Brighton Secondary College

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There is also Brighton Secondary School in Brighton, South Australia

Brighton Secondary College

blank
Motto "a tradition of excellence"
Established 1955
Type State, Secular Co-Ed
Principal Mrs Julie Podbury
Students >1,200
Grades 7-12
Location 120 Marriage Road,
Brighton East 3187, VIC, Australia
Colours Green, purple, grey
Yearbook Voyager
Website brightonsc.vic.edu.au

Brighton Secondary College is a Year 7 to 12 co-educational. In 2008 it is estimated that 1200+ students will be enrolled at the college. Established in 1955, the College is set in spacious grounds in the City of Bayside, situated in Brighton East, Victoria, Australia. From 1955 until 1987, it was known as Brighton High School. The name was altered to Brighton Secondary College in early 1988.

The Main Entrance to the school is located on Marriage Road. Entry is also through the rear gate adjacent the hockey-fields, though is usually locked during the middle of the day. A School bus serves a certain route which caters for a limited number of students, but the school itself is within reasonable walking distance to train stations, and is in close proximity to busses.

Contents

[edit] Grounds and facilities

The college provides a number of facilities such as the college gymnasium, library, canteen, drama & music facilities and school hall. The school also features an Arts and Materials Section, Science Wing, VCE Study Centre and more.

The main part of the school consists of the N-wing and C-wing. The N corridor houses the bulk of most junior school classes, but is also used for other years. At recess and lunchtimes it is known for being congested. All Year 7&8 lockers are located in this corridor. The C-wing houses the 'C2' computer laboratory, various staff rooms and the Social Staff Room. Adjacent to Room C2 is the Boiler room, which contains two large boilers to provide heating for the bulk of the school. The C-wing corridor is wider than the corridor of the N-wing and roughly follows a line from north-west to south-east. A corridor south of the Staff Rooms connects the C corridor to the E-wing and Senior School Area. A portion of this corridor was destroyed during a fire in April, 2000. Aerial images in history depict a longer C-wing, which extended down to where the Discovery Centre (former basketball courts) is now located. More up-to-date aerial images of the College are shown on Google-Earth and the opening scenes of the television show, 'Summer-Heights High'.

The E-wing consists of two parts. The northern section housing a majority of senior school studies and classes. In between both sections is a sheltered walkway to bicycle sheds to main grounds. The southern section houses four specialist science classrooms and a computer pod.

Most of the portable classrooms on campus are located south of the library. These house Classrooms 'P0' to 'P8'. To the east is the Discovery Centre and the Materials and Systems Technology (Woodwork, Metalwork and Electronics) and Visual Arts rooms. Just south of the Discovery Centre is a pair of portables.

Attached to the western end of the N-wing is the Hall, on the upper level. On the lower level is the Drama room, and Music instruction and practice rooms and band room. Adjacent and to the south is the canteen area, toilet blocks, and the main entrance to the gym. To the west is the Visual Communication & Design and Media specialist rooms - dubbed the West Wing. The area formerly housed Vocational Curriculum and Learning (VCAL) students, the house/block better known as Gumnut Cottage which featured in the television series 'Summer Heights High' - before it was demolished in late-2007.

Limitations of public education have effected the way the school can grow and develop. The clear intention is to provide World Class education. Government funding has come along way, but it is apparent that there are certain limitations. The Discovery Centre was a massive feat, only successful by the revenue from the students over the years as well as allotted grants from the government. The Eastern Wing, and certain sections of the school grounds are in urgent need of upgrading. In this wing VCE and Year 12 rooms are un-airconditioned and the age of the structure is apparent. The remainder of the school grounds require an overhaul such as sealed asphalt basketball/netball courts, re-grassing of eroded areas and to some which resemble hard compacted mixture of clay, rocks and dirt.

[edit] Technology

The school contains 4 computer rooms, and 3 'pods.' Each computer room is able to house a full class, and are dedicated to IT and Computer subjects. L2/L4 rooms contain the newest of Computers. N4 located on the N corridor also has computer purchased in early 2005 - N4 is the computer room which lacks a "Smartboard." C2 is the other computer lab, also open at lunchtimes for students to complete assignments. The 'pods' are built in sections of computer labs, which are often used for student group tasks.

[edit] Technology in classrooms

Over the past year multimedia and ICT in classroom has been overhauled with "SMARTboards.'" First introduced in 2005 at BSC to science rooms and a handful of classrooms they provide Video/DVD playback, sound, and projection. The advanced interactive multimedia hubs are widespread around the school.

As well as normal projector systems, classrooms that do have SMARTboard technology feature a normal projector which projects onto a specially designed board. This board has sensors - when using an electronic white board marker will project 'electronic ink' onto the smartboard - a digital canvas. It also is fully interactive, and touch sensitive. Brighton Secondary is one of the first schools to use these Smartboards.

[edit] Computers

The schools computer facilities are constantly being improved. Education via computers has helped students further their education, and has been seen as a valuable resource in lessons. The range of software is diverse. Class specialisations in IT, Web Publishing/Design require up-to-date software which is provided by the school. Computer hardware is maintained to high standards over the past few years, the general turnover of older computers take <2.5 years. No computers at the school as a student resources are no older than 3 years old. In general, the main bulk of computers are Dell computers (GX Series) based in in "L" computer labs, "N4" and "C2." A number of iMac's have been purchased based for Media and Art work, further excelling the IT standard at the college.

[edit] Discovery Centre

In 2006 a new portion of the school named the "Discovery Centre" was commissioned into use. Officially opened on the behalf of the Minister of Education the centre brings in new incentives for students integrating a World Class learning environment, with the advantage of IT rich surroundings. At current, use is purely for Year 9 students. Construction commenced mid-2005. The area it was built was formerly the basketball area and Portable classrooms "S4 - S6."

Guests and politicians from the local community were invited to attend the opening ceremony - where all 2006 Year 9 students, Year 9 teachers, and school principals attended as well as a number of 2005 Year 9 students who assisted into contributing to the Discovery Centre (which would have been those in the Art Class - aided by a student mum who designed and made mosaics which are featured near the Discovery Centre). During the ceremony a member on the behalf of the Minister of Education's formally opened the complex.

It was in previous intention that the Discovery Centre should have opened some time in 2005 - the plans to construct the centre completed earlier. Year 9's from the two previous years, had been informed of the plans to construct the centre at the time, but the final go occurring in mid-2005. That year Year 10 students - had a limited set of resources (classrooms etc) as construction began for the complex. They had to endure the hardship of replacement classes in the Hall which was set-up to accommodate 4 classes - divided merely with dividing boards. Teachers and student will agree that classes that were in the hall were very difficult to operate. Noise was a major problem - and in some cases, some teachers undertook classes outdoors in the amphitheatre, or whichever available classroom remained.

[edit] Teachers

[edit] Headmasters

  • 1955 - 1957 C.O. Holland
  • 1958 - 1964 G.M. Stirling

[edit] Principals

  • 1965 - 1965 G.M. Stirling
  • 1965 - 1969 Leonard Albert Cooke (also, President of the Victorian High Schools Principals Association 1968 - 1989, Foundation President of the Australian High Schools Principals Association, 1969).
  • 1970 - 1975 M. Brennan
  • 1976 - 1981 G.E.P. Rowney
  • 1982 - 1984 P.A. O'Brien
  • 1985 - 1992 John Fowler
  • 1992 - 1993 Phil Shireffs (Acting)
  • 1994 - 1996 Phil Shireffs
  • 1996 - present Julie Podbury

[edit] Vice Principals

  • 1980's - 1992 Mr Pittock

School currently operates with two vice principals, Pat Gargano and Linda Ward.

[edit] VCE Centre

There are proposals to rebuild the northern section of the 'E' corridor. Information or general intentions about this project have not been disclosed fully. Like the Discovery Centre, it is likely the centre will be technology rich, though no information has been confirmed.

[edit] Student Distribution

The school offers Victorian Secondary School years 7 through 12, with VCE offered as their years 11 and 12 option. This school does not offer the International Baccalaureate.

In 2004, the school had a large young population (eight year-7 classes of approximately 25-30 students each) ranging up to a significantly smaller elder population (five year-12 classes of approximately 18-22 students each).

The school offers extensive exchange opportunities; the majority of exchange students tend to be from Asia (most specifically from Japan, though rarely from its sister school there).

[edit] International Student Program

The College has an excellent program for its international students, attracting a large number of students from countries such as China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea and Taiwan.

International students are aided with an orientation process. Staff recognise the differing needs and have the ability to support them. Accommodation can be found for all students close to the school, and families are kept in close contact.

Brighton Secondary College also has a sister school in Japan - Tokoname Kita. Every second year both schools alternate in visiting each other with a large group of students and a few teachers who stay at the sister school to live in the rich and different cultures. Housing is provided by the families at each of the two schools.

[edit] School Committees and Captaincy

The following represents previous years and committee structures. 2007 committee structures have been slightly altered to now include a certain amount of Year 10's. In 2008 a series of changes happened to tradition Student bodies. The following highlights 2007 and a majority of previous years:

  • School Captains: 1 male and 1 female year-12 student (who are also Presidents of the SRC) who become the public face for the school. They are required to represent the school at college events, and duties include hosting the Chorals Festival, Year 7 Information Night and Presentation Night.
  • Vice School Captains: 1 male and 1 female year-12 student who act as understudies for the school captains. They also partake the role of Vice Presidents of the SRC.
  • Education Committee: 1 year-12 student with a council of 4 year-11 students that looks out for educational issues/interests among the student body. They seek out information such as "top 10 most enjoyable subjects" and advertise to promote study. One created a super-hero alias at the school to highlight the issue of bullying. The super-hero alias in question has been granted to every subsequent education captain so far. They also aid the school's Tournament of the Minds interests. Student morale, due to potent relevance to education and study, is often affected by Education Captains.
  • Well Being Committee: This year headed by the College Vice Captains with a body of four year-11 students that looks out for social issues among the student body. These include bullying and smoking (not providing cigarettes, but rather discouraging it).
  • International Committee: Designed to represent the growing international student members at the college, whose voice often is unique to their background and is represented by this body.
  • Social Committee: 1 year-12 student with a council of 4 additional year 12 students that looks out for year 12 social events/interests (such as the year 12 formal).
  • Arts Committee: 1 year-12 student with a council of 4 year-11 students that looks out for artistic issues within the school. This involves aiding in advertising for school plays and performances (although not running them).
  • Sports/Sporting Committee: 2x Year 12 students with a council of 4 year-11 students that look out for sports interests within the student community. These often co-ordinate with the senior house-captains to aid in house co-ordination for locations at sporting events.
  • Sports Captains: Junior, middle school and senior (two for each of the four houses at each of years 7-8, years 9-10 and years 11-12 - 24 in total)
  • Debating Captain: 1 year-12 student who looks after the school's debating team interests.
  • Cultural captains: for each of the houses (usually year 11 students) They usually host/conduct their representative team at Chorals

[edit] Student Representative Council (SRC)

The student body is represented by a Student Representative Council (five students drawn from each year level at teachers' discretion and voted by peers).

The SRC plays a prominent role. They serve to represent their year level and the general school body in the upper hierarchy (School Council/Principal/Teachers) in school. They also run casual clothes days, numerous special events and fundraising.

SRC partakes on an annual camp. The themes often explore what the needs of the individual are as a person in SRC, and in the school community and in the world. Students thoroughly enjoy getting to know their fellow members and to act more cohesively.

In 2007 SRC is dedicated to reducing the amount of waste made by the school, in terms of paper recycling and more bins to reduce landfill. And exploring the issues global warming. Recently the SRC presented An Inconvenient Truth to students.

In 2008 - further efforts are devised to 'green up' the schools act. Recycling issues are hinted for the future.

Brighton SC has worked closely with World Vision efforts with select students participating in Global Issues meetings. SRC also promote and run the 40-hour famine.

Brighton SRC over the years has been involved with many other events, such as previous SRC Conventions, 'SRC Congress,' and also in 2006 as part of their training camp - undertook visits to Mount Evelyn Christian School, and Upwey Secondary School to associate with their SRC and share common values and goals among the different schools.

In collaboration with one of the teachers of the school, SRC has promoted Waste Wise management. A step in making the school cleaner and greener. 3 large rain-tanks have been installed and piped from the roof the gym. (The amount of space is equivalent to at least 2 basketball courts)

Brighton SC's Student Rep Council is probably one of very few to offer students a free voice by offering means of communication via email, and Myspace here. A promotion ran giving away 10 chocolate bars to randomly selected "friends" on myspace.

On September 19 2007, the school ran the "Green Day Festival" environmental awareness day, with students being encouraged to wear head-to-toe green apparel, bring unpackaged lunches, and travel by environmentally-friendly means. The first event of it's kind at the school, it has been highly enjoyed by students and teachers alike. Community partners have been approached to help sponsor the event.

[edit] SEAL Program

Brighton Secondary College offers a Select Entry Accelerated Learning program. The College is an approved Department of Education "Select Entry Acceleration Provider" to the Bayside Network. The first set started in 1999, whilst later years have the option of finishing school one year early. SEAL's who decide not to leave a year earlier have the opportunity to do a 3rd year of VCE, therefore allowing them to try/do more electives.

When vacancies open up due to SEAL students leaving BSC (quite often to Melbourne High/ Mc. Rob) the school puts these spare positions up for grabs; a small percentage of the mainstream students (other school's students can also apply) are chosen, based on grades to sit an entrance test; consisting of Maths, English and Science. The students who score the highest are then accepted into the program.

The "Guinea Pigs" of the program (class of '04 who started in 1999) were originally placed in a large room of which one wall was made entirely of large panelled glass windows. This earned the classroom the title of "The Fishbowl." Ironically the "Smart Kid" stigma that accelerated students were marked with was most embraced by those that were put through the 'fishbowl' experience. Current in 2007 room "N2" still remains the gateway for new students to begin their 'accelerated' learning.

Year 7 SEAL start with an altered curriculum to normal Year 7 studies. It integrates an amount of work usually intended for Year 8. Year 9 SEAL are identified as Year 10's, so as Year 10 SEAL identified as Year 11 etc.

[edit] School Year Levels

In 2006 plans were made underway to change the school structure for 2007. Each Year level has their "Year Level Co-Ordinator" as well as for sub-school there was a "Sub-School Manager." In previous years the school operated in three sections (defined as 'sub-school'):Junior (Years 7 & 8), Middle (Years 9 & 10), Senior (Years 11 & 12) - who wore the Purple style jumpers.


As of 2007, restructuring changed the sub-schools into two sections. Junior (Years 7 - 9) and Senior (Years 10 - 12) (Purple style jumpers). This has brought on a more typical configuration of a high school, similar to the US Education System. The Discovery Centre will mark the final year in the 'Junior' school. Though there is little change in where students physically learn, where the north section of the East Corridor houses the bulk of all Year 12 subjects and also incorporates many Year 11 subjects, and the odd Year 10 class.

[edit] Chorals

Chorals is one of the first key college events in the year. In it's 46th (yes, 46th) year in 2008, Lonsdale and Grant in a rare tie were declared winners this year.

Chorals is a house singing competition where each house forms their own choir from any number of students. Through a period of half a term, each house practises their repertoire of songs. On the main evening houses present these songs. Each house is required to sing a 'set song.' All houses sing this song, and the house then elects to sing two other songs decided by their Cultural Captains. The house that wins is properly decided by an adjudicator, usually from a professional background outside the school.

The other part of the evening are soloist performances. Each house chooses a representative for the house soloist competition. Over the past few years, the main theme for soloists are songs from 'musicals.' They are judged not only on their singing ability, but also the portrayal of their character.

As well as the House Chorals Award, and Soloist Award, there is an award for the Best House Conductor, or "The Golden Hands Award". Throughout the night, guests are kept well entertained by the mostly inspiring performances. As well as the house, and solo singing, staff are invited to perform a piece. A few years ago, further performances where done by the 'Special Choir' - which in the past involved a smaller choir, specialising in each song, Often highlighting the spread of talent in the college. In more recent years, the concert band, and piano solo's have been arranged.

[edit] Houses

As with other schools, Brighton SC has student houses.

Each house is headed by a teacher, A House Captain, House Vice Captain, Junior House Captain and a Junior House Vice Captain. For Chorals a 'Cultural' captain is nominated to head each house as a conductor for the Chorals competition.

Students are split into four different houses, also represented by a colour:

  • Lonsdale (Yellow)
  • Phillip (Green)
  • Murray (Red)
  • Grant (Purple)

Throughout the year some key events such as:

  • Chorals - House choir event
  • Swimming - House swimming competition
  • Athletics - House athletics competition
  • Cross Country

Tournament of the Minds, and Debating were formerly House competitions, but in recent years have not been undertaken.

[edit] 2006

  • Swimming - Lonsdale
  • Chorals - Lonsdale
  • Athletics - Murray

[edit] 2007

  • Swimming - Murray
  • Chorals - Lonsdale
  • Cross-Country - Lonsdale
  • Athletics - Grant

[edit] 2008

  • Swimming - Murray
  • Chorals - Lonsdale/Grant (tied)
  • Athletics - Lonsdale

[edit] Music

Brighton Secondary College offers a wide variety of instrumental music lessons. Brighton SC is also home to many well known local youth bands.

The school also has a Concert Band and a Stage Band. The Concert Band usually plays on Chorals and Presentation Evening. Both bands usually contain a variety of Instruments forming Woodwind, Brass, Rhythm sections.

The Kool Skool's program allows students from Brighton SC to fully develop their music talents. They are offered a recording studio, and a chance to professionally publish their music with Kool Skool's annually.

[edit] Television

In 2006/2007 (filming concluded on February 2, 2007) Brighton Secondary College became the set for Chris Lilley's new show Summer Heights High which premiered on the ABC on Wednesday 5th September 2007. More info here. Many students starred as extras in the show.

On Monday 24th April 2006, XYZ Studios filmed a music video at Brighton Secondary College. The song “Hold On” by hip hop artist Phrase was a collaboration between Universal Music and XYZ Studios.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links