Enrolment Portal
Message from the Principal
Year 7 Camp
Key Dates
March 19 Open Morning
April 2 Information Packs released from primary school
April 22 Year 7 placement applications open
May 8 Application Form due back to your primary school
June 24 Primary schools will notify you of placement outcomes
August 11 Parents/carers return their Placement Acceptance Slip
December 8 Orientation Day
January 28 Welcome Interviews Conducted
January 29 First day of Year 7
Year 7 Information
Enrolment Information
Wellbeing
Inclusion Programs
Support Structures
Curriculum
Leadership
Sports Programs
Further Opportunities
Useful Links
Year 7
Our Year 7 program is designed to support our new students' transition into our school as smoothly as possible. Our focus is on ensuring students feel confident, happy, connected and ready to learn. Our curriculum is designed to meet the specific needs of our students with a targeted focus on literacy and numeracy.
The Year 7 program is located in the ARCH Building. We have a dedicated team of staff, including a Year 7 Curriculum Learning Specialist, assigned to ensure this program meets the learning and wellbeing needs of our students.
| Core subjects | Art/Technology rotation |
| English | Ceramics |
| Humanities | Home Economics |
| Maths | Metal |
| Science | STEM |
| Health & Physical Education | Textiles |
| Japanese or German | Visual Arts |
| Music | Visual Communication & Design (VCD) |
| Drama | Wood |
The Year 8 program builds on the key competencies developed in year 7 with students continuing with core classes and completing the remaining art/technology rotation subjects.
Year 8 and 9
The Year 8 program builds on the key competencies developed in year 7 with students continuing with core classes and completing the remaining art/technology rotation subjects not studied at Year 7.
At Year 9, students are able to consolidate their learning by choosing elective subjects within their area of interest. This allows students to study in areas they enjoy and explore other learning opportunities. Our Year 9 structure includes both compulsory core subjects and a range of electives.
Senior School
The senior school curriculum is structured so students are able to pursue pathways which suit their individual needs, interests and abilities.
In Year 10, students select six 5 period subjects per semester. All students must undertake an English, Maths and a Science subject in Year 10. In addition to these, they choose subjects from a range of learning areas that reflect their interests and strengths as they further explore their individual pathways. Year 10 students can also apply to undertake a VET or VCE study.
Over the final two years students will complete a pathway to further study or employment. They may choose to do this through studying for one of the following certificates:
- VCE – Victorian Certificate of Education
- VCE VM – Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major
For more information see: High Facts 2026
Staffed by a team of wellbeing professionals, this centre has the capability to support students with their physical, intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing. Accessible by both students and families, the centre provides support, understanding and direction for a variety of issues and also has the ability to refer to outside agencies should more specific assistance be required.
Contact our Student Wellbeing Team via the General Office on 03 5338 9000.
Our specialist team includes:
- Adolescent Health Nurse: TBC
- First Aid Officer: Robyn Creelman
- Inclusion Coordinator: Karla Davey
- Leading Teacher Inclusion and Wellbeing: Kristy Gatens
- Wellbeing Leader: Esther Hockey
- Mental Health Practitioner: Georgia Gregor
- Youth Counsellor: Margaret Benoit and Grace Milne
Staffed by a team of wellbeing professionals, this centre has the capability to support students with their physical, intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing. Accessible by both students and families, the centre provides support, understanding and direction for a variety of issues and also has the ability to refer to outside agencies should more specific assistance be required.
Contact our Student Wellbeing Team via the General Office on 03 5338 9000.
Our specialist team includes:
- Adolescent Health Nurse: TBC
- First Aid Officer: Robyn Creelman
- Inclusion Coordinator: Karla Davey
- Leading Teacher Inclusion and Wellbeing: Kristy Gatens
- Wellbeing Leader: Esther Hockey
- Mental Health Practitioner: Georgia Gregor
- Youth Counsellor: Margaret Benoit and Grace Milne
Principal
Stephan Fields
Year 7
Assistant Principal – Year 7: Donna Phillips
Sub School Leader (Year 7): Jacob Borner
Team Leaders (Year 7): Gillian Bennett and Courtney McKenna
The team leaders focus on building connections with our junior student cohort and providing them with outstanding educational opportunities, in a safe, secure and positive environment. These team leaders are the first point of call for parents with any questions or concerns.
Years 8 and 9
Assistant Principal - Years 8 and 9: Michele Kennedy
Sub School Leader (Years 8 and 9): Ben Krol
Team Leaders (Year 8): Simon Coles and Lachlan Marr
Team Leaders (Year 9): Leah-anne Reid and Tyler Smith
Years 10, 11 and 12
Assistant Principal - Years 10, 11 and 12: Narelle Bean
Assistant Principal - Years 10, 11 and 12: Natalie Maher
Sub School Leader (Years 10, 11 and 12 Wellbeing): Jenni Nicholls
Sub School Leader (Years 11 and 12 Learning): Belinda Wehl
Team Leaders (Year 10): Dani Bjelanovic and Elizabeth Till
Team Leaders (Year 11): Sarah Jane and Nathan Thomas
Team Leaders (Year 12): Karen Lee and Mark Verberne
Transition period (primary to secondary)
We recognise that the transition from primary to secondary can be challenging for some, and we strive to make this period as seamless as possible.
Transition Leader: Jacob Borner
jacob.borner@education.vic.gov.au
Our Transition Leader is responsible for developing positive connections with our community, including the coordination of transition programs for Year 6 students moving into Year 7 with us. Our Transition Leader is your key contact with any questions or queries relating to this process.
To optimise the support for students in their junior years at Ballarat High School, they will have two Core Teachers, one for Maths/Science and another for English/Humanities. This familiarity helps establish mutual connections and understanding between both educators and students, further smoothing the transition process.
Year 7 and Year 8 | Year Level Leaders
- Two students from each home group are selected to represent their peers as a Year Level Leader, including attending Student Council meetings
Year 9 | Year Level Leaders & Peer Support Leaders
- Two students from each home group are selected to represent their peers as a Year Level Leader, including attending Student Council meetings
- Peer Support Leaders mentor and support incoming Year 7 students to support their smooth transition to secondary education and their experience of their first year at Ballarat High School
Year 10 | Year Level Leaders & Leadership Development
- Two students from each home group are selected to represent their peers as a Year Level Leader, including attending Student Council meetings
- Leadership Development Day held at Log Cabin Lodge as an intensive learning opportunity for our emerging leaders, including activities designed to build confidence and trust
Year 11 | Year Level Leaders & Leadership Camp
- Two students from each home group are selected to represent their peers as a Year Level Leader, including attending Student Council meetings
- Three-day Leadership Camp to focus on building and enhancing leadership capability
- Growing role in and responsibility in executing school events
Year 12 | Leadership Team & School Captains
- Year 12 Leadership Team oversee our Student Leadership Council, working with leaders from each level to address matters of importance to students
- Our School Captains proudly lead the student body, representing the school with integrity and commitment, ensuring that our students make meaningful contributions to our local, national, and international communities.
World Challenge
Students have the opportunity to travel to less developed parts of the world, participate in conservation and social projects and explore new and exciting areas as part of the World Challenge cultural immersion program.
Participating students build their capability, enhance their leadership ability, extend themselves, embrace diversity and start to find their place in the world as a global citizen.
Chess
The Chess Program gives students the chance to develop their chess skills with other like-minded students. Casual chess happens every day in the Library during lunch. We also offer an "Over the Board Tournament" every term, with prizes for high scoring Years 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12 students. Alongside this there is a weekly lunchtime online blitz tournament which helps to sharpen students' chess skills. There is also a Junior Chess Coaching group that runs every week for any students looking to improve.
We take students to several external tournaments throughout the year. These events are lnterschool events and Zonal Qualifiers for State Finals, where students represent Ballarat High School. This is a great opportunity to gain tournament experience for younger players. Students who qualify can represent Ballarat High School in the Chess State Finals.
Study Tours
Germany – Three-weeks
An exchange with our sister school in Singen where participating German language students travel to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. During their stay students attend our sister school while also experiencing the German culture. Students visit the Black Forest, Bavaria (Disney Castle), the Swiss Alps as well as other tourist attractions. The following year participating students host a return visit from the students of our sister school.
Practical skills are developed as they apply their knowledge of German language to navigate everyday situations, such as buying train tickets, asking for directions, ordering meals and engaging in conversation.
Japan – Three-weeks
Through our school’s Japanese program we enjoy a connection, and an exchange program with our sister school, Meisei High School, located on the island of Hokkaido.
Every second year a group of Year 10 students and teachers visit Hokkaido where they attend Meisei, stay with host families and see the sights of Japan, including Tokyo, with a very popular trip to Disneyland. The following year students act as hosts to the Meisei students when it is their turn to visit Ballarat, an experience that not only develops students’ language skills, but fosters long-lasting connection and friendships.
Energy Breakthrough
Energy Breakthrough is an annual STEM focussed challenge where schools from across Australia congregate in Maryborough to challenge each other to a race, with a vehicle which students have designed and built from scratch.
Ballarat High School’s Rat Pack each year includes students from every year level who construct a vehicle to compete in the human powered division. Our students collaborate and extend themselves to develop their creations during every spare lunch-break and after-school session, before ultimately competing on race day in front of a crowd of 30,000.
Watch this video from the 2024 event, featuring our alumni and current students.
Debating and Public Speaking
Bus Travel for Ballarat High School Students
If you live in country areas, you will need to contact the Country Bus Co-ordinator to apply for travel.
Country Bus Co-ordinator, Kylie: (03) 5334 3579
For all other areas, including Ballarat suburbs, Miners Rest and Cardigan Village please contact CDC Bus Lines www.cdcvictoria.com.au for information regarding bus times and numbers
CDC Bus Line: (03) 5331 7777
Travellers from Country Areas
Students travelling to Ballarat High School from surrounding country areas would normally travel on a free contract bus service. Parents/guardians need to ensure they are aware of the nearest bus stop to their residence and the time the bus stops there. In most cases the application to travel on this bus is made to the Country Bus Co-ordinator during the student’s Grade 6 year, after they have been enrolled at Ballarat High School. It is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to check that this has been done.
If the student resides more than 4.8 kilometres from the nearest bus stop and the School they are attending is the nearest zoned government school, then a travel allowance called Conveyance Allowance may be available for the journey to the bus stop. The claim form is available from the General Office and must be completed and returned by mid-February each year.
Travellers from the greater Ballarat area
Claim forms are available from the General Office and must be completed and returned by the first week in March each year. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to complete claims annually and to ensure the correct information is supplied as per the application.
Bus Services - Cardigan Village and Lucas
CDC Ballarat will operate these services on behalf of PTV. They can be contacted for additional information.
MYKI cards will be required and Conveyance Allowance maybe applicable. All students with an official BHS ID Card with the PTV logo on the reverse side, do not need to purchase an additional Student ID Card.
Attached are the official notices, timetables, and maps.
Changes to Bus Services for Miners Rest and Macarthur Park
From Wednesday January 29th 2025, four school special bus services will change in response to both population growth and enrolment zone changes in Ballarat.
Students from Miners Rest and Macarthur Park are now zoned to Mount Rowan Secondary College, however some students from these areas still attend Ballarat High School.
School specials in Ballarat will change to give students in Miners Rest and Macarthur Park public transport options to Mount Rowan Secondary College and Ballarat High School.
CDC Ballarat will operate these services on behalf of PTV. They can be contacted for additional information.
MYKI cards will be required and Conveyance Allowance maybe applicable. All students with an official BHS ID Card with the PTV logo on the reverse side, do not need to purchase an additional Student ID Card.
Four school special services will be changed:
- Route 11 Miners Rest to Mount Rowan Secondary College will extend to service Macarthur Park, and end at Mount Rowan Secondary College
- Route 33 Miners Rest to Ballarat High Station via Mount Rowan Secondary College and Ballarat High School will extend to service Macarthur Park and Mount Rowan Secondary College. This route will continue to service Ballarat High School and end at Ballarat Station.
- Route 6 Mount Rowan Secondary College to Miners Rest will now start at Mount Rowan Secondary College instead of Ballarat High School and will extend to Macarthur Park before ending at Miners Rest.
- Route 36 Ballarat High School to Miners Rest via Mount Rowan Secondary College will extend to service Mount Rowan Secondary College and Macarthur Park. This route will continue to start at Ballarat High School and end at Miners Rest.
Please refer to the timetables and maps below for specific changes
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) 2026. Applications close 4pm, Friday June 19th 2026.
The Victorian Government is offering the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) in 2026.
Eligible families will receive $400 (currently subject to confirmation) per student, paid into their family account at Ballarat High School each year.
Parents/students holding a means-tested concession card valid on Tuesday 27th January 2026 or Monday 20th April 2026, may be eligible. Foster parents and Veterans Affairs Gold Card holders may also be eligible.
Please note that payments do not cease at age 16, but continue whilst the student is attending secondary school.
Completed forms, with a copy of your Centrelink Card, should be submitted to the Ballarat High School General Office each year.
The CSEF Application and Request Forms are available by clicking the link below. This form is an editable PDF which can be completed online and emailed to ballarat.hs@education.vic.gov.au, or printed and returned to the General Office.
State Schools’ Relief (SSR) Year 7 Uniform Pack 2026. Applications close on Friday March 27th 2026
Students who are eligible for Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding (CSEF) in 2025 and are entering Year 7 in 2026 may qualify for the State Schools Relief Year 7 Uniform Package.
Program summary;
- students commencing Year 7 in 2026
- have received CSEF in 2025 or become eligible for CSEF in 2026
- eligibility is the same as the CSEF
- parents must apply through Ballarat High School, not their primary school
- an $85 voucher and a pair of school shoes are available
- applications and funds will be administered by State Schools’ Relief
- vouchers will be emailed by BHS to families for redemption at our retail supplier PSW
The Application Form, Shoe Sizing Conversion Chart and Frequently Asked Questions are available by clicking the link below. The application form is an editable PDF which can be completed online and then emailed to ballarat.hs@education.vic.gov.au, or printed and returned to the General Office along with a copy of your Centrelink Card.
Conveyance Allowance
Parents may be eligible to claim Conveyance Allowance to assist with travel costs, if they are attending their nearest or zoned government secondary school and live 4.8kms or more from that school, via the shortest practicable route AND the area is not serviced by public transport or the country bus network. Some special circumstances and exceptions apply.
The shortest practicable route should be determined with reference to Google Maps or Bing Maps. Please use 1726 Sturt Street, Lake Gardens, 3355 as the Ballarat High School address.
All parents wishing to claim the Conveyance Allowance in 2026 must complete a new 2026 Conveyance Allowance Form and return it to the General Office.
Eligible applicants will be reimbursed by EFT in June and December 2026.
Under the Guidelines all schools may be subject to an audit of Conveyance Allowances.
Ballarat High School has registered as a participating school with PTV, which allows students with a BHS ID Card (PTV logo on the back) to no longer need a separate PTV Student ID Card. Students will be required to carry the BHS ID Card as proof of entitlement to concession fares or to purchase a Student Pass.
As a reminder, it is highly recommended that all MYKI cards be registered to protect your funds balance, should the card be lost or stolen.
Please use the below links. The Conveyance application form is an editable PDF which can be completed online and emailed to ballarat.hs@education.vic.gov.au, or printed and returned to the General Office.
Family Tax Benefits A and B
This is a two-part payment to help with the cost of raising children. Eligibility details are available from the Department of Human Services.
Saver Plus
Saver Plus is a matched savings and financial education program that can assist low income families.
Saver Plus provides an opportunity to have every dollar saved (up to $500) matched with an additional dollar for the family’s education-related expenses. Saver Plus is an initiative of Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ Bank, delivered in Ballarat by Ballarat Group Training.
The program is funded by ANZ Bank and the Australian Government. Please contact Sue at BGT on (03) 5333 1707 for further details.
Please click on the below link for further information:
Centrepay
Centrepay is a free, voluntary service for Centrelink customers to pay expenses via regular deductions from their Centrelink payments. Deductions can be started, changed or cancelled at any time to suit the family’s circumstances.
