Brisbane State High School

Brisbane State High School

Latin: Scientia est Potestas
Knowledge is Power
Location
Brisbane, Queensland
Australia Australia
Coordinates 27°28′49″S 153°1′5″E / 27.48028°S 153.01806°ECoordinates: 27°28′49″S 153°1′5″E / 27.48028°S 153.01806°E
Information
Type Public, Selective, Co-educational, Secondary, Day school
Established 1913, 1921 (official)
Principal Wade Haynes[1]
Enrolment ~2,949(7–12) (2015)[2]
Campus Urban (South Brisbane)
Colour(s) Cerise and Navy Blue         
Website www.statehigh.com.au or www.brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au

Brisbane State High School (BSHS or often commonly State High) is a partially selective, co-educational, state secondary school, located in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is a member of the Great Public Schools' Association of Queensland, and the Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools Sports Association. With an average year level cohort of slightly under 500 students, it was the first state secondary school established in Brisbane, as well as the first academic state high school to be founded in Queensland. The school employs a variety of selection criteria for prospective students, maintaining a quota for local area enrolments, however also using academic, sporting, cultural and artistic talents as means of determining the annual intake.[3][4][5]

History

Pupils listening to the Anzac Day address, 23 April 1932.

T. Max Hawkins, historian and author of "The Queensland Great Public Schools – A History", wrote of the origins of Brisbane State High School, that:

"The school developed from the School of Arts in Ann Street, and later from the old Normal School which was built by convict labour on the site where the State Government Insurance building now stands...The year 1913 is generally taken as the start of the Brisbane State High School, a co-educational school which, by 1964, had expanded to accommodate 1310 students, 891 of them boys."[6][7][8]

Further light on the origins of the schools is shed in Philip Walker Davidson's work, "Great Public Schools : an investigation into G.P.S. secondary schooling in Queensland, its relationship with and the problem it poses architecture, and an appraisal of the factors governing the future establishment of such a school", where he wrote:

"Headmasters of various metropolitan state schools were asked to nominate 76 boys and girls for admission to the new school, and a further 70 paying students made up the first year's enrolment. Classrooms were provided in the Technical College buildings, Ann Street, until 1914 when the school moved to lower George Street.

...in 1921 the school was to occupy the well known Normal School buildings on the corner of Adelaide and Edward Streets...At about this stage it was separated from the control of the Central Technical College and combined with the Junior High School which had been operating as a secondary department at the Normal School. The name Brisbane State High School was then first applied."[9]

Although the school's beginning is taken as having been 1913, it was relocated to its current campus next to Musgrave Park at South Brisbane in 1925.[10] The laying of the foundation stone of the "Red Brick Building", later designated A Block, took place in 1923 in the attendance of Queensland Education Minister John Huxham, and William Forgan Smith, then Queensland Minister for Public Works and later Premier.

Mr Isaac Waddle, the Brisbane State High School's first Principal, served for 24 years and devised the school's motto "Scientia est Potestas" (Knowledge is Power) whilst overseeing the establishment of the house system in the patriotic days of the Second World War.[11] Waddle's successor, Mr Barnes, served for scarcely a year before dying in office, and between 1947 and 1960 the post was held by a further three relatively short term Principals: Dr Watkin; Mr Copeman and Mr Cafferky.[11] During the ensuing "Lockie Years" the school underwent massive expansions, growing from 1091 students in 1961 to 2183 in 1967,[12] as well as consolidating its reputation as being highly competitive amongst the private school institutions of South-East Queensland.[12] The headmastership of David Sutton (1998–2008) witnessed a revival in ceremony and tradition coupled with continual academic improvement. For the 6 years from 2003–2008, then to 2012, the OP results consistently climbed, with 86% of students receiving an OP of 1-15 in 2008,[13] and nearly 95% of students in 2012 received an OP of 1-15.[14] Sutton's successor, Richard Morrison, reformed the selection process for academic-merit entrants, introduced the 'Aspire' program and led the re-branding of the school. Mr Wade Haynes, a former Acting Principal of the school, was his successor.

BSHS has been a member of the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland Inc (GPS) since 1930,[15] and of the Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA) since 1921.[15]

Principals

The following principals have led the school since it was opened:[16]

Academics

Curriculum offered

Brisbane State High School offers a diverse selection of disciplines for study to its students, with mandated and prerequisite courses comprising the majority of the curriculum before senior subjects are nominated by the students individually for the duration of their grade 10 to 12 studies.

The school offers one of the widest selections of subjects among schools in Queensland and Australia, seen through the website's certification that Accounting, Aerospace Studies, Ancient History, Art, Biology, Business Communication and Technologies, Business Organisation and Management, Chemistry, Dance, Drama, Economics, English, English Extension (year 12), Film Television and New Media, French, Geography, German, Graphics, Health Education, Information Processing and Technology, Italian, Japanese, Legal Studies, Mathematics A, Mathematics B, Mathematics C, Modern Greek, Modern History, Multi-Strand Science, Music, Music Extension (year 12), Philosophy and Reason, Physical Education, Physics and Senior Engineering Technology are the available Authority (OP eligible subjects).[19] Several Authority-Registered subjects (non-OP eligible) are also offered:Building and Construction, Creative Arts (in music, performing arts and visual art), English Communication, Furnishing Studies, Prevocational Mathematics, Recreation Studies, Recreation Studies specialising in rugby and Tourism.[19]

The school has fourteen computer labs ranging in size from 25-45, as well as computers and digital overhead projectors situated in virtually all classrooms. There are sections of the library designated specifically for group study in the courtyard. A current affairs section directly underneath the mahogany honour board displaying the names of past students who died in the First and Second World Wars, displays recent as well as older newspapers and magazines for students to browse.

Rankings and recent academic achievements

In the 2009 National Assessments Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), Brisbane State High School outperformed seven of the other eight member schools of the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland Inc., and eight of the other nine schools in the QGSSSA. The rankings of the nation's top schools compiled by The Australian in May 2010 saw Brisbane State High as the only Queensland state school placed in the top 100.[20] The school consistently performs best for year 12 results out of all the state schools in the Brisbane metropolitan area,[21] and with 41% of students receiving an OP of 1-5 in 2012, the school has cemented its strong reputation. 94.8% of students were within the 1-15 OP bands in 2012. In 2013, the school further excelled, with a record number of 41 OP1. However due to bonus rank scored from particular studies and subjects, there were 85 students attaining an equivalent position of OP1 in 2013.[22]

Extracurricular activities

GPS membership

Brisbane State High School joined the Great Public Schools' Association of Queensland in 1930, and consequently the school is able to enter competitions against other GPS schools in South East Queensland.[23] Due to its coeducational system, it is the only GPS school in which it is possible for females to compete.

Performing arts

Students participate in the B1, B2, A and Symphony Orchestras and Chamber Strings, as well as the Wind Ensemble, Wind Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensembles 1 and 2, Stage Band, Big Band and other chamber groups.[24] The Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and Big Band also attend annual band camps with various workshops, sectionals and rehearsals. The Junior and Senior Dance Troupes are also offered. Regular school musicals and drama nights provide the opportunity for drama students to showcase their talents. The school consistently performs exceedingly well in these fields, with the Symphony Orchestra coming first in Australia in Fanfare 2005 held in Melbourne, and first in Queensland in 2007. In 2010, this particular ensemble was awarded a platinum award for the fifth year in a row at Musicfest. In 2012, the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Meg Robson, and the Symphonic Band, conducted by Brad Ruben, were two out of five state finalists in the statewide Fanfare competition. The Symphonic Band then went out to win the state title.

Sport and cultural

A wide range of sporting and other similar activities are offered in the Great Public Schools and Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools' Sports Association competitions, including Australian Rules Football, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, cross country, debating, rowing, rugby union, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics, field hockey, netball, softball, touch football, waterpolo, triathlon and fencing.[25]

The school is very competitive with the private members of the GPS. Its Open teams often win premierships in both GPS and QGSSSA events.[26]

Past students have achieved well at the Olympics, with the Queensland Olympic Committee certifying 28 Olympians from Brisbane State High, receiving 20 medals including 4 gold and 4 silver since 1956.[27]

In 2009, the BSHS first XV rugby union team went undefeated in the season.[28] The team broke the GPS record when the school beat Brisbane Grammar School 103-0. The match was soon abandoned when the referee called the game off with 7 minutes permitted to play. This First XV has been regarded by many as the best GPS rugby team in Australia from this decade.[29] 2 other players are representing the Australian A School boys team.[29] This equaled the feats of the class of 2007, when two players represented the Australian schoolboys Rugby Union team while two others represented Australia A. Another two boys represented the Australian schoolboys rugby league team.

As of 2008 Brisbane State High School has the second most Australian Schoolboy Rugby caps in Queensland at 47.

In 2009, the boys basketball open team became back to back champions at the Boys State Championships held at the end of the year. This cemented Brisbane State High School's reputation as the premier boys basketball school in Queensland. This was the 5th time they had won the tournament.

Campus

The main campus

Two main campuses possessing a variety of architectural styles dominate the school's layout. The Upper Campus is the site of the school's original building and central administrative block constructed in 1920s brick architecture. The upper quadrangle extends out from this building with the library and the two storey computer block forming frontal wings. In addition, the Upper Campus houses the mathematics rooms, the science laboratories, the manual arts complex, sports facility, tennis courts and oval. An overpass walkway connects the Upper and Lower Campuses. H Block in the Lower Campus was constructed in 1864 as part of the South Brisbane Primary School and is a heritage-listed school building.[30][31] J Block is predominantly used by the humanities department and the languages department, and M Block serves as a secondary administrative block, whilst the neighbouring K Block (demolished October 2009) was home to the performing arts. The space upon which it once stood is in the process of being converted into a formal entrance and car park. In 2008/09, massive redevelopment projects totaling $20.5 million saw the performing arts block moved to a new and larger facility at the other end of the Lower Campus.[32]

Fursden Road playing fields

Brisbane State High maintains additional sporting facilities, with theirs located at Carina, about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from the Brisbane CBD. 5 playing fields as well as change rooms and a canteen comprise the campus. Cricket, Rugby and soccer are large users of the facilities, with games taking place on weekends and on various afternoons.

West End rowing sheds

The school maintains rowing sheds on the West End Reach of the Brisbane River, within close proximity of the rowing sheds of other GPS and BSRA (Brisbane SchoolGirls Rowing Association) member schools. Rowing boats, dingies and other necessary equipment are stored at the sheds and it is on that and other reaches of the river that training for the annual Head of the River rowing competition takes place.

House structure

Rather than being named after past students, the Houses are named in honour of army generals from the First World War.

School Council

Brisbane State High School has a School Council by reason of its being an Independent Public School, a class of school existing in Queensland. The Council monitors the school's progress in the implementation of its policies and assists the Principal in setting the school's strategic direction. Its members include representatives of the teaching staff, students, and the parents of students.[37][38]

Student governance

School Captains

Holders of the office of School Captain are elected as a Prefect before being appointed by the Principal. As the most senior representatives of the student and Prefect bodies, School Captains fulfill a range of leadership roles both within the school and in the wider community. School Captains meet regularly with the Principal and Deputies of Brisbane State High and other schools, as well as attending the annual meeting of the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland (GPS).

Prefects

The Prefect Body assists the School Captains in representation and leadership. Prefects are easily distinguishable by gold coloured wreaths around the school crest on their blazer. Their responsibilities include mentoring and welcoming first year students and welcoming guests to the school at ceremonial functions. Many manage enrolments for inter-house activities at swimming and athletics carnivals and organise events delegated them by the Captains. They are directly elected by the students and faculty.

Student Representative Council

The Council provides a voice for students irrespective of other leadership positions. Student Representative Council leaders are not elected by the students at large, but instead are selected through a system of meritocracy and seniority. They meet monthly with the Principal to coordinate activities, fundraisers and charities for the school.

Junior School Leaders

Since 2013 BSHS has been electing Junior School Leaders for years 8 and 9 (in 2015 this will extend to year 7). These leaders form four Student Action Teams. It is planned that these should "align" with the school's key values of "Learning, Respect, Excellence and Public Education".

Past Students' Association

The Brisbane State High School Past Students' Association was formed in 1921, originally in two discrete entities as the Old Boys' and Old Girls' Associations.[39] It now operates as an amalgamated body. The association's newsletter, "Amicus", is mailed four times annually to all members. Contributions to projects geared towards promoting the tradition and spirit of the school are some of its primary functions.[39] The current Patron of the Association is the school's eleventh Principal, Mr Wade Haynes.

School Museum

Founded in 1996 as a gift from that year's departing seniors, the museum contains documents, photographs and other memorabilia charting the school from its inception to its recent past. School badges and blazers from the 1920s and 1930s as well as originals of every school magazine are housed in the museum.[40]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "School Directory". Brisbane State High School. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  2. ↑ http://brisbaneshs.schoolzinenewsletters.com/2015/20150220/
  3. ↑ Year 8 Enrolment
  4. ↑ "Brisbane State High School, South Brisbane". house.ksou.cn. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  5. ↑ "2013 Top Public High Schools in Brisbane". bettereducation.com.au. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  6. ↑ [Hawkins, T. Max (1965). The Queensland Great Public Schools – A History. Jacaranda Press. p. 231. ]
  7. ↑ "Brisbane State High – Media Success". ricoh.com.au. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  8. ↑ "brisbane state high school". pdt.com.au. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  9. ↑ Davidson, Philip Walker (1964). An investigation into G.P.S. secondary schooling in Queensland, its relationship with and the problem it poses architecture, and an appraisal of the factors governing the future establishment of such a school. University of Queensland – School of Geography, Planning and Architecture -- Thesis. pp. 62-63.
  10. ↑ State High in the 20s
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Principals
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Lockie, George William
  13. ↑ Public vs private: school report card
  14. ↑ http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/state-high-schools-have-surged-ahead-in-op-stakes-with-students-outperforming-counterparts-at-private-schools/story-e6freoof-1226555418084
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Brisbane State High School
  16. ↑ Principals of Brisbane State High School
  17. ↑ Hawkins, T. Max (1965). The Queensland Great Public Schools – A History. Jacaranda Press. p. 232.
  18. ↑ Watkin, Sir Herbert George
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Years 11 and 12 Academic Program
  20. ↑ "Top 100 High Schools". The Australian. 1 May 2010.
  21. ↑
  22. ↑
  23. ↑ Fact Sheet: Sporting Merit
  24. ↑ Brisbane State High School Magazine 2009 Performing Arts]
  25. ↑ Activities
  26. ↑ GPS and QGSSSA Results
  27. ↑ Past Student Olympians
  28. ↑ State High take premiers
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Queensland claim fourth straight Australian Schools Championship and dominate Australian Schools squad
  30. ↑ "SOUTH BRISBANE PRIMARY SCHOOL.". The Brisbane Courier (National Library of Australia). 16 February 1865. p. 5. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  31. ↑ "Brisbane State High School, Block H (entry 15986)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council.
  32. ↑ Brisbane State High School Magazine 2009 Redevelopment
  33. ↑ Who's Who – Sir Edmund Allenby
  34. ↑ Who's who in Australian Military History
  35. ↑ Glasgow, Sir Thomas William
  36. ↑ Monash, Sir John
  37. ↑ "Independent Public Schools". Queensland Government. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  38. ↑ "Independent Public Schools for 2013". Queensland Government. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1
  40. ↑ Museum

External links

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