Nossal High School
Nossal High School
Nossal High School, affectionately known as Nossal or NHS, is a dynamic government-funded mixed-sex academically selective secondary day school located in the picturesque Melbourne suburb of Berwick, Victoria, Australia. Established in 2010 and named after the renowned Australian immunologist and 2000 Australian of the Year, Sir Gustav Nossal, the school proudly serves students from Year 9 to Year 12.
At Nossal High School, the educational approach aligns with American educator Howard Gardner's visionary concept of the Five Minds of the Future. This innovative approach fosters a conducive learning environment where students are encouraged to take ownership of their schedules and develop essential skills for future success.
Nossal High School takes pride in nurturing the talents and potential of its students, offering them access to national and international competitions and creative-based events. Notably, Nossal High School students can showcase their global awareness, critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking abilities through the prestigious Model United Nations Assembly. Additionally, the school encourages its students to participate in the intellectually stimulating Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad, where they can showcase their problem-solving and linguistic prowess.
Programs in Nossal High School
At Nossal High School, students are presented with exciting opportunities to further enhance their English skills through engaging year-long elective courses. These electives are thoughtfully designed to challenge and expand students' abilities, with Semester Two building upon the foundational skills established in Semester One. While each elective covers different content and texts, they all focus on developing the essential skills required for all VCE English subjects, encompassing reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
In Year 10, Nossal High School students are tasked with selecting one English elective from a diverse list of options. The elective "Truth and Lies" may be recommended by Year 9 English teachers for certain students. For those eager to deepen their English studies, the elective "Theatre Studies" in the Arts and Technology Domain provides a compelling avenue for exploration.
Among the exciting electives is "Deceptions, Dreamtimes, and Devastations," which centers on the experiences of First Nation peoples, both in the Australian context and beyond. Students delve into indigenous culture while also examining the mistreatment of Aboriginal Australians since colonisation. Through the study of various texts, including those authored by Indigenous Australians, Nossal High School students gain a broader understanding of Indigenous Australia and the effects of colonisation. Additionally, this elective delves into the world of illusion and manipulation, exploring speculative dystopias, cultural control, and the pervasive nature of deception in society.
Another engaging elective, the semester-long Art and Photography course, empowers students to experiment with diverse artistic techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, and printmaking. The course emphasizes the application of compositional elements and design principles to enhance original artworks. Students also embrace digital photography, utilizing a range of creative techniques like stitched panoramas, light writing, trick photography, and more. Additionally, they gain proficiency in photo editing software and explore photojournalism and the ethical considerations associated with photography.
For Nossal High School students aspiring to pursue careers in fields such as Environmental Design, Industrial Design, or Graphic Design, the Visual Communication Design course is an ideal choice. This semester-long course introduces the fundamental skills essential for further studies in VCE Unit 1 - 4 Visual Communication Design. Students learn various drawing techniques, from observational to presentation drawing, while also honing their skills in freehand, instrumental, and computer-generated drawing using vector-based software programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
The Dance elective at Nossal High School is an excellent fit for students who find joy in moving to music, appreciate aesthetics, and thrive on the excitement of performing. It's worth noting that prior dance experience outside of school is not a prerequisite for success in this subject. Whether Nossal High School students are passionate about dance fitness, cultural dances, or popular dance styles, they can excel in the course without formal technical dance training. In each class, students get to choose from a diverse array of dance genres to study, ranging from Musical Theatre and Bollywood to Contemporary, Ballet, K-Pop, Gymnastics, Yoga, Just Dance/Popular Dance, Ballroom, or Social Dance.
Throughout the semester, Nossal High School students will explore and develop their physical skills and movements in their chosen dance styles while honing their choreographic and performance abilities. Moreover, they'll have the opportunity to cultivate vital interpersonal skills, including leadership and collaboration, by contributing to class warm-ups, cool-downs, and small group performances. The course comprises two practical lessons per week, along with a theory lesson that covers safe dance practices, dance anatomy, choreographic principles, performance analysis, and nutrition.
Participating in the Dance elective can open doors to a range of performance opportunities within the school, including school musicals, dance clubs, and Nossal High School's House Performing Arts Festival (HPAF). Additionally, students interested in pursuing dance further can even consider taking VCE Dance as a subject at external dance schools.
In the Electronics elective, Nossal High School students will embark on a creative journey of understanding and building circuits. The course mainly revolves around practical sessions, providing a fun and hands-on approach to learning. No prior knowledge is necessary, making it accessible to all students who are eager to embrace challenges and delve into the world of electronics.
The Health and Nutrition elective delves into the crucial aspects of diet, food selection, and its impact on individual health and well-being. Students will explore diet-related diseases, analyze them, and develop meal and menu plans in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. With a focus on evidence-based approaches, Nossal High School students will delve into the principles behind scientific research and the actions needed to promote good nutrition and reduce diet-related diseases. The course is particularly beneficial for students considering careers in health or medicine, as it equips them with valuable knowledge and expertise for university entry interviews.
School Life in Nossal High School
At Nossal High School, education goes beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, providing students with ample opportunities to thrive in various co-curricular activities. The Interschool Sport Program is a cornerstone of the school's extracurricular offerings, where students can compete in the Casey North Division and the Southern Metropolitan Region with School Sport Victoria (SSV).
Sports enthusiasts at Nossal High School have a plethora of options to choose from, as the school encourages all students to participate in a diverse range of sporting activities. From athletics and swimming to cross country, students can engage in house carnivals that provide a pathway to compete in inter-school division competitions, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie.
Debating is another prominent co-curricular activity that equips students with invaluable research and public speaking skills. Engaging in lively debates with peers from rival schools challenges students while instilling greater confidence in their abilities. As part of the English curriculum in Years 9 and 10, debating is also integrated into the academic experience, enriching students' communication and critical thinking abilities.
Accommodation in Nossal High School
One of the primary options available for students is to reside with their families in their own homes or rental properties within the nearby neighborhoods. Berwick and its surrounding suburbs offer a mix of housing types, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, providing families with ample choices based on their preferences and budget.
For those seeking a more independent living arrangement, there are several off-campus rental options available in close proximity to Nossal High School. Many apartments and student accommodations are located within a reasonable walking distance or a short commute from the school. These rental options often offer a supportive community environment, making it convenient for students to focus on their studies while also engaging in co-curricular activities.
Additionally, some students may choose to explore homestay arrangements, where they can live with local families near the school. Homestays provide a unique cultural experience, allowing international students to immerse themselves in the Australian way of life and improve their language skills while enjoying a supportive and caring environment.
Future Prospects after study in Nossal High School
During their time at Nossal High School, students receive extensive support and guidance to make informed decisions about their post-secondary education and career pathways. The school's comprehensive careers program, integrated into the 9-Time program, ensures that students are well-prepared to explore their interests and options for future studies and careers.
Year 10 Work Experience provides students with invaluable hands-on exposure to real-world workplaces, helping them gain practical insights into different industries and professions. Additionally, the Morrisby Careers and Pathways Aptitude Test helps identify students' aptitudes and strengths, enabling them to align their interests with suitable career paths.
The Career Action Planning process further empowers students to set goals, create action plans, and make informed decisions about their educational and career journeys. This personalized approach ensures that students are equipped with the knowledge and tools to embark on successful pathways.
Nossal High School provides direct access to dedicated careers advisors, Ms Clarissa Jacques, and The Director of VCE & Pathways, Ms Katherine Warriner. These experienced professionals offer individualized guidance and assistance, helping students navigate the complexities of post-secondary education and career choices.
For students considering higher education opportunities abroad, Nossal High School provides essential guidance on the application process, entry requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Moreover, as students transition into post-secondary studies, the school continues to offer support and resources to facilitate their academic and personal growth.
For international students seeking to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies, they can get insights into work visa options, permanent residency pathways, and citizenship possibilities.
In case, if you need help with Guardianship, Homestay and Welfare for international students in order to study in Nossal High School or other schools in Australia, please fill in application below or contact us directly.