Locals 'select' new campus-based selective-entry school, Nossal High

Berwick mother Jacinda Austin with her daughter, year 8 student Bridget Upjohn at the Selective-entry school information evening.

Jacinda Austin with her daughter, Bridget Upjohn are excited about the campus-based, Nossal High School.

Families from the Cities of Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong showed their overwhelming support for the new campus-based selective-entry school, Nossal High. More than 600 people attended the Berwick campus for an information evening last Wednesday, 20 May.

Prospective students and their parents were briefed about the school development and curriculum, accelerated learning, the application process and links to Monash University. Presenters included MacRobertson Girls' High Principal Jane Garvey, Melbourne High School Principal Jeremy Ludowyke, Monash University Pro Vice Chancellor Campus Coordination, Prof. Phillip Steele and newly appointed Nossal High School Principal, Roger Page.

The newly named, Nossal High, honouring the work of one of the state's leading scientists, Sir Gustav Nossal, is a new State Government selective-entry school for high-achieving students currently being built at the University's Berwick campus. This school will be the third of its kind in the Victoria and will have strong partnerships with existing selective-entry schools, MacRobertson Girls' High and Melbourne High.

Nossal High School will open at the Berwick campus in Term 1 next year, taking an initial enrolment of up to 200 Year 9 students. Monash University Council agreed to put aside land at the campus for construction of the school, which was announced by the State Government in April 2008 to provide greater choice for students in regional and outer-suburban areas.

Local year 8 student, Bridget Upjohn is excited about the new school being built in her community. "I sat the entrance test to go to MacRobertson in the city. Now I can go to Nossal High, just around the corner from home. This gives me the opportunity to be challenged and push myself without having to travel a long way on the train," said Ms Upjohn.

Bridget's mum, Jacinda Austin, is also welcoming the school. "Keeping her challenged is a full-time job and the adult learning environment and like-minded classmates will make a signficant difference in Bridget fulfilling her potential."

The school is set to have strong links with Monash, allowing the students to work on joint research projects, attend special classes and lectures, and share facilities. Pro Vice-Chancellor Campus Coordination, Professor Philip Steele said the new school was congruent with the Monash Passport and would enhance the learning experience of highly-able secondary school students prior to them undertaking university study at Monash or elsewhere. "There will also be opportunities for staff from Monash and Nossal High School to work together, share their knowledge and develop joint projects that will benefit students and staff of the school and the University.”

To find out more about Nossal High School, click here