ATAR Notes: Forum
National Education => Admissions tests => Selective Schools Admissions Tests => Topic started by: jin0016 on August 11, 2016, 08:53:49 pm
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Hi Guys
I just wanted to know if the atmosphere in Melbourne High is good? Do you have to do swimming or is it optional? Are the people nice in Melbourne High? Any other questions for Melbourne High can be asked here and I or other people will try to answer them if we can. Thanks! :D
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I just wanted to know if the atmosphere in Melbourne High is good?
I thought it was a brilliant school :)
Do you have to do swimming or is it optional?
There is a swimming trial at the start of every year where each boy has to try and swim 50m freestyle in school coloured Speedos (no board shorts or tops!). If they can't or don't want to (eg. because they can't swim at all) then they have to do a compulsory swimming program for a few weeks. MHS has weekly sport, and your first weekly sport rotation is this swimming program if you can't swim. This happens every year, and usually ~20 are in the swim program (so you're not alone). Furthermore, in year 10, waterpolo is played in PE, so worth knowing how to move in the pool to play that without a kickboard or something.
Are the people nice in Melbourne High?
As with every school, you'll have people you like more and people you like less. It's a school though, in my experience, that didn't have much bullying and definitely minimal physical bullying (saw a fight in the library over a MathsQuest textbook once, that's about it!). I'll make a note here that 'casual racism' (ie. not meaning to be offensive, but just being friendly) is a big thing in MHS, so if you're someone who is super politically correct or easily offended, perhaps the environment might be a challenge for you :P
If you choose MHS, you'll have very few regrets :)
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in school coloured Speedos (no board shorts or tops!).
Is that actually compulsory? :')
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I thought it was a brilliant school :)
There is a swimming trial at the start of every year where each boy has to try and swim 50m freestyle in school coloured Speedos (no board shorts or tops!). If they can't or don't want to (eg. because they can't swim at all) then they have to do a compulsory swimming program for a few weeks. MHS has weekly sport, and your first weekly sport rotation is this swimming program if you can't swim. This happens every year, and usually ~20 are in the swim program (so you're not alone). Furthermore, in year 10, waterpolo is played in PE, so worth knowing how to move in the pool to play that without a kickboard or something.
As with every school, you'll have people you like more and people you like less. It's a school though, in my experience, that didn't have much bullying and definitely minimal physical bullying (saw a fight in the library over a MathsQuest textbook once, that's about it!). I'll make a note here that 'casual racism' (ie. not meaning to be offensive, but just being friendly) is a big thing in MHS, so if you're someone who is super politically correct or easily offended, perhaps the environment might be a challenge for you :P
If you choose MHS, you'll have very few regrets :)
Thank you so much! It sounds pretty good. Although school colored speedos? Is that compulsory? I got accepted this year and I hope it was the right decision.
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Is that actually compulsory? :')
Although school colored speedos? Is that compulsory?
Well, they have to be Speedos :P School Speedos cost like $15, shouldn't be a big issue. Maybe they've gotten a bit lenient since I was there, but I doubt it somewhat haha. Maroon Speedos with the lads is an MHS tradition!
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Well, they have to be Speedos :P School Speedos cost like $15, shouldn't be a big issue. Maybe they've gotten a bit lenient since I was there, but I doubt it somewhat haha. Maroon Speedos with the lads is an MHS tradition!
Tradition still continues, can confirm...
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Well, they have to be Speedos :P School Speedos cost like $15, shouldn't be a big issue. Maybe they've gotten a bit lenient since I was there, but I doubt it somewhat haha. Maroon Speedos with the lads is an MHS tradition!
Ok :) I hope that I don't have to do swimming for several weeks! I want to do other sports.
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Do you have to do arts and music in year 9 and 10? I was planning to drop art and music next year but there was art and music in the subjects.
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Well, they have to be Speedos :P School Speedos cost like $15, shouldn't be a big issue. Maybe they've gotten a bit lenient since I was there, but I doubt it somewhat haha. Maroon Speedos with the lads is an MHS tradition!
Do you know why this is? I'm assuming it has something to do with improved performance/speed, but wouldn't there be a fair few uncomfortable and self-conscious kids (and teachers)? Haha
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Do you have to do arts and music in year 9 and 10? I was planning to drop art and music next year but there was art and music in the subjects.
I think the curriculum has changed since I was in (eg. compulsory philiosophy in year 9 is going to be a thing form next year - insider info there), but I'm pretty sure art is compulsory. I can't remember if music was compulsory, but in year 10 you can choose it as one of those artsy electives (I did, one of my most enjoyable subjects ever actually haha). You'll find MHS has a lot of compulsory subjects and other things (eg. weekly sport, weekly singing, forced participation in extra-curricular activities, etc.) that may not fit into your dream of just doing maths and science (for example), but they do that so you have a solid ground of knowledge and experience to stand on for not just VCE, but for life in general. I only really came to appreciate this after I left, but it's definitely a positive aspect of the school's curriculum.
Hopefully someone in MHS now can clarify the current situation :)
Do you know why this is? I'm assuming it has something to do with improved performance/speed, but wouldn't there be a fair few uncomfortable and self-conscious kids (and teachers)? Haha
It's to do with... it being the uniform for the pool? Wouldn't look professional for everyone to be wearing different things, and wouldn't be reasonable to make people purchase extravagant bathers. Speedos are cheap and simple for all.
Yeah some people (probably most in their teenage years to some extent?) are self-conscious, and I guess they have to just grin and bear it? As said, there's not much bullying in MHS, so it wasn't ever an issue. It was widely accepted by all that no one *really wanted* to be wearing Speedos, so it's all done with with some humour :) There are times in life when you'll be doing things out of your comfort zone, I saw this as prep for just one of those times, good life training again haha
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How many periods are in a typical day?
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I think the curriculum has changed since I was in (eg. compulsory philiosophy in year 9 is going to be a thing form next year - insider info there), but I'm pretty sure art is compulsory. I can't remember if music was compulsory, but in year 10 you can choose it as one of those artsy electives (I did, one of my most enjoyable subjects ever actually haha). You'll find MHS has a lot of compulsory subjects and other things (eg. weekly sport, weekly singing, forced participation in extra-curricular activities, etc.) that may not fit into your dream of just doing maths and science (for example), but they do that so you have a solid ground of knowledge and experience to stand on for not just VCE, but for life in general. I only really came to appreciate this after I left, but it's definitely a positive aspect of the school's curriculum.
Hopefully someone in MHS now can clarify the current situation :)
It's to do with... it being the uniform for the pool? Wouldn't look professional for everyone to be wearing different things, and wouldn't be reasonable to make people purchase extravagant bathers. Speedos are cheap and simple for all.
Yeah some people (probably most in their teenage years to some extent?) are self-conscious, and I guess they have to just grin and bear it? As said, there's not much bullying in MHS, so it wasn't ever an issue. It was widely accepted by all that no one *really wanted* to be wearing Speedos, so it's all done with with some humour :) There are times in life when you'll be doing things out of your comfort zone, I saw this as prep for just one of those times, good life training again haha
Thanks!
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MHS is cheers as. Definitely a great, positive atmosphere and I don't know anybody who's actually regretted attending it. You'll become very tight with your cohort even though there's like 300+ of you.
How many periods are in a typical day?
Back in my day, seven periods I think. Form assembly at 8.50, first class starts at 9, each period runs for 43 mins. Recess was at 11, then you'd have two periods before lunch at 1, then two more periods before you get let off.
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MHS is cheers as. Definitely a great, positive atmosphere and I don't know anybody who's actually regretted attending it. You'll become very tight with your cohort even though there's like 300+ of you.
Back in my day, seven periods I think. Form assembly at 8.50, first class starts at 9, each period runs for 43 mins. Recess was at 11, then you'd have two periods before lunch at 1, then two more periods before you get let off.
Seven periods! That's a lot! At my current school, we only have 4 periods a day.
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My Bro wants to do methods in yr 11 at MHS.
Can he? He might go to nossal/jmss/other school if he can't since he is really into maths and wants to do methods early so he can do uni maths and spesh in year 12. Maybe even further.
I know they don't usually offer it, but can he kinda complain hard enough until they let him? What if he smashes the year 10 maths tests?
Are they super strict about subject selection or can you bend the rules based on your circumstance ( he is pretty good at maths, won his fair share of award)? Like if he proves he is capable will they let him?
sorry i realize i asked the same question in like 5 different ways but yeah :P
cheers.
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My Bro wants to do methods in yr 11 at MHS.
Can he? He might go to nossal/jmss/other school if he can't since he is really into maths and wants to do methods early so he can do uni maths and spesh in year 12. Maybe even further.
I know they don't usually offer it, but can he kinda complain hard enough until they let him? What if he smashes the year 10 maths tests?
Are they super strict about subject selection or can you bend the rules based on your circumstance ( he is pretty good at maths, won his fair share of award)? Like if he proves he is capable will they let him?
sorry i realize i asked the same question in like 5 different ways but yeah :P
cheers.
I'm not sure since I'm only in year 8 but I think that you can do two maths subjects for VCE at MHS. JMSS is good for maths and science while MHS is good for all subjects.
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Should I tryout for JMSS next year? I got accepted into MHS this year so I'm not sure if there is any point.
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Should I tryout for JMSS next year? I got accepted into MHS this year so I'm not sure if there is any point.
You can try out if you want, doesn't hurt too. Then you can choose between the two options.It really depends on travel, subject selection and just personal preferences.
JMSS doesn't have many subjects that are popular in other schools ( Legal, HHD, BusMan ect) but they endorse university extension subjects ( 1/4 of the cohort takes a uni extension subject ) and also let you do two VCE subjects in year 11.
They also don't let you do certain subjects in year 11 ( Accounting/Further) but they will let you do methods and physics in year 11.
Also, their english cohort is weak and in my opinion, the teachers need to improve ASAP. That being said, it isn't going to be a huge issue if you are a hard working student.
I reckon you should try out, the exam isn't hard but the interview process is pretty cut throat. Then you can choose freely between the two schools and go the one that suits your taste.
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They also don't let you do certain subjects in year 11 ( Accounting/Further)
What's this about not being able to do Accounting/Further? Can you do them in year 12?
I reckon you should try out, the exam isn't hard but the interview process is pretty cut throat.
Can confirm. Is pretty cut throat.
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What's this about not being able to do Accounting/Further? Can you do them in year 12?
Can confirm. Is pretty cut throat.
yeah, further is a restricted class, so you need to demonstrate that you are "weak" at maths in order to take it in year 12 ( and they only offer it for year 12s). You can't do spesh + methods + further, methods + further is ok, but they generally want only kids who struggle to do further.
Accounting in year 12 is fine though. Just not in year 11. You can argue with them and they might let up though.
I am pretty sure you can do both at MHS in year 11.
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My Bro wants to do methods in yr 11 at MHS.
Can he? He might go to nossal/jmss/other school if he can't since he is really into maths and wants to do methods early so he can do uni maths and spesh in year 12. Maybe even further.
I know they don't usually offer it, but can he kinda complain hard enough until they let him? What if he smashes the year 10 maths tests?
Are they super strict about subject selection or can you bend the rules based on your circumstance ( he is pretty good at maths, won his fair share of award)? Like if he proves he is capable will they let him?
sorry i realize i asked the same question in like 5 different ways but yeah :P
cheers.
They're pretty strict with this rule. I'm pretty sure that absolutely noone is allowed to do methods units 3 and 4 in year 11, even if they're really intelligent. Even the people who got the highest scores in the year 10 maths exams aren't doing methods units 3 and 4 in year 11. So, I honestly doubt that the school will allow your brother to do methods in year 11. But, I feel that your brother should reconsider his options and see whether he wants to do methods year 11 or attend Melbourne high, since in my opinion Melbourne high is a good school.
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Does anyone know whether we have to a whole bunch of co curricular activities such as chess, cadets etc
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Does anyone know whether we have to a whole bunch of co curricular activities such as chess, cadets etc
We have everything, don't fret.
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MHS is cheers as. Definitely a great, positive atmosphere and I don't know anybody who's actually regretted attending it. You'll become very tight with your cohort even though there's like 300+ of you.
Back in my day, seven periods I think. Form assembly at 8.50, first class starts at 9, each period runs for 43 mins. Recess was at 11, then you'd have two periods before lunch at 1, then two more periods before you get let off.
They're changing period length next year too haha (got told all of this stuff in our 5 year reunion - gosh it's been so long!). Apparently they just realised that 43 mins was a bit of a random number haha
Accounting in year 12 is fine though. Just not in year 11. You can argue with them and they might let up though.
Odd. When I went through Accounting was one of the most popular 3/4s to do in Year 11 and they got many 40+ scores each year.
Regardless, not being able to do a certain 3/4 in year 11 really isn't the end of the world. You can choose other subjects and you can still score highly. The consistent amount of 99+ ATARs MHS churns out every year is a testament to that.
Should I tryout for JMSS next year? I got accepted into MHS this year so I'm not sure if there is any point.
If you find you like MHS, I wouldn't bother. JMSS, as I've infamously said many times, really doesn't have the physical resources as MHS or some of the other select-entry schools (eg. no school oval, no swimming pool, no 4 outdoor basketball courts, no hockey pitch, no cricket nets, and I could go one for a while...). Not many people choose to leave MHS once they're in. I strongly suspect most of the people in JMSS are there because they didn't get into a select-entry school in year 9, or the one they got into was further away (inconveniently so) than JMSS.
Does anyone know whether we have to a whole bunch of co curricular activities such as chess, cadets etc
You HAVE to do something, you don't HAVE to do everything. They force you to get involved, but how involved you get after that is up to you. There's all this "MHS diploma" stuff too; you get more points depending on how much stuff you get involved in, personally I didn't care about it (it got introduced while I was in school), but some take it quite seriously and get involved in more stuff to get the diploma.
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They're changing period length next year too haha (got told all of this stuff in our 5 year reunion - gosh it's been so long!). Apparently they just realised that 43 mins was a bit of a random number haha
Odd. When I went through Accounting was one of the most popular 3/4s to do in Year 11 and they got many 40+ scores each year.
Regardless, not being able to do a certain 3/4 in year 11 really isn't the end of the world. You can choose other subjects and you can still score highly. The consistent amount of 99+ ATARs MHS churns out every year is a testament to that.
If you find you like MHS, I wouldn't bother. JMSS, as I've infamously said many times, really doesn't have the physical resources as MHS or some of the other select-entry schools (eg. no school oval, no swimming pool, no 4 outdoor basketball courts, no hockey pitch, no cricket nets, and I could go one for a while...). Not many people choose to leave MHS once they're in. I strongly suspect most of the people in JMSS are there because they didn't get into a select-entry school in year 9, or the one they got into was further away (inconveniently so) than JMSS.
You HAVE to do something, you don't HAVE to do everything. They force you to get involved, but how involved you get after that is up to you. There's all this "MHS diploma" stuff too; you get more points depending on how much stuff you get involved in, personally I didn't care about it (it got introduced while I was in school), but some take it quite seriously and get involved in more stuff to get the diploma.
Thanks! I'll probably do some co curricular activities. If I like MHS, I might not go to JMSS but I have an interest in Maths and Science.
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As far as my experience goes it is great.
Like Pi said, there will be people you like and won't like, just like any other school.
I was spammed with messages this morning from ATARnotes and realised that the results came out today.
Truly nostalgic, I was in your shoes exactly a year ago :)
Teachers here don't mind using language (Atleast mine) so if you are easily offended I would be careful, but in all seriousness they have great humour
P.S Forrest dominated athletics, seems like Yarra's famine is going to continue :P
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P.S Forrest dominated athletics, seems like Yarra's famine is going to continue :P
Hey come on, you know waterloo is the best!
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Forrest ftw.
but I have an interest in Maths and Science.
Yeah... So does half of MHS or MacRob haha. You don't need to go to JMSS to do science and maths. School choice should be about much more than that :P
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Actually, JMSS has many things such as basketball/cricket and tennis courts. They have a green screen. There are many fun things to do there such as robotics and it is just as good as any other select-entry school.
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Can this please not turn into a debate on whether JMSS or MHS is better?
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Actually, JMSS has many things such as basketball/cricket and tennis courts. They have a green screen. There are many fun things to do there such as robotics and it is just as good as any other select-entry school.
We have a castle, enough said.
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Actually, JMSS has many things such as basketball/cricket and tennis courts. They have a green screen. There are many fun things to do there such as robotics and it is just as good as any other select-entry school.
this thread is getting of topic,
We have a basketball ground but not a cricket and tennis court :P where did you hear that?
Yeah we have a green screen but i think most schools have that :P
In terms of sport, most of our sport teams use the monash uni facilities so I think Pi is slightly inaccurate when he says the school doesn't have the physical resources other schools have ( it is more like, they have access to the resources they need but don't own them). Almost everything is done at monash uni, so yeah we don't own the resource but for instance, if you wanted to start a badminton club you could easily do it, just ask the school and they usually book the courts for the school team to use weekly.
That being said you can't use them at your own free will, so at lunch the only thing you will be using is the basketball grounds ( when it comes to sports that is )
There are sport teams, but not as many as other schools. Sports isn't a big deal like it is at MHS, but its still there.
BTW, ask this questions once you actually get into a circumstance where you need to decide lol
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Good luck to everyone who got principal discretion :D
As far as my experience goes it is great.
Like Pi said, there will be people you like and won't like, just like any other school.
I was spammed with messages this morning from ATARnotes and realised that the results came out today.
Truly nostalgic, I was in your shoes exactly a year ago :)
Teachers here don't mind using language (Atleast mine) so if you are easily offended I would be careful, but in all seriousness they have great humour
P.S Forrest dominated athletics, seems like Yarra's famine is going to continue :P
Well that sounds good. What do you mean teachers here don't mind using language? If it means they might not be the kindest then I'm fine with it.
Moderator edit: Merged double post.
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In the interest of keeping this thread on topic, please consider the original thread's content and post regarding that (or in direct reply to another user). Let's remember this is about MHS, not JMSS or other selective schools. Cheers!
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Does MHS have any programs with Macrob?
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Does MHS have any programs with Macrob?
Yes, there are quite a few
Actually, I was on one this Friday due to my club
And on my previous post about teachers using language, just telling you that the teachers aren't hesitant on using some terms you may regard as vulgar, so if did grow up in a an environment void of them, it may be a bit uncomfortable
But if you are used to it, it just helps your relationship with the teachers and you will get along easily
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Yes, there are quite a few
Actually, I was on one this Friday due to my club
And on my previous post about teachers using language, just telling you that the teachers aren't hesitant on using some terms you may regard as vulgar, so if did grow up in a an environment void of them, it may be a bit uncomfortable
But if you are used to it, it just helps your relationship with the teachers and you will get along easily
That's good. I would like to meet up with some people from Macrob. As on about teachers using language, If it means they are saying words like crap or what the hell then Im okay with it. But if they are like using the F word directly at people all the time then I don't know.
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Does anyone know any good clubs or MHS and any clubs that will meet with Macrob?
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The vast majority of teachers use language like anyone else. I only ever encountered one teacher who regularly swore in class. Really not a big deal.
Does anyone know any good clubs or MHS and any clubs that will meet with Macrob?
lol keen for the ladies much? ;) Plenty of clubs did stuff with Mac.Rob when I was at MHS, probably even more now. I'd be choosing clubs based on what you enjoy and what you can contribute to them, rather than just getting some sort of interaction with Mac.Rob. If you catch the train to school there's plenty of opportunity to meet the Mac.Robsters from your year.
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If you do music there's always some joint concerts with Mac.Rob (eg winter concert), and some joint theatre productions too. But yeah, you'll be commuting with plenty of Mac.Robs on the way home too, and there's always some cheeky students waiting at Flinders for each other or state library for (*cough study dates cough*).
None of my teachers swore in class (well it depends on what you consider swearing though), but it's not a big deal anyway. You're not going to get yelled at unless you do something stupid, although there are a handful of...infamous teachers who will eat you if you screw up badly. And then you get to laugh at the poor soul who was the subject of their rage. It's all a part of the MHS experience haha.
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If you do music there's always some joint concerts with Mac.Rob (eg winter concert), and some joint theatre productions too. But yeah, you'll be commuting with plenty of Mac.Robs on the way home too, and there's always some cheeky students waiting at Flinders for each other or state library for (*cough study dates cough*).
None of my teachers swore in class (well it depends on what you consider swearing though), but it's not a big deal anyway. You're not going to get yelled at unless you do something stupid, although there are a handful of...infamous teachers who will eat you if you screw up badly. And then you get to laugh at the poor soul who was the subject of their rage. It's all a part of the MHS experience haha.
That sounds ok then. :)
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The vast majority of teachers use language like anyone else. I only ever encountered one teacher who regularly swore in class. Really not a big deal.
lol keen for the ladies much? ;) Plenty of clubs did stuff with Mac.Rob when I was at MHS, probably even more now. I'd be choosing clubs based on what you enjoy and what you can contribute to them, rather than just getting some sort of interaction with Mac.Rob. If you catch the train to school there's plenty of opportunity to meet the Mac.Robsters from your year.
Ok. I don't know what clubs to do yet though. Does everyone have to do at least 1 club?
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No swearing at students, at most 'what the he'll' and 'bloody idiot', and even then they are used in a joking tone, just saying since I've met some people who are very easily offended
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Ok. I don't know what clubs to do yet though. Does everyone have to do at least 1 club?
When I went through it, everyone had to do ONE of the following during year 9: army cadets, air-force cadets, debating, or chorale. Other clubs were all optional depending on your particular interests etc (look for notices on the student bulletin or whatever they have now).
But yeah, hopefully some current student can clarify what's compulsory or not.
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When I went through it, everyone had to do ONE of the following during year 9: army cadets, air-force cadets, debating, or chorale. Other clubs were all optional depending on your particular interests etc (look for notices on the student bulletin or whatever they have now).
But yeah, hopefully some current student can clarify what's compulsory or not.
Thanks! Does anyone know if Army Cadets is good and is it expensive?
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Yea its good. I thinks its only $100 in school fees. Honesty, if i could reverse time, JOIN EVERY CLUB EVEN IF YOU DONT LIKE IT.
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At MHS, they have 7 periods a day. How do you get stuff done in short periods?
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At MHS, they have 7 periods a day. How do you get stuff done in short periods?
You can't do any work in 40 minutes? I think you'll find most MHS students tend to do a lot of work at home.
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You can't do any work in 40 minutes? I think you'll find most MHS students tend to do a lot of work at home.
oh ok. at my current school we have 75 minute periods so 4 periods a day. we get stuff done. Is each day really fun at MHS?
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Does anyone know what are the good year 9 electives at MHS? And any good clubs at MHS?
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So now we all just celebrate as Forrest just won the cockhouse
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Hi, Does anyone know if cadets takes up a lot of time and how many people do cadets at MHS?
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Hi Guys,
I'll be attending next year at MHS, and I just wanted to know whether you were separated from your friends from your old school or if they grouped them together.
Thanks
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Generally its just like a random selection of people in each class. No specific placements. They try to encourage mingling and making new friends. And most people are pretty friendly anyway
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Since Melbourne high school doesn't offer Chinese as a language, are we still allowed to do it through VCE :/ (Second Language) ?
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Since Melbourne high school doesn't offer Chinese as a language, are we still allowed to do it through VCE :/ (Second Language) ?
Wait MHS doesn't offer Chinese? Kind of weird, but probably yes. I'm pretty sure that for the VCE you can choose any subject you want, but you'll probably have to teach yourself Chinese.
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Wait MHS doesn't offer Chinese? Kind of weird, but probably yes. I'm pretty sure that for the VCE you can choose any subject you want, but you'll probably have to teach yourself Chinese.
Dw, I've learnt Chinese for 8 years!!! xD Just want to know if I can do Chinese SL in year 11 there.