THE PRINCIPAL: Mr Jeremy Ludowyke
What is the purpose of an MHS education?
Now that is a question worth asking and not one to my mind that the MHS community has seriously set its collective mind to. If I was to ask any current (or past) student of the School that question I wonder what answers I would receive.
During the course of 2014, the School will undertake a review of its strategic priorities as part of the Department of Education’s accountability process. In most schools these priorities will be self-evident as a variety of indicators of student performance would immediately identify areas requiring improvement. As you would expect, MHS performs well above the benchmarks on every prescribed measure.
In some respects this makes our task more difficult. What goals and targets should the School set? During the early part of this year both the staff and students of the School have commenced discussion of this question. One proposition is that the School should expand its educational ambitions.
The School has always prided itself on providing a ‘wellrounded’ education but has never been explicit about what this means or how it is made manifest in the School’s programs. To the best of my knowledge Melbourne High School is the only secondary school in Australia that requires every student to continue to participate in a music (through our singing program), sport and personal development in addition to other academic studies through to the end of Year 12. Is this what the School means by a ‘well-rounded’ education? Will such an education ensure that our graduates live happy successful and responsible lives?
When the School last undertook a major review of its directions in 2006, I worked closely with the GM&B and Old Boy community and it is again my intention to do so this year.
What is your view is the purpose of an MHS education?
Jeremy Ludowyke
2014 GMB Patrons’ Club AGM Report