Wavell State High School
Empowering Learners. Empowering Futures.
Our School
From the Executive Principal At Wavell State High School we respect the past, are responsive to our current context and lead to promote future opportunity for all. With our School Motto, Esse Quam Videri, ‘To Be Rather Than To Seem’, and vision in which we are Empowering Learners, Empowering Futures, we will live through enacting our values of Integrity, Inclusion and Innovation. The strength of Wavell State High School is our people, our students, our staff, our parents, caregivers and our supporters. We are proud of our school community and are very much looking forward to welcoming you. The spectrum of opportunities on offer at Wavell State High School are infinite. Our school enjoys a reputation for excellence in scholarship, in which learning is aspirational, challenging and rewarding. Our school embodies a culture of high expectations and we help our students become confident, creative and accomplished learners. With a dedicated staff and an innovative curriculum, which draw on both past traditions and contemporary practice, we strive for personal excellence. We are a community where students are able to simultaneously engage with abstract academic concepts, together with Sports and The Arts, all underpinned by a focus on individual personal development. We have a firm commitment to social justice, promoting a sense of community spirit and connectedness within our school. As lifelong learners we insist on persistence and building resilience.
We find perceptive and practical
solutions to life’s challenges through respectful and considered interaction with others. We welcome you to our Wavell State High School community. You will soon discover that our school is a place where challenge and choice create opportunities for all, as we continue to build on our history of tradition, commitment, achievement and excellence. ‘Esse Quam Videri’
Esse Quam Videri
Our School Motto, Vision and Values Our School Motto:
Esse Quam Videri ‘To Be Rather Than To Seem’
Our Vision:
Empowering Learners. Empowering Futures.
Our Values:
Integrity Inclusion Innovation
Our History The name of our school and its suburb honours the memory of Field Marshall Earl Wavell (1883-1950).
Archibald Percival
Wavell was a distinguished English soldier who served in the Boer War, won a Military Cross at Ypres in Flanders in 1915 and was Commander-in-Chief of British and Dominion Forces in the Middle East from July 1939 to July 1941. Many Australians served under his command during the early part of World War II, particularly in North Africa, Greece, Crete and Syria. Wavell was then appointed Commander-in-Chief in India and subsequently in the South-West Pacific, before becoming Viceroy of India in 1943.
Following
retirement in 1947 he published a number of works and was President of the Royal Society of Literature. Wavell State High School opened on 27 January 1959, under the leadership of its founding Principal, Mr C.E. Anstey. The school quickly developed a strong reputation in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, a reputation we strive to maintain today as we respect the past and lead for the future.
Our Houses
Mr C.E. Anstey, Foundation Principal of Wavell High (1959-1960), gave this advice:
“If you belong to Alamein or Burma houses, learn the lesson that what seems to be defeat can, if you have courage and steadfastness, become a glorious victory. If you belong to Keren house, which commemorates a wonderful victory, remember that the victory was not won without painstaking preparation and a hard-fought battle. If you are a member of Tobruk house, remember those other Australians who survived against overwhelming odds, and who finally won through by their courage.”
Alamein. Burma. Keren. Tobruk. All students and staff at Wavell State High School are welcomed into one of four houses. These are named after places and battles associated with our schools’ namesake Earl Wavell. In recognising the fundamental importance that belonging has to our school culture, the house system encourages students to participate and contribute across all year levels. Together they compete in Inter-house competitions with academic, cultural and sporting pursuits.
Alamein (Yellow) commemorates the Battle of El Alamein, the
turning point of World War II in the Middle East. After two frustrating years of successes followed by reverses, British and Dominion forces led by Lt. General Bernard Montgomery successfully fought this decisive battle from 23 October to 4 November 1942 near El Alamein, in Northern Egypt, not far from Alexandria and Cairo. The Australian Ninth Division had an important role in the battle in Northern Egypt. The German and Italian Armies subsequently retreated to Tunis where they surrendered in May, 1943.
Burma (Green) part of Wavell’s responsibilities as Commanderin-Chief of the South-West Pacific, was invaded in December 1941 by the Japanese Army who gained control of the country by May 1942. This occupation posed threats for India and Ceylon and severed the Chinese nationalists’ main line of communication with the outside world via the port of Rangoon. Allied policy was that Germany should be defeated before Japan and only limited resources were available to assist Wavell and his successors. However, operations by soldiers known as Chindits were organised behind enemy lines during Wavell’s time as Commander-in-Chief. Australian Air Force and Navy personnel were among those Allied forces who retook Burma in 1945. Keren (Blue) was the location of a decisive and bitter battle
from 15 to 26 March 1941 in which British troops defeated Italian troops, paving the way for British control of East Africa and thereby removing some of the threat posed by the Axis powers to British interests in the Mediterranean. British success in March followed an earlier unsuccessful attempt to secure the area in a battle from 3 to 13 February. The town of Keren is located in a mountain area in the north of Eritrea, near the Red Sea. At the time, Eritrea was one of the six provinces of Italian East Africa.
Tobruk (Red) was the scene of an epic siege in which allied
servicemen defended the town against the German Army from 10 April to 7 December, 1941. This siege of 242 days is the longest in British Military history. The defenders, who were outnumbered ten to three, included Australians of the Ninth Division and a Brigade of the Seventh Division, as well as troops from Britain, India and Poland. By holding this strategic port in Libya the Allies were able to thwart the progress of the German Armies in their quest to control Egypt and the Suez Canal. The Rats of Tobruk Association, survivors of the siege, donated a debating trophy which is presented each year at our Wavell Speech Night.
Leadership
Our Leadership Programs provide all students with the capability to contribute and the confidence to make a difference. At Wavell State High School our student leadership model is inclusive and contemporary in empowering all students as leaders. Student leadership opportunities are promoted in all year levels with importance placed on legacy. Students are able to nominate for official roles with our Student Representative Council. This is comprised of School Captains, Prefects, Student Ambassadors, House Captains, The Arts Captains, Sport Captains, Language Captains and Junior Leaders. We draw upon the strengths and diversity in student interests encouraging all students to add value to our community as they lead self and others in utilising problem solving, creativity and critical thinking skills.
Learning
Learning at Wavell State High School is designed to prioritise the opportunity for every person to gain in depth knowledge in areas of interest and apply that knowledge to add value to the community. We promote an understanding of the process of continual learning and development of transferrable capabilities that enable students to navigate their future beyond school. Our approach to learning draws on evidence-based practice from education systems around the world and is informed by our local context. We offer an extensive range of subject offerings that encourage learners to create, innovate and communicate while meeting the needs of the diverse range of students in our school.
Schools of Excellence Wavell has a long history of excellence. Our school currently offers a number of Schools of Excellence which provide unique opportunities and learning experiences for our students. Our Excellence Programs are provided to support talented students meet the challenges of academic study as well as to develop talent and ability. Schools of Excellence offered include: Advanced Academic Program, Drama, Dance, Music, Netball and Rugby League. Entry into these Schools of Excellence is through invitation, application and audition or trials.
Advanced Academic Program The Advanced Academic Program is a select entry program designed to stimulate and challenge students through integrated studies from the learning areas of English and Humanities, Mathematics and Science. The course aims to promote knowledge and skills in research, analysis and presentation of information whilst ensuring students are developing thinking skills beyond the classroom.
Learning
The Arts Wavell State High School Music Program has consistently produced excellence in learning outcomes for students with ensembles, bands, orchestras and choirs, along with individual students being recognised for standard and musicianship. Wavell State High School offers lessons in a diverse range of instruments including; all Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and String instruments; Vocals and Guitar. Opportunities are also offered for students to apply for many Extension Programs including; Creative Generation State Schools Onstage; Creative Generation Awards for Excellence in Instrumental Music; Australian Chamber Orchestra Workshops; and the State Honours Ensemble Program. Students perform in a number of concerts across the year. Our Program is offered to students from Year 7 through to 12. Our Drama Excellence Program provides students from Years 7 – 12 with unique learning opportunities to develop and enhance their creative and artistic production, and performance skills. Industry partnerships with award-winning theatre companies allows students to work closely with professional artists. Our Dance Excellence Program provides students from Years 7 – 12 with performance opportunities such as Dance Night, Dance Eisteddfods and school and community events. Students are also provided with opportunities to interact and learn from industry professionals through annual dance workshops. Skill development in a range of dance styles including Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary is a feature of this Program.
Learning
Sports Excellence Our Sports Excellence Program recognises the importance of providing students with a fulfilling and challenging education that allows young student athletes to develop their sporting talent, while
PARTNERSHIPS
building confidence, communication and leadership skills.
Students with demonstrated ability in Netball and Rugby League
are supported through mentoring, training and education from nationally accredited and industry experienced coaches.
The Sport Excellence Program has a values-based focus with a clear goal of holistically developing students who can contribute positively to society. To maintain their position in the program students must uphold a high standard in behaviour, effort and self-discipline. The Sporting Excellence curriculum is designed for students who are interested in developing their skills with a view to making them more competent not only as a player but as a coach, manager, trainer or official. Topics such as sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, competition preparation and psychology are studied.
The Wavell Experience
The strength of our Wavell State High School community is evidenced by unity, diversity and opportunity.
Our school
experience is one in which we offer a broad range of service, academic, cultural and sporting activities that reflect the diversity of interests in our school community. In engaging and extending our students, we pursue opportunities to engage with local, national and global communities.
Philanthropic • Student Representative Council • Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council • Fred Hollows Foundation • Clean up Australia • National Schools Constitutional Convention • Day of Action Against Bullying & Violence • Shave for a Cure • Project Yumi • Donations in Kind • Act for Kids • Aduna Yumba • Beyond Broncos
Student Wellbeing Wellbeing at Wavell is designed to develop self-efficacy in our students and encourage all people to contribute with a strong sense of belonging to our school. We recognise the vital role that our community plays in supporting our students, from our Form Teachers who provide day-to-day guidance, Year Level Coordinators, Guidance Officers, Community Education Counsellor, EAL/D experienced staff, School-Based Youth Health Nurse and our school Chaplain. Together we strive to celebrate progress, successes and create a community that lives our school motto and values.
The Wavell Experience
International Study Tours and Clubs Wavell State High School provides extensive educational touring opportunities with national and international school study and sporting tours. Our students participate in the following: • Chess Club • Enviro Club • Problem Solving Challenge • Literacy Olympics • School Productions • Future Anything • World Challenge • Language Perfect • Student Exchange Programs - Japanese, French, German
Music Instrumental Music is available to all students with, or without, previous experience. Our school has Concert Bands, Show Bands and Ensembles which rehearse twice weekly. Wavell State High School has a record of achievement and success in Instrumental Music. Ensembles and Vocal groups perform in public and regularly perform within the school for various functions.
Debating and Public Speaking Students in all year levels have the opportunity of joining debating teams. Our school is proud of the efforts of debating teams in recent years and we continue to do exceptionally well. There is a Year 8 Inter-Form Class Debating competition and an annual Public Speaking competition ‘Wavell Speaks Out’ together with our Queensland Debating Teams from all year levels who compete annually in the statewide competition. Our students are also well represented in the Lions Youth of the Year competition.
School Library and Empower Hour Empower Hour supports students with additional opportunities for learning, study tips, homework and assessment. Supported by staff from across our school, it operates on a Monday afternoon in the school Library. As an essential resource for our students, Wavell State High School supports their needs with daily hours before and after the school day.
Our Community
We are proud of the connection we have with a range of leading primary schools. Inclusive in the variety of programs on offer at Wavell State High School, partnerships currently exist with a range of Universities and companies who assist our school in providing opportunities for our students whilst at school. • Kedron Wavell RSL • University of Queensland • Queensland University of Technology • Griffith University • Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy • ESRI • Future Anything • Brisbane Broncos • Netball Queensland We welcome all families into our school. Parents and caregivers are invited to contact our school staff and are encouraged to contribute as members of our Parents and Citizens Association or School Council, as well as our various Performing Arts Committees and Canteen. We look forward to meeting with our families across the academic year. We regularly hold information sessions for families new to our school, Schools of Excellence information sessions as well as Student, Parent, Caregiver and Teacher reflection interviews. We continue to partner with an extensive network of Alumni who support our school in providing an exceptional educational experience and look forward to welcoming you to our Wavell State High School community.
WAVELL STATE HIGH SCHOOL Telopia Avenue, Wavell Heights Qld 4012 Telephone: (07) 3350 0333 Email: principal@wavellshs.eq.edu.au Website: www.wavellshs.eq.edu.au