About Nossal High School

Nossal High School is Victoria’s first coeducational academically selective government high school. It opened in 2010 and joins Melbourne High School, the Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School and Suzanne Cory High School to form the Selective Entry network of schools. Named after eminent Australian scientist Sir Gustav Nossal, who is the school’s patron, Nossal High School provides a broad, academically focused program for highly aspirational and high-performing students. Located in Berwick, the school draws enrolments from right across the metropolitan area and Gippsland.

Design

The school has been purpose designed as a student-centred adult learning environment for highly academic students. The iconic 21st century building is high tech and ICT rich, consisting of a mix of open-plan flexible learning spaces and specialist facilities. Students are housed in Learning Communities that link to the pastoral and house structures within the school. The facility features six dedicated specialist science labs, a 220-seat lecture theatre, a performing arts and music complex, and a double-storey Information Resource Centre. The school also hosts a regional professional development centre.

Curriculum

Located on the grounds of Monash University in Berwick, the school has strong partnerships with Monash University.

In addition to comprehensive AusVELS and VCE programs, the Nossal High School curriculum is framed by Howard Gardner’s (2008) ‘Five Minds for the Future’ philosophy.

The core program is enhanced by an elective and interdisciplinary program and a developing co-curricular program, including leadership, community service, music and performing and creative arts, sport and recreation.

Camps and excursions are an integral part of the curriculum.

Students at Nossal High School experience an accelerated and enhanced curriculum appropriate to their individual needs and interests, enabling them to work at their own pace and to access VCE and university enhancement studies. Two languages are currently offered — French and Japanese.

Leadership

A strong sports program is emerging, and the school is an active participant in district and zone sporting competitions. The sport programs are responsive to student interest and many will be student organised and led.

Nossal students are placed into pastoral groups with a mentor teacher who meets with them daily and for regular ‘tutor group’ sessions during the week. Older students induct and support each new intake, and an active student leadership team has significant input into the running of the school and support structures and programs. In 2010, Nossal’s foundation year, the school received first place in the Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals (VASSP) category of the Student Representative Council (SRC) Recognition Awards in the state. Longer term mentoring and community programs will be
offered through Monash University students and staff, and within the local and broader community.

Enrolments

Enrolments are capped at 208 per year level with a maximum school total of 832 in Years 9 to 12. Year 8 students from government and non-government schools may apply to sit the entry exam in June. Entry is competitive and is based on academic capability. The same entry exam and processes apply to all four government selective schools. Exam applications are completed online between February and May at  www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/secondary/pages/apply.aspx.

This website contains all relevant enrolment and exam information and has links to the individual selective school websites. There may be limited vacancies at year levels other than Year 9; these will be advertised through the school website.

For further information, to arrange a tour or attend an information evening, please contact reception.