Learning Programs
We support student wellbeing in a range of different ways. We acknowledge individual differences and actively encourage all members of the school community to reach their potential through a variety of pathways and educational options.
That said, our School Wide Positive Behaviours Support (SWPBS) and House Spirit learning programs are designed with all students in mind and they reinforce connections within our school, through a shared culture of respect, care, positivity, pride and duty.
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School Wide Positive Behaviours Support Program
The SWPBS program embeds a culture of respect and equality across our entire school community, from classrooms to staff rooms, and sporting fields to social events.
As part of this program, students, staff and parents/carers collaborate to establish a matrix of positive behaviours that we collectively agree are to be the baseline behaviours for our school community. This connected approach and sense of ownership by all sets the tone for our community, delivering benefits in:
- academic outcomes
- classroom behaviour
- staff/student relationships
- positive mental health and wellbeing
- security and willingness to participate
- maximised learning potential.
Our focus on SWPBS sets the tone for our community and supports our ambitions and goals. While we focus on the positive, we also have the required tools in place in instances where additional guidance and assistance is required.
We have an Anti-Bullying Policy which outlines the steps in dealing with bullying based around restoring the relationships and building understanding. Everyone in our community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally.
We also have extensive resources available to provide wellness tools and supports to students, when needed, including:
- Mental Health Practitioner
- Youth Counsellors
- Adolescent Health Nurse
- First Aid Attendant
- Therapy dogs
House Spirit
Our house spirit system has a long and proud history, fostering connections between students, their peers, and the school, carrying through to our alumni. Our four houses are named in recognition of people who played a significant role in the development of BHS.
- Baird (green)
- Brawn (blue)
- Greenfield (yellow)
- Lawson (red)
Traditionally these houses created participation opportunities and encouraged students’ pursuit of excellence in sport. In 2023 our student leaders proposed an extension to this system to further raise house spirit across the school community.
Motivated and passionate students, with staff support, further developed this system, with inclusion, connectedness and our School Wide Positive Behaviours Support program in mind. Students can now accrue house points for displaying our school values:
- Pride
- Respect
- Responsibility
Additional points can also be obtained through participating in our many extracurricular opportunities including:
- Debating
- Chess
- Art club
- School production
- Sports
As this program continues to evolve, we’re already seeing the benefits in building student agency, deepening connections, positivity and school pride.
Victorian School of Languages
Ballarat High School hosts the Victorian School of Languages, a specialist government school offering, delivering face-to-face instruction for students who wish to develop their language skills.
What: Complementary language Instruction
When: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Thursdays
Who: Students from Foundation to Year 12 unable to study their language of choice in their Government, Independent or Catholic school.
Languages currently offered: Chinese, Japanese, Punjabi and Telugu
More information and enrolments: www.vsl.vic.edu.au or 03 9689 1166