Balwyn High School

Established in 1954, Balwyn High School is now a well-renowned multicultural co-educational school located in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. It serves a large cohort of local and international students from Years 7 to 12. Skilled and experienced teachers deliver a diverse and challenging curriculum that consistently achieves high Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) results. The school community actively encourages international students to participate in a wide range of activities, including sport, music, student leadership and public speaking.

School Values: Learning to live together, learning to be, learning to do, learning to think, know and understand

Special Programs

Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) program for high-performing students
Exemplary music program
Diverse learning enrichment opportunities
Over 50 clubs and committees for students to participate in and develop their talents and leadership skills
Student leadership and mentoring programs
Extension opportunities through academic competitions, performances, and community engagement activities

Student support services and programs

Principal directly involved in International Student Program
Full-time, experienced and caring International Program Director and Homestay Coordinator, fluent in Chinese
Large, air-conditioned international student centre equipped with six microwaves and two large refrigerators
Individual tutoring and academic support
Supportive and welcoming local community
Comprehensive wellbeing support to help students settle in and thrive academically and personally

Principal

Deborah Harman

Number of students

2200

Cost of uniform (approx.)

$1000

International Student Coordinator

Susan Qu

Number of International students

Cost of homestay per week

$450

VCE Subjects

Art Making and Creating
Music (Performance and Investigation)
Theatre Studies
Accounting
Business Management
Economics
General Maths
Mathematical Methods
Specialst Maths
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Physics
Psychology
Food Studies
Geography
History
Legal Studies
English
English as an Additional Language
English Language
Applied Computing
Media
Visual Communication Design
Languages (other than English)
Australian and Global Politics
Health and Human Development
Outdoor and Environmental Studies
Physical Education

Extra-curricular activities

Extra-curricular programs including debating, public speaking, chess, dance, cheerleading, sports, music band and choir
Strong student leadership programs and the Student Representative Council (SRC)
International student buddy program to help students settle into school life and make new friends
Cultural celebrations including Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year
A diverse range of clubs, committees and enrichment activities to foster student engagement and personal growth

Sports offered

Aerobics, australian football, badminton, baseball, basketball, cricket, cross country, cycling, football (soccer), golf, gymnastics, hockey, mountain biking, netball, rowing, softball, squash, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, volleyball

Intensive English Language Classes

English language centre onsite

Languages taught

Chinese first and second language
Chinese second language advanced
French
Vietnamese first language

My Balwyn High School experience has been fabulous. As a member of our inclusive community, I can always access enormous academic resources from my teachers, always have nice communications with students and staff, and always feel supported as the international program here is critical to the school. I truly recommend international students to start their journey in Australia with such a perfect school, which sets them a promising future.
- Yusheng (Eddie) Mao, Year 12 International Student Captain 2022