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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.