ENVIRONMENT

Melbourne High School traces its history back to 1854 and the establishment of the National Model School. In 1905, the School became the Continuation School and therefore proclaimed itself as the first state secondary school in Victoria. It is a statewide provider of broad academic education for boys in Years 9 to 12. The School has 1365 students, with approximately 340 students in each of four-year levels - Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12. Admission to the School is by competitive examination with a small discretionary factor. A supplementary intake also takes place in Years 10, 11 and 12. Students are drawn from a very wide cultural and socio-economic background and come largely from the greater metropolitan area of Melbourne and inner country locations. It is this ongoing dynamic cultural mix that has remained a cornerstone of the School's success.

The School is in central Melbourne, in the City of Stonnington, and within the Southern Metropolitan Region of the Department of Education and Training

The School is impressively situated on a hill overlooking the leafy and attractive area of South Yarra, adjacent to the Yarra River, on the corner of Chapel Street and Alexandra Avenue. It is well serviced by rail, tram and bus transport as well as bicycle paths and major roadways. Its location and the appearance of the spectacular "Castle On The Hill", have given the School a mystique that has added significantly to its ethos and its standing within the community.

Mission Statement
Melbourne High School provides a broad, stimulating, diverse and challenging educational experience of the highest quality to enhance the vast and varied talents of its selective-entry students, preparing them for academic, vocational, professional and civic leadership, whilst encouraging individual development and happiness.

Guiding Principles
Melbourne High School demonstrates its commitment to maintain and develop its performance and reputation as a leading and highly successful provider of education for boys in Victoria by:

• Recognizing and developing intellectual, artistic and sporting excellence
  
• Challenging every student to his full potential, often beyond perceived capabilities
  
• Providing students with a sense of belonging to a community with clear goals
  
• Appreciating and upholding the traditions of the School's rich heritage
  
• Providing inspirational and challenging teaching that is caring of the individual
  
• Appreciating its diverse and highly competent staff and their dedication to the expectations of the School
  
• Encouraging, embracing and expecting the involvement of members of the wider school community
  
• Promoting self-management, teamwork and leadership in its students
  
• Supporting humour, inquiry, pragmatism, optimism, resilience and lofty aspirations
  
• Developing in students a capacity to adapt quickly to change and be responsive to innovation
  
• Fostering understanding, harmony and learning within the culturally diverse student population
  
• Developing students and staff to confidently meet the challenges of changing technologies and global societies
  
• Supporting social responsibility in a national and international context.