had were happy to help anyone outside of class whether it be before school, during breaks or after school. If you were struggling in a core subject you could easily talk to the academic coaching team and they could come up with a solution to try and help. There was also rooms at lunch… Read all

All of my teacher I had were happy to help anyone outside of class whether it be before school, during breaks or after school. If you were struggling in a core subject you could easily talk to the academic coaching team and they could come up with a solution to try and help. There was also rooms at lunch time that student could help each other out in especially in year 12. There was a school chaplain on site all week and even a psychiatrist on certain days so support was definitely there.

Review Something only students would know

In grade 12 sometimes we would wag to get Maccas during lunch. I can see how this is not a good thing… but our parents didn’t know.

Review Camps and excursions

My favourite excursion would be the dreamworld excursion we did in year 9. It was a great way to get out of the school and just have fun for a day.

Review Something only students would know

If you don't want to do aviation (I didn't), then it almost never comes up.

Review Chances to take part in the arts

I did design and the tools they had were pretty good, the class was very small so it was very intimate and interaction was a must, I wasn't even able to draw a 3d cube before this class and now Im able to draw cool pieces of furniture and cadets and know how to effectively help tailor to the customers… Read all

I did design and the tools they had were pretty good, the class was very small so it was very intimate and interaction was a must, I wasn't even able to draw a 3d cube before this class and now Im able to draw cool pieces of furniture and cadets and know how to effectively help tailor to the customers needs, but there were also like 2 other arts related subjects art and drama sadly no film.

Review Something only students would know

I am sure parents would have no idea how much fun the events they have in store for graduating students. Each cohort would have their own little thing when the year would finish. My cohort had a peg to the uniform competition, where students would eliminate each other throughout the last few months by… Read all

I am sure parents would have no idea how much fun the events they have in store for graduating students. Each cohort would have their own little thing when the year would finish. My cohort had a peg to the uniform competition, where students would eliminate each other throughout the last few months by attaching a peg on the uniform with their names on it. We also had a sleepout at school, where we played friendly competitions with teachers and amongst friends, get some food and overall shenanigans. On the last formal day of school, students also tie dyed white uniforms and had our classmates sign it with a message with a sharpie. In the same week, we also had water-park like bouncy castle sort of things on the oval, which was alot of fun. I think my school was special in that aspect. Parents ofc had to sign permission forms, but thats not the same thing as actually experiencing such events.

Review Getting extra help

Teachers were happy to help students that were struggling and wanting to improve, this included additional support resources, lunchtime catch ups or 1 on 1 guidance during lessons.

Review Something only students would know

[Comment about staff removed by SchoolInsights] didnt really have any traditions think thats every school though thats all you really hear about from other students

Review Something only students would know

Students can/will hang at garden city before and after school. Honestly being located next to garden city is probably one of the perks of being at the school. After school you can eat out/play/study in the library/ grocery shopping etc

Review Something only students would know

One unique aspect of the school that only students would know is the "Secret Staircase" tradition. There's a lesser-known staircase in the old building that students believe brings good luck if you walk up it before a big exam.

Review Getting extra help

Teachers were extremely accessible and open to supporting students. Many subject clubs were ran by teachers including Maths Club, English Study and Science Club, where students could come in at lunchtime or after school and spend time with teachers going through problems or understanding content. It was a very open space, with lots of group work and one-on-one mentoring available. On top of that, the school had many other opportunities available for students who didn't want to pursue an academic pathway. The vocational department was exceptional at organising TAFE courses, internships, work placements, apprenticeships and certificates and qualifications that allowed students to move straight into full-time work after graduating. Overall, struggling students had a plethora of resources and support from both students and staff for academic and non-academic pathways.

Review Readiness for life after school

I felt extremely prepared for life after highschool. Thanks to my teachers, I not only had the academic knowledge I needed to succeed at university and enter my desired career, but plenty of valuable life advice and practical knowledge that they imparted to me. There were many lunchtimes and lessons where my teachers would talk about their life experiences and I learnt valuable lessons about financial and mental wellbeing and stress and work management. My teachers often felt a lot like mentors rather than unknown lecturers, and thanks to them, I graduated highschool with confidence, prepared for whatever came next.

Review Chances to take part in the arts

I didn't engage in these subjects, but I had friends who did and I was a member of the music club. The opportunities to participate in arts programs were vast and diverse; the school promoted these subjects a lot and hosted many large events to showcase the creative talents of our students, such as expo nights and live music and art nights. The music department in particular was amazing; the teacher organised a music club where students could simply come along and play music with all the different instruments. My friends and I, along with the teacher, would often come down and play songs together and engage in our passion and hobby of music, which was a really great way to take a step back from the academic workload.

Review Would you recommend it?

Yes, I would recommend this school to others. The academic quality is excellent, with a strong curriculum and dedicated teachers who are always willing to help students. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and debate clubs, which provide a well-rounded education. My overall experience was very positive, as I felt supported and challenged to grow both academically and personally.

Review Chances to take part in the arts

The school offered a wide variety of arts programs that were accessible to all students. There were numerous opportunities to participate in music, drama, and visual arts, with regular classes, after-school clubs, and special workshops. The music program included choir, band, and individual instrument lessons, while the drama program put on several productions each year, allowing students to get involved in acting, set design, and stage management. The visual arts program provided access to a well-equipped studio and organized exhibitions of student work. These activities were frequent and well-supported, fostering a vibrant creative environment. The image that best reflects this environment would be one showing students actively engaged in diverse artistic activities, such as a group painting in the studio or performing in a school play.

Review School culture

The school culture was a blend of traditional and modern elements. While there were strict rules regarding attendance and academic integrity, the overall atmosphere was relaxed and supportive. Students were encouraged to express themselves and participate in various activities. The vibe was collaborative rather than overly competitive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and mutual respect. Most students were friendly and inclusive, making it relatively easy to fit in, although there were some established social groups.

Review School culture

My school was strict when it came to enforcing serious rules as mentioned before, but a lot more relaxed in the classroom. Teachers were always happy to joke around and have a laugh with the students, but we always got the work done and got back on track if the conversations steered too far from the content. My school was definitely more modern than traditional, and students were a lot more relaxed and happy to support each other rather than compete with each other. I remember my friends and I would always organise large study groups to help everyone do their best for externals, when we could've just kept to ourselves and fought for the best ATAR. It was also easy to fit in with other groups; everyone was always open and welcoming and happy to hang out. New students in particular were treated like royalty; everyone wanted to get to know them and show them around and make them feel welcome and comfortable, which was really good to see.

Review Something only students would know

nothing really not gonna lie, we r a public school and we r broke too

Review Something only students would know

The sport house group named 'Dabobila' is the worst in terms of performance. They rarely ever win anything, and everyone in the school knows it. Its a recurring joke.

Review Chances to take part in the arts

There are plenty of opportunities at bayside for art programs including clubs and could range in beginners to more competition type activities

Review Something only students would know

nothing really surprising or unique about our echool that i can think of 15 words

Review Chances to take part in the arts

lots of opportunities if you participated in arts programs (music camps, plays, talent shows)

Review Something only students would know

There were many instagram pages created to just disseminate pretty abhorrent behaviour. I saw at least three pages in my time, one for students taking pictures/videos of other students in bathroom stalls while they were pooping, another for just defacing school property (mostly in bathrooms; one particular… Read all

There were many instagram pages created to just disseminate pretty abhorrent behaviour. I saw at least three pages in my time, one for students taking pictures/videos of other students in bathroom stalls while they were pooping, another for just defacing school property (mostly in bathrooms; one particular video i remember was of a kid swinging on a hanging bathroom ceiling light until the cable broke), and another of just bullying random people (this was for kids in grades below me, so i didn't know anybody getting bullied by the page). No staff were notified/no staff cared to do anything about them.

Review Getting extra help

There was no tutors, only select teachers available on select days at this thing they called 'homework club.' Never used that resource, peer mentoring got me through school.

Review Something only students would know

T-Block toilets suck so bad rather hold it for the day then go in their not a single working stall door because people think it’s fun to kick the hinges off the doors. Pretty typical for most schools though.

Review Getting extra help

Teachers were very accessible for help, all it would take is the student approaching any teacher they are comfortable with in the subject and asking for help, and they could arrange lunchtime or before/ after school help.

Review Something only students would know

We always throw our brown shoes on top of the branches of a big tree when we graduate.

Review Subject range and curiosity

Yes, I believe that we had quite a diverse range of subjects, so everybody was able to study what they were interested in. They fostered engagement by offering the opportunity to join after school hours clubs.

Review Something only students would know

Not sure how to answer this I guess the most unique thing from memory would be when teachers wore hats for the Melbourne cup?

Review Something only students would know

There's a "ghost" that lives in the performing arts centre (CPAC), and that's why all the doors slam and the wind rustles in strange ways.

Review Something only students would know

something that only the students would know would be that the bathrooms are always closed. throughout my last year I believe at least half the year there were times where there was only one or two bathrooms open for students to use that were not conveniently located therefore making it harder to use… Read all

something that only the students would know would be that the bathrooms are always closed. throughout my last year I believe at least half the year there were times where there was only one or two bathrooms open for students to use that were not conveniently located therefore making it harder to use the amenities without having to wait in line and waste time. The school explained it was due to the graffiti and damages however it was clear that the school wanted to be able to monitor the students going in and out of the bathrooms therefore added cameras in front of bathrooms and only opened up two stalls at a time.. this brought quite a bit of uncomfort as students had to wait in line in order to use the facilities and did not always think they would need to wait as long as they did.

Review Getting extra help

There was maths tutoring once a week which was helpful, plus homework club once a week too. Generally teachers were open to help if you asked for it before or after school, but obviously that depends on the teacher.

Review Something only students would know

Mr. Searle likes to go on super long tangents during assemblies before he gets to his point.

Review Getting extra help

Getting extra support was super easy. There was homework club which the teachers would go to which they could help with you assignments / coursework. Most teachers had office hours where you could to and see them for one-on-one feedback / tutoring sessions. Peer support was also a big part of leaderbody.

Review Something only students would know

one of the teachers that used to teach there (he moved to a different school) used to go to the formal every year and breakdance

Review Getting extra help

There was a lot of support available such as teacher one on one at lunches and homework clubs, we could also ask for help from HODs. Asking for extensions was also available

Review Something only students would know

It almost closed a few years ago. The students at that time were able to keep it open

Review What had the biggest impact

The support network. I had struggled alot through grade 11 and 12 with homelessness, they had breakfast clubs, food hampers and organised accommodation for me. They went above and beyond what was expected to help me succeed. I truly am forever grateful.

Review School culture

Traditional, evolving into modern and accepting new ideologies such as LGbt whatever it is. In the sense of diversity, I couldnt have wished for a better place to be exposed to it. There has to be students from atleast 50 different countries there, and we all exist in Harmony, which is one of the schools values.

Review Would you recommend it?

I would recommend the high school to students that live in the area, as my graduating cohort (2023) received a high average ATAR score. The school also offers a wide variety of clubs, such as, theatre, photography, and various sporting opportunities.