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Brisbane State High School
Crest of Brisbane State High School
Location
South Brisbane, Queensland Australia
Coordinates	27°28′49″S 153°1′5″E / 27.48028°S 153.01806°E / -27.48028; 153.01806
Information
Type	Public, selective, co-educational, secondary, day school
Motto	Latin: Scientia est Potestas (Knowledge is Power)
Established	1913, 1921 (official) 1913–1925 (known as The Normal School) 1925–present (known as Brisbane State High School)
Principal	Greg Pierce
Enrolment	3,521 (7–12) (2024)
Campus	Urban (South Brisbane)
Colour(s)	Cerise and navy blue
Website	brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au

Brisbane State High School (BSHS or commonly State High) is a partially selective, co-educational, state secondary school, located in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is a member of the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland, and the Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools Sports Association. It was the first state secondary school established in Brisbane, as well as the first academic state high school to be founded in Queensland. The school employs a variety of selection criteria for prospective students, maintaining a quota for local area enrolments, however also using academic, sporting, cultural and artistic talents as means of determining the annual intake.

One of the school's buildings, H Block, was the former Brisbane South Girls and Infants School built in 1864 and is now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

History

T. Max Hawkins, historian and author of "The Queensland Great Public Schools – A History", wrote of the origins of Brisbane State High School:

The school developed from the School of Arts in Ann Street, and later from the old Normal School which was built by convict labour on the site where the State Government Insurance building now stands...The year 1913 is generally taken as the start of the Brisbane State High School, a co-educational school which, by 1964, had expanded to accommodate 1310 students, 891 of them boys.

Further light on the origins of the schools is shed in Philip Walker Davidson's work, "Great Public Schools : an investigation into G.P.S. secondary schooling in Queensland, its relationship with and the problem it poses architecture, and an appraisal of the factors governing the future establishment of such a school", where he wrote:

Headmasters of various metropolitan state schools were asked to nominate 76 boys and girls for admission to the new school, and a further 70 paying students made up the first year's enrolment. Classrooms were provided in the Technical College buildings, Ann Street, until 1914 when the school moved to lower George Street.

...in 1921 the school was to occupy the well known Normal School buildings on the corner of Adelaide and Edward Streets...At about this stage it was separated from the control of the Central Technical College and combined with the Junior High School which had been operating as a secondary department at the Normal School. The name Brisbane State High School was then first applied.

Although the school's beginning is taken as having been 1913, it was relocated to its current campus next to Musgrave Park at South Brisbane in 1925. The laying of the foundation stone of the "Red Brick Building", later designated A Block, took place in 1923 in the attendance of Queensland Education Minister John Huxham, and William Forgan Smith, then Queensland Minister for Public Works and later Premier.

Mr Isaac Waddle, the Brisbane State High School's first Principal, served for 24 years and devised the school's motto "Scientia est Potestas" (Knowledge is Power) whilst overseeing the establishment of the house system in the patriotic days of the Second World War. Waddle's successor, Mr Barnes, served for scarcely a year before dying in office, and between 1947 and 1960 the post was held by a further three relatively short term Principals: Dr Watkin; Mr Copeman and Mr Cafferky. During the ensuing "Lockie Years" the school underwent massive expansions, growing from 1091 students in 1961 to 2183 in 1967, as well as consolidating its reputation as being highly competitive amongst the private school institutions of South-East Queensland. The headmastership of David Sutton (1998–2008) witnessed a revival in ceremony and tradition coupled with continual academic improvement. For the 6 years from 2003 to 2008, then to 2012, the OP results consistently climbed, with 86% of students receiving an OP of 1–15 in 2008, and nearly 95% of students in 2012 received an OP of 1–15. Sutton's successor, Richard Morrison, reformed the selection process for academic-merit entrants, introduced the 'Aspire' program and led the re-branding of the school. Mr Wade Haynes, a former Acting Principal of the school, was his successor. In 2023, Brisbane State High School achieved the most 99.95 ATAR scores in the country, the highest possible university entrance score. In 2024, Mr Greg Pierce took over as Executive Principal of Brisbane State High School.

BSHS has been a member of the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland (GPS) since 1930, and of the Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA) since 1921.

Principals

The following principals have led the school since it was opened:

• Mea. Bryden; 1913–1915
• Unspecified position from 1916 to 1919
• Isaac Waddle; 1920–1945
• J. A. Barnes; 1945–1946
• Herbert G. Watkin; 1947–1951
• A. B. Copeman; 1952–1957
• F. H. R. Cafferky; 1958–1960
• George W. Lockie; 1961–1971
• Raymond F. Fitzgerald; 1972–1981
• Colin R. Mason; 1981–1997
• David F. Sutton; 1998–2008
• Richard C. Morrison; 2009–2011
• Wade Haynes; 2011–2023
• Greg Pierce; 2024–present

Extracurricular activities

GPS membership

Brisbane State High School joined the Great Public Schools' Association of Queensland in 1930, and consequently the school is able to enter competitions against other GPS schools in South East Queensland. A wide range of activities are offered in the GPS including, Australian Rules Football, athletics, basketball, chess, cricket, cross country, debating, rowing, rugby union, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball. Brisbane State High's Queensland Great Public Schools (GPS) premierships include:

GPS premierships

GPS sport

Rugby

In 2009, the BSHS first XV rugby union team went undefeated in the season scoring a total of 405 points for (50.63 per game) and conceding a total of 85 points against (10.63 per game) from 8 season game. The team broke the GPS record when the school beat Brisbane Grammar School 103–0. The match was soon abandoned when the referee called for the use of the 'surrender rule' with 7 minutes still permitted to play. This First XV has been regarded by many as the best GPS rugby team in Australia from this decade. Two other players are representing the Australian A School boys team. This equalled the feats of the class of 2007, when two players represented the Australian schoolboys Rugby Union team while two others represented Australia A. Another two boys represented the Australian schoolboys rugby league team.

As of 2016 Brisbane State High School has the second most Australian Schoolboy Rugby caps in Queensland at 60.

QGSSSA sport

A wide range of sporting and other similar activities are offered Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools' Sports Association competitions, including Australian Rules Football, athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross country, rowing, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics, field hockey, netball, softball, touch football, waterpolo, and fencing.

QGSSSA premierships

Cultural

Performing arts

The school's Instrumental Music programme was established in 1975 and caters for about 20% of the school population. There are numerous strings orchestras: Southbank, Merivale, Cordelia, Kurilpa and Symphony Orchestras. There are also multiple wind bands: Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Concert Winds, Wind Orchestra, and Symphonic Band. In addition to these, students can participate in many chamber groups and secondary ensembles including Stage Band, Big Band, Percussion Ensembles, Flute Ensembles, Brass Ensembles. The Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and Big Band also attend annual band camps with various workshops, sectionals and rehearsals. The school performs exceedingly well in these fields, with the Symphony Orchestra coming first in Australia in Fanfare 2005 held in Melbourne, and first in Queensland in 2007. In 2010, Symphony Orchestra was awarded a platinum award for the fifth year in a row at Music Fest. Brisbane State High School ensembles have been grand finalists in the Creative Generation Instrumental Fanfare every year since 2006, and winning the Erica Brindley Memorial Trophy in 2006, 2012, 2014 and 2022.

The school also hosts musical productions and offers vocal ensembles, dance, and drama programs. In 2016, the Senior Dance Troupe won the School Troupe National Champions title at the 2016 DanceLife Unite National Finals in Sydney. In 2021, the Bellissima choir was a grand finalist in the Creative Generation Choral Fanfare. In 2022, to celebrate its centenary, the school presented Timeless—an original production—at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Debating

Brisbane State High School has been involved in the GPS, Queensland Debating Union (QDU), and Brisbane Girls’ Debating Association competitions. In 2019, the Brisbane State High School Senior A team won the QDU Senior A Grand Finals, and in 2020, the Brisbane State High School Senior A team were declared runner-ups in the same competition. Brisbane State High School has also had success in the Brisbane Girls Debating Association competition, having won both the Grade 10 and Grade 11 divisions of the competition in 2019. Students from Brisbane State High School are also involved in the selection process for the Queensland State Debating Team, with members of the Senior A team regularly reaching the Top 12 Training Squad for the State Team. Students from Brisbane State High School have also gone on to compete in the National Schools’ Debating Championships, as part of the Queensland State Debating Team – most recently in 2020 and 2021 where the State Team came in second place at the Championships. In 2024, the Brisbane State High School Senior A team won their first GPS Debating premiership (shared with Brisbane Grammar School).

Campus

The main campus

Two main campuses possessing a variety of architectural styles dominate the school's layout. The Upper Campus is the site of the school's original building and central administrative block constructed in 1920s brick architecture. The upper quadrangle extends out from this building with the library and the two storey computer block forming frontal wings. In addition, the Upper Campus houses the mathematics rooms, the science laboratories, the manual arts complex, sports facility, tennis courts and oval. An overpass walkway connects the Upper and Lower Campuses. H Block in the Lower Campus was constructed in 1864 as part of the South Brisbane Primary School and is a heritage-listed school building. J Block is predominantly used by the humanities department and the languages department, and M Block serves as a secondary administrative block, whilst the neighbouring K Block (demolished October 2009) was home to the performing arts. The space upon which it once stood is in the process of being converted into a formal entrance and car park. In 2008/09, massive redevelopment projects totaling $20.5 million saw the performing arts block moved to a new and larger facility at the other end of the Lower Campus. The gym within the sports complex is planned to be redeveloped within the next 4 years.

The Link Bridge

The Link Bridge links the Merivale and Vulture Street Campuses

The Old Link Bridge still exists to this very day and is used as an overpass for the general public.

The Current link bridge was built in 2009 and was extended in 2015 when I Block was opened.

Fursden Road playing fields

Brisbane State High maintains additional sporting facilities, with theirs located at Carina, about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from the Brisbane CBD. 5 playing fields as well as change rooms and a canteen comprise the campus. Cricket, rugby and football are large users of the facilities, with games taking place on weekends and on various afternoons. A master plan has been put forward for a large development of Fursden Road which would include a new grandstand. It is believed that work on the development will commence in the next few years.

West End rowing sheds

The school maintains rowing sheds on the West End Reach of the Brisbane River, within close proximity of the rowing sheds of other GPS and BSRA (Brisbane SchoolGirls Rowing Association) member schools. Rowing boats, dingies and other necessary equipment are stored at the sheds and it is on that and other reaches of the river that training for the annual Head of the River rowing competition takes place.

House structure

Rather than being named after past students, the Houses are named in honour of army generals from the First World War.

School Council

Brisbane State High School has a School Council by reason of it being an Independent Public School, a class of school existing in Queensland. The Council monitors the school's progress in the implementation of its policies and assists the Principal in setting the school's strategic direction. Its members include representatives of the teaching staff, students, and the parents of students.

Past Students' Association

The Brisbane State High School Past Students' Association was formed in 1921, originally in two discrete entities as the Old Boys' and Old Girls' Associations. It now operates as an amalgamated body. The association's newsletter, Amicus, is mailed four times annually to all members. Contributions to projects geared towards promoting the tradition and spirit of the school are some of its primary functions. The current patron of the association is the school's twelfth Executive Principal, Mr Greg Pierce.

School museum

Founded in 1996 as a gift from that year's departing seniors, the museum contains documents, photographs and other memorabilia charting the school from its inception to its recent past. School badges and blazers from the 1920s and 1930s as well as originals of every school magazine are housed in the museum.

Notable alumni

See also

• Education in Australia
• Lists of schools in Queensland

References

1. "Executive Principal's welcome". Brisbane State High School. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
2. "Brisbane State High School". Queensland Government, Department of Education. Archived from the original on 7 November 2024.
3. "Brisbane State High School – Year 8 Enrolment". 25 December 2004. Archived from the original on 25 December 2004. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
4. "Brisbane State High School, South Brisbane". house.ksou.cn. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
5. "2013 Top Public High Schools in Brisbane". bettereducation.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
6. ^ "Brisbane State High School, Block H (entry 601222)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
7. Hawkins, T. Max (1965), The Queensland great public schools : a history, Jacaranda Press, p. 231, archived from the original on 30 October 2016, retrieved 30 October 2016
8. "Brisbane State High – Media Success". ricoh.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
9. "brisbane state high school". pdt.com.au. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
10. Davidson, Philip Walker (1964), Great Public Schools : an investigation into G.P.S. secondary schooling in Queensland, its relationship with and the problem it poses architecture, and an appraisal of the factors governing the future establishment of such a school, University of Queensland, pp. 62–63, retrieved 30 October 2016
11. State High in the 20s Archived 30 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine
12. ^ Principals Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
13. ^ Honour, Vic. "Lockie, George William (1910–1971)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. Archived from the original on 30 October 2016 – via Australian Dictionary of Biography.
14. Calligeros, Marissa (5 May 2009). "Public vs private: school report card". Archived from the original on 5 October 2009.
15. "State high schools have surged ahead in OP stakes with students outperforming counterparts at private schools". Archived from the original on 29 January 2013.
16. O'Malley, Brendan (27 October 2024). "Fears lottery entry system inevitable for Brisbane State High School". The Courier Mail. Last year it topped the nation for the number of 99.95 ATARs, the highest possible university entrance score.
17. ^ Brisbane State High School Archived 16 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine
18. Principals of Brisbane State High School Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
19. Hawkins, T. Max (1965). The Queensland Great Public Schools – A History. Jacaranda Press. p. 232.
20. Swan, Geoffrey. "Watkin, Sir Herbert George (1898–1966)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016 – via Australian Dictionary of Biography.
21. "State High take premiers". Archived from the original on 16 September 2009. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
22. ^ "Rugby.com.au | Queensland claim fourth straight Australian Schools Championship and dominate Australian Schools squad". Archived from the original on 24 August 2010. Retrieved 23 December 2009. Queensland claim fourth straight Australian Schools Championship and dominate Australian Schools squad
23. Activities Archived 30 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine
24. "Instrumental Music Handbook" (PDF). Brisbane State High School. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 July 2024.
25. "History". Queensland Government Creative Generation. 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
26. "Choral Fanfare 2021 performance song list" (PDF). Queensland Government Creative Generation. 14 February 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 March 2024.
27. "Timeless – A Brisbane State High School Centenary Celebration". QTIX. June 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024.
28. "Results page". gpsqld.org.au. The Debating Trophy Room. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
29. "SOUTH BRISBANE PRIMARY SCHOOL". The Brisbane Courier. National Library of Australia. 16 February 1865. p. 5. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
30. Brisbane State High School Magazine 2009 Redevelopment
31. "First World War.com – Who's Who – Sir Edmund Allenby". Archived from the original on 19 December 2009.
32. "Field Marshal William Riddell Birdwood – Australian War Memorial". Archived from the original on 12 November 2009.
33. Harry, Ralph. "Glasgow, Sir Thomas William (1876–1955)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016 – via Australian Dictionary of Biography.
34. Serle, Geoffrey. "Monash, Sir John (1865–1931)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012 – via Australian Dictionary of Biography.
35. "Independent Public Schools". Queensland Government. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
36. "Independent Public Schools for 2013". Queensland Government. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
37. ^ Archived 30 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine
38. Museum Archived 30 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine

External links

• Media related to Brisbane State High School at Wikimedia Commons

• Public high schools in Brisbane
• Educational institutions established in 1921
• 1921 establishments in Australia
• South Brisbane, Queensland
• Great Public Schools Association of Queensland